I love leaf litter. I love the colors, the crunchiness, the smell of decomposition, and the nutrients it provides to the forest floor. It’s like a little coat of insulation and protection for the forest floor against the upcoming change in season. Some leaves decompose faster than other leaves. Just look at this photo. Look at the diversity of leaf samples, the differences in color caused by sugars stored in the leaves. Think of the trapped moisture, the hiding spots for organisms, and the nutrients being recycled back into the earth.
Did you know that “leaving” those top layers of leaf litter, allows that layer to freeze first atop the soil, letting the spring wildflowers safely germinate beneath–safe from the frost?
Can you name which trees these leaves fell from? Can you imagine the sound you would hear as you walk through them?
We as humans spend hours raking our leaves, drag them to the road to be vacuumed up and hopefully composted. Maybe you place them in black trash bags to be thrown in a landfill…what are you thinking?
Stop for a moment and think about what nature does to the leaves and reconsider what you are doing with them. Perhaps take a moment to walk and listen to the crunch of them under your feet (which will increase the surface area and help them decompose faster!) –think about the smells of autumn you encounter as you do this, and let your dog play in them awhile.
Littered Musings 