Finally Fall: Leave the Leaves

Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.

William Wordsworth

Fall is a perfect time to get outside and we hope that our November articles will inspire your next open-air explorations and prompt your further investigations.  This is a busy time for nature, and we will highlight just a few of the happenings that occur above our heads, on ground level, and even beneath our feet as the displays of color, beauty and activities contribute to the concert of autumnal abundance.

In the same way that growing leaves are instrumental to tree health, fallen and decaying leaves provide crucial shelter for animals and young plants, as well as beneficial nutrients for the soil. Did you know that fallen leaves provide shelter for invertebrates like slugs, ants, beetles, and centipedes? The leaves protect these critters from drying out, heating up in the sun, and being overexposed to predators. Still, that doesn't keep frogs, toads, and salamanders from exploring leafy piles in search of their favorite tasty invertebrates. Autumn leaves are more than just beautiful and crunchy - they're a fundamental part of ecosystems.

Download the full PDF here.

This resource was created by Von Scully and Kate Reilly.