The City's mowing policy for greenways is twice per year, avoiding times between May 15th and July 15th. Avoiding these dates protects nesting birds and ensures that tall grasses are established when we receive the heaviest rains. City crews leave a buffer of unmowed grass surrounding permanent water bodies to make the areas less attractive to Canada Geese. These mowing policies are designed to ensure our greenways and ponds function as they were designed: the safe conveyance and storage of stormwater.
Also note that private use of city-owned greenways is regulated by Madison General Ordinance 8.15. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to: retaining walls, outbuildings, dog runs, play equipment, gardens, storage of personal property, tree planting, and yard waste dump sites. These activities are not compatible with the purpose for which these lands are dedicated.
Greenway Space in a South West Neighborhood
