Autumn has arrived in full technicolor splendor in many parts of the country. Did you know that when those colorful leaves eventually fall from the trees, they benefit the environment? National Wildlife Federation has an initiative called Leave the Leaves to educate the public on how leaves positively impact nature and wildlife.
For example, many wildlife species use the leaf layer as their primary habitat. Some caterpillars rely on the cover of leaf litter to complete their lifecycle, emerging as butterflies or moths next spring. Birds depend on both to feed their young during the nesting season. Leaves are also a great source of compost and mulch for gardening.
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