EQC Meeting Date: February 18, 2026
To: Environmental Quality Commission
From: Sara Pabich, Sustainability Coordinator
Title
Staff Update
Body
Action Requested:
The EQC receives an update regarding staff activities.
Summary Report:
This update includes items not included as agenda items for this meeting.
• Less Mow Summer: This year the City is rebranding Less Mow May to Less Mow Summer. Recent guidance from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab indicates that supporting pollinators throughout the growing season is more effective than letting grass grow long in May. Residents are encouraged to adopt pro-pollinator gardening practices year-round to provide continuous habitat and forage.
• Paper Shredding Event: The City has organized and sponsored a paper shredding event at the Streets and Parks Maintenance Facility (1710 Riverview Drive, Northfield) that is occurring Saturday April 25th from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
• Earth Day: The Northfield Earth Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The City is participating as a Gold-level sponsor, contributing $500 from the Carbon Reduction Fund. Commissioners will be asked to sign up to volunteer at the Earth Day table during the March meeting.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA