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Brookings sustainability council recommends researching Bee City USA after No Mow May review
Summary
The Brookings Sustainability Council told the city council it will research Bee City USA and consider a resolution after reviewing two years of No Mow May, citing mixed public reaction and new research suggesting alternatives to blanket lawn‑letting for early‑season pollinators.
Robin Butterbaugh, a member of the Brookings Sustainability Council, told the city council the council will research the Bee City USA program and may ask the City Council to adopt a resolution to join the national Bee City USA network.
"The Sustainability Council is recommending some research into Bee City USA and the potential to adopt a resolution to become a Bee City USA," Butterbaugh said, summarizing a memo and presentation reviewing two years of the city’s No Mow May initiative. She told council members that while No Mow May raised public awareness, some recent research and local feedback suggest it may not always provide the early‑season resources pollinators need.
Butterbaugh outlined what Bee City USA affiliation typically involves: a citizen advisory committee, increased native pollinator plantings, public education events and signage to identify pollinator habitat. The Sustainability Council emphasized the city already has some building blocks — identified park no‑mow areas, reduced pesticide experiments such as using ladybugs for pest control, and past incentives for rain barrels and native plants through a stormwater incentive program.
Councilmembers welcomed the proposal and asked practical questions. Councilmember Tiltonburn praised the No Mow May effort: "I really enjoyed seeing No Mow May take place and see how many homes did participate in that." Councilmember Wendell pressed for concrete guidance on pesticide reductions: "I certainly hope to continue to hear from you where there are recommended areas where we can reduce the use of pesticides or use other ways to control weeds in parks and other public areas." Butterbaugh said an integrated pest management approach and collaboration with parks and recreation would be part of any Bee City resolution.
The Sustainability Council said it will complete research on Bee City USA requirements and return to the City Council with a proposed resolution and recommended next steps, including possible incentives for native plantings and public engagement options.
