​A No-Mow Zone is a designated area where vegetation can grow with restricted or ‘strategic’ mowing. Allowing the grass to grow higher and limiting regular mowing has many environmental and economic benefits.​

​In 2019 the Town invited residents to have their say on the future of the Town’s parks and trails. The updated Parks and Trails Master Plan includes comments from stakeholders that the Town’s program was not cost effective, and that staff needed to find ways to reduce those costs. Recommendations included limited mowing and naturalization of some park areas to realize environmental benefits and reduce costs. This pilot project is a response to that recommendation by stakeholders, and supports our corporate goals as they relate to environmental stewardship.​

​In July 2019, Council adopted the Town of Midland’s Climate Change Action Plan and committed to the implementation of the recommended actions. Of the 13 actions within the plan, Action 11 was to: “develop a ‘no-mow’ and pollinator policy with municipal commitments to reduce corporate fuel use while improving the environment for pollinators species”.​

​Strategic mowing has many benefits:

• Less mowing saves staff time, fuel, energy, and money.
• Reduces our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Dense grasses and wildflowers trap pollutants and protect water quality.

Provides habitat for important pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.​

​The Town will select strategic areas of Edgehill Park, Gawley Park, Little Lake Park areas of Midland Bay Landing and Bayview Park for the pilot project. Signage will be placed in these areas to identify the No Mow and Reduced Mow locations. ​

​Yes. Regular maintenance of Town lands is a priority for Midland. Mowing will continue outside of the selected No-Mow Zones. The sites will not interfere in any way with the enjoyment of the Town’s parks and trails.​

​These areas may look messy at first but help us help nature by being patient. Naturalization is a long-term process, and it may take a few years for the grasses and wildflowers to establish. Native plants will grow, and other plants may be added by staff. Each site will be regularly evaluated to make decisions on next steps. ​