Don't be too quick to discard those fall leaves

It’s autumn and area forests are replete with blazing colors and, of course, falling leaves.

Speaking of leaves, what should a person do with them?

The initial urge might be to rake them into bags, but that’s not necessarily the best option for nature.

According to the National Wildlife Federation, leaves form a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and fertilizes the soil as it breaks down.

Removing leaves also gets rid of valuable wildlife habitat.

How is that possible?

You might not see them, but many moth and butterfly caterpillars spend their winter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring. Animals such as mammals and songbirds use leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material as well. That dried-up leaf might not look tasty to you, but it might to another creature.

In an