Don't Rake -- Leave the Leaves for Wildlife

Fall has arrived — which means leaves are changing color and beginning to fall to the ground. Did you know that leaving the leaves in your yard or garden not only saves you time and energy but also benefits wildlife?

Here are a few good reasons to put down the rake:

• Provide habitat for wildlife: frogs, turtles and salamanders rely on fallen leaves to provide cover and hibernation places; many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring.

• Provide food for wildlife: creatures like earthworms and millipedes reside in and decompose leaf litter, and also are themselves a source of food for bigger wildlife like birds and toads.

• Increase fertility of your soil: as the leaves decompose, nutrients are added to your soil, and also allows for greater water retention.