O P I N I O N
THE SOAPBOX
Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.
Did you know? When you throw out your leaves in a yard waste bag, you could be throwing away up to half of your springtime butterflies!
This October is “Leave the Leaves” month. Leaves and other organic matter play a vital role in protecting our insects, pollinators, frogs, fireflies, moths and other creatures. Leaving the leaves can make a huge impact to the environment. The fallen leaf layer isn’t just a nice reminder of autumn, it is a very important for many critical insect species who use the leaf layer as a safe spot to wait out the winter and others forage in. Songbirds, small mammals, frogs and turtles all rely on the leaf layer too and the leaves can be a natural much for your garden beds. Why rake when you can sit back and watch a football game knowing those unraked leaves are helping your yard and critters.
Here are some tips for leaving your leaves:
Add leaves to your garden beds to benefit the soil. The leaves can be mulch, not only benefitting overwintering wildlife but they can also suppress weeds and return important nutrients to the soil.
Place the leaves under your native trees as a soft landing point for caterpillars living in your trees and as shelter for mammals and birds. Pile leaves in a corner of your yard or wooded areas.
Leave flower and plant stems as well. These little hollows provide a winter home for many insects and bees.
Don’t blow your leaves. Get in shape and use a rake. The little creatures are no match to the giant hurricane force winds of a leaf blower.
Our state is witnessing a huge decline in insects. If everyone does just a little, like leaving the leaves, it can make a big difference.
Bob Eaton is a concerned Wolfeboro citizen.
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