WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. –  Some lawns in Webster Groves are looking a little wilder than usual this April—and that’s exactly the goal. 

The city is once again encouraging residents to hold off on mowing their grass for the month in support of pollinators like bees and butterflies that rely on early-blooming wildflowers to survive.

The idea behind No Mow April is simple: delay cutting your lawn to allow natural plants like clover and violets to grow, providing much-needed food for pollinators emerging from winter hibernation.

“It’s all well and good to have the classic American suburban image of the manicured green lawn,” said Michael Meredith, a Certified Missouri Master Naturalist and Community Stewardship Alliance (CSA) Ambassador with Open Space STL. “But it’s not very friendly to the environment or to the many players in the ecosystem, from the smallest insects on up.”

Open Space STL is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to nature through restoration, education and hands-on volunteer work, making it a key player in supporting local efforts like No Mow April. 

Through its CSA program, the organization trains and supports stewards like Michael who help restore and protect natural areas in county parks.

In Webster Groves, residents participating in the initiative can display signs in their yards to show support. But even those without signs are getting involved.

“We don’t have a sign in our yard, but we support it fully,” said Mary Toler, who was out for a walk with her husband, Carl. “And I’m always happy to skip a few lawn jobs.”

“It seems like most of our neighbors tend to support it, informally,” Carl added. Mary jokingly chirped in, saying, ‘You can tell by their lawns.’”

Neighboring cities like Clayton are also exploring green initiatives, including educational programs on sustainable living and native planting. 

But in Webster Groves, the focus this month is all about letting things grow.

City leaders say the small shift in routine could have a big environmental payoff, and they’re hopeful the momentum around No Mow April will continue to build, not just this spring, but for years to come.