As autumn arrives and leaves begin covering our yards, our first instinct may be to grab the rake. But those fallen leaves aren’t just yard waste—they’re habitat!
A layer of leaves creates a miniature ecosystem right beneath our feet. 🐛🍁
🦋 Butterflies and moths — Many species spend the winter as eggs, caterpillars, chrysalises, or cocoons tucked among fallen leaves.
🐝 Beneficial insects — Leaf litter provides protection from cold temperatures and predators for countless small creatures.
🐦 Birds — Towhees, sparrows, thrushes, and other birds search through leaves for insects and other food.
🐸 Amphibians — Frogs, toads, and salamanders can use moist leaf litter for shelter and protection.
🌱 Your soil — As leaves decompose, they return organic matter and nutrients to the soil while supporting fungi, microbes, and other decomposers.
Instead of removing every leaf this fall, try leaving them where they can do some good. Move leaves from sidewalks and heavy lawn areas into garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or into a designated natural area. Avoid shredding all of them if possible—some overwintering insects may be hiding inside.
💚 Habitat Update Challenge: Choose one area of your yard where the leaves can stay this year. That small patch could become winter shelter for wildlife you may never even see.
🍂 Don’t throw away the habitat. Leave the leaves!
Photo: MU Extension, University of Missouri
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