As autumn arrives and trees shed their colorful foliage, insects and invertebrates are preparing for the cold winter months, finding refuge under fallen leaves. Schools have a unique opportunity to use this seasonal shift as an educational moment, engaging students in hands-on science while helping to preserve natural habitats.
Before removing leaves from your property, consider ways to move the leaves to garden beds, under trees, or in a specified area.
How Fallen Leaves Support Learning and Biodiversity
Fallen leaves provide crucial winter protection for insects and invertebrates like butterflies, moths, and beetles. For example, wooly bear and great spangled fritillary caterpillars rely on leaves for warmth and food. By participating in the “Leave the Leaves” campaign, schools can support these ecosystems on their own grounds. Imagine designating a section of the schoolyard as a “wild zone” where leaves are left undisturbed, creating a living laboratory for students to observe changes throughout the seasons.
This Woolly Bear Caterpillar is one of many organisms that relies on fallen leaves to provide food and protection during the winter months.
Connecting Environmental Science with Real-World Action
The “Leave the Leaves” campaign, supported by organizations like the Xerces Society, provides a real-world example of conservation in action. Displaying “Leave the Leaves” signs around campus can help raise awareness among students, staff, and families about habitat preservation and its broader environmental impact. These signs could even be created by students as part of an art or environmental science project, making the campaign a school-wide initiative.
The Xerces Society provides signs and information about the Leave the Leaves campaign.
Practical Benefits for School Grounds and Gardens
Aside from helping local wildlife, fallen leaves serve as natural mulch. School gardens can benefit greatly from leaf litter, which protects plants, conserves soil moisture, and suppresses weeds. This means less maintenance and fewer resources devoted to artificial mulch or frequent watering – savings that can support other school initiatives. As the leaves decompose, they enrich the soil, creating healthier garden beds for future planting projects.
A Teachable Approach to Grounds Maintenance
When leaves are left intact, they protect insects and their natural habitats, supporting biodiversity on school grounds. Schools might consider designating certain areas as “leaf-friendly” zones where students can explore the insects and natural processes at work. Additionally, waiting until late spring to clear leaves allows students to observe the insects’ full life cycles as they emerge.
Promoting Environmental Stewardship in the Community
By joining the “Leave the Leaves” movement, schools set a powerful example of environmental stewardship, showing students, parents, and neighbors the value of protecting natural habitats. Schools could host a fall or spring “Eco Day” to engage families in discussions about conservation, encourage community involvement, and showcase the school’s commitment to sustainable practices. This can strengthen connections within the community and reinforce the school’s role in promoting environmental education.
For further resources, including curriculum ideas and conservation tips, visit the Xerces Society’s website. Embrace the season’s changes with this simple yet impactful way to promote environmental awareness and hands-on learning at your school!
Article by Mary Ann Boyer of Boyer Sudduth Environmental Consultants.
