This is the time of year when leaves are falling and yards are filling up with them. Instead of collecting and hauling yard “debris” to the curb, it’s much better to leave the fallen leaves, branches, stems, and seed heads where they can support birds and pollinators through the winter. In addition, leaves and other organic matter insulate plant roots through the cold winter months and then decompose to build up the living soil critical to healthy vegetation. This organic matter also stores large amounts of carbon, which is crucial to supporting a climate-resilient planet.
Read the article “Leave the Leaves” by Anna Fialkoff (Wild Seed Project) to learn about the importance of leaves and what you can do.
