Council blocks prairie mowing
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The natural prairie behind Asbury Methodist Church in Janesville has caused major controversy. The city says told the church that if it does not mow the prairie, the city itself will do it at the church’s expense.
JANESVILLE — Monday night tested the city’s newfound determination to go green.
Asbury United Methodist Church members asked council members to stop city workers from mowing their acre of natural prairie.
Church member Chuck Campbell, an employee of Applied Ecological Services in Brodhead, planted the prairie at the west-side church off Kellogg Avenue three years ago and said it is progressing beautifully.
But the church recently received a letter from the city telling members to mow the prairie—or the city would do it at the church’s expense.
The letter said the church violated an ordinance that requires weeds and grass to be kept under 1 foot tall.
But there are no noxious weeds at the church, Campbell told council members.
“The prairie planting has been professionally installed and managed for the past three years,” he said.
“Any noxious weeds that are found in the prairie are removed immediately.”
The benefits of native prairie restoration are many, Campbell said.
“Once established, prairies do not need mowing, watering, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizer,” he said.
“They reduce runoff and erosion compared to turf, reducing the strain on storm water management facilities.”
The council asked Manager Steve Sheiffer to halt the mowing until it can consider amending the ordinance. That amendment will be introduced at the council’s July 14 meeting, a city spokeswoman said this morning.
Sheiffer said staff likely received a complaint from a resident or would not have taken action.
Councilman Russ Steeber noted that the city is trying to be more eco-friendly and recently formed a green committee to advise the council on environmental issues.
He said he would look favorably on amending ordinances to allow natural prairies.
Jun 25, 2008 at 4:41 p.m.
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City of Janesville council: Come on you guys! With all the talk of going green, what the church did three years ago is awesome and much healthier for the environment. Perhaps you would much rather see a plush lawn with lots of chemicals used. We need to start taking a different approach in order to curb our greenhouse effects. There's a huge difference between weeds and native plants.
I applaud the church in their efforts.
Jun 24, 2008 at 4:24 p.m.
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I'm all for going green with a prairie. Maybe I will do that in part of my yard so I can save some green on my gas bill.LOL
Jun 24, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
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some people just do not have enough to do in
this world I guess...Green is good , Let it be
Jun 24, 2008 at 3:16 p.m.
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In this day and age, it's a no-brainer...let the prairie stand!
Jun 24, 2008 at 11:43 a.m.
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I would say that a professionally planted prairie should be deserving of a variance or exemption by amending the ordinance if necessary. After all, the city itself is planting natural prairies on municipal property.
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