Environmental Commission endorses "Save the Mow" Earth Day signs; volunteers to lead distribution

Franklin Township Environmental Commission on March 3 approved a motion endorsing a volunteer-led effort to produce and distribute up to 50 double-sided "Save the Mow" signs for Earth Day. The commission agreed that volunteers may use the commission's name and logo on the signs and will work to raise funds to cover production costs.

The campaign was proposed during public comment by a resident who said she had researched production costs and would take the lead on coordinating sign design and fundraising. The resident said she found sign options for about $5—6 each and suggested local sponsorships and a student fundraiser to offset costs.

Commission members discussed procurement rules and whether township purchasing contracts would apply. Tara (township staff member) said the commission would need to use the township's printing contractor for purchases paid from the commission's approved budget, but noted that donated signs or privately funded purchases could avoid that procurement route. The commission agreed volunteers could raise funds or accept donated signs to speed deployment ahead of Earth Day.

A motion was made and seconded to "support Jenny and Sue in taking the lead on Save the Mow Earth Day signage, up to 50 units, using our logo and name," and commissioners voted in favor. Commissioners said they would offer logistical support where possible and that the volunteers should proceed with outreach to schools, local sponsors and the commission's communications channels.

The commission also discussed practical details raised by the volunteer lead, including double-sided layout (one side promoting the "Save the Mow" campaign, the other the Environmental Commission website), potential high-resolution logo assets, and an initial target order of about 50 signs. Commissioners suggested checking remaining budgeted funds and confirmed volunteers would explore private fundraising and sponsorship before asking the commission to purchase signs through township procurement.

The motion passed; volunteers will report back to the commission with a distribution plan and final costs.

The endorsement is intended to encourage residents to participate in a lawn-diversity campaign timed around Earth Day and to lower barriers to participation by providing signs volunteers can place on participating lawns.

Notes: The motion author and seconder were not recorded on the public transcript; the commission recorded a voice vote in favor.