Raking up leaf litter is not just a waste of your precious time - it also removes critical micro-habitat for wildlife.  

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Numerous species rely on the leaf layer for shelter, including salamanders, chipmunks, wood frogs, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, millipedes and countless insects. 

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In addition, many butterflies and moths overwinter in leaf litter. This includes Luna Moths, Great Spangled Fritillaries, wooly bear caterpillars (which grow up to be Isabella Tiger Moths!) and Red-banded Hairstreaks. Some overwinter as eggs, others as pupae and some even as adults.

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When you remove fallen leaves, you are removing these beautiful and beneficial insects, many of which are important pollinators. Fewer leaves means fewer insects, which in turn means fewer birds in your yard. 

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Ground feeding birds such as juncos, sparrows, and cardinals depend on the food sources concealed beneath the leaf cover. Even some bats use leaf litter for overwintering and rely on its insulation to survive cold temperatures. 

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By leaving the leaves in place, you are supporting a thriving, healthy ecosystem - right in your yard!