The Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department is currently implementing a new parks naturalization project. There are “no mow” areas in each park that have been designated for the project including steep hillsides and underutilized areas. Areas were selected that will not impact the public’s recreational use of the park and are being returned to their natural state. This process takes three to five years to complete correctly. Executive Director, John Gripp, says, “We have to let the grass, weeds and plants grow in order to identify what needs to stay, be removed, or added. This process will bring back native grass species, act as a pollination station, offer educational opportunities, reduce fuel/oil/carbon usage and eliminate many unsafe mowing conditions caused by hillsides.” For questions please call (309) 732-7275.