If you’ve been following Nature’s Archive for a while, you might be familiar with the idea of “leave the leaves”. It represents one simple act of omission - not raking, blowing, or mulching leaf fall - that is resoundingly positive for the environment.

But even if you think you know why leaving the leaves is helpful, I invite you to listen to today’s guest, National Wildlife Federation naturalist David Mizejewski.

If you are unfamiliar with David - let me just tell you his skill and enthusiasm for nature interpretation is second to none. 

Today, David walks us through all the ways leaves help the environment - and how bagging them up and sending them to a landfill makes a bad situation much worse.

We also discuss useful tips for keeping leaves even if you have an HOA or difficult neighbors who might think you are neglecting your space. 

So if you still have leaves in your yard, please listen and take NWF’s pledge to leave the leaves, and reap the rewards for years to come.

Be sure to follow David on instagram, and get David's Book "Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife". 

FULL SHOW NOTES

People and Organizations

NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat

NWF’s Pledge to Leave the Leaves

Books and Other Things

Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Backyard Wildlife - by David Mizejewski

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Music: Spellbound by Brian Holtz Music
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist site: https://brianholtzmusic.com

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Check past Nature's Archive episodes for amazing guests like Doug Tallamy, Elaine Ingham, and Rae Wynn-Grant, covering topics from bird migration to fungi to frogs and bats!