09/14/2025
Highland Lakes Master Gardeners
Did you know? When you "leave the leaves", you’re not just helping woolly bears ride out the winter — you’re preserving a whole mini wildlife hotel. That’s because countless animals depend on that blanket of fallen leaves for survival. Fireflies lay their eggs in it. Salamanders and frogs hide there to stay moist and protected. Queen bees dig in to hibernate (Beyoncé fans?) All kinds of beneficial insects shelter in leaf litter. In short: those crunchy piles in your yard are essential for countless outdoor friends. So this fall, please leave the leaves — even if it’s just a portion of your yard, it will still make a big difference and your local wildlife will thank you!
