10/26/2026
As you're tidying up your yard this fall, consider leaving some of those fallen leaves right where they are. They provide shelter for overwintering insects, protect the soil, and return valuable nutrients to the earth as they decompose.
And leaves aren't the only things worth leaving behind! Fallen branches, logs, and other dead wood also play an important role in creating healthy habitats for wildlife.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐚𝐡, where we'll take a closer look at why some of the things we think of as "dead" are actually full of life, and how nature puts them to work.
Thanks to our friends at Natural Lands for this timely reminder that a little less yard work can mean a lot more for nature! 🍂
It's that oh-so special time of year again...time to leave the leaves!
Really, the entire food chain benefits from leaf litter come winter. Fallen leaves provide vital habitat to overwintering insects, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Leaf litter also makes for wonderful nesting material and insulation for our den-dwellers like groundhogs. Then, of course, our larger mammals such as foxes and coyotes still need to hunt, and where are many of their go-to meals hiding out? You guessed it, the leaves!
Help a firefly make it to summer. Feed a fox. Do it for the salamanders.
Even if you live in a small space, leaf litter can be fastened to containers, window boxes, and raised garden beds with chicken wire. It's just one of those things where every little bit helps.
Happy fall, all!
P.S. Don't feel too guilty if you still need to mow some...leaves become excellent dirt!
📸: Image designed by hand and in-house by Brittni Hribar, Senior Graphic Designer
