AN AUTUMN MOVEMENT. "Leave The Leaves," an initiative to preserve pollinators' natural habitats, has become a growing movement in the Eau Claire area. With support from the Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership (CVBP), residents can learn more about how to join this local movement and begin the process on their own yards.

As Wisconsin transitions into its cooler fall months and residents prepare for winter, it’s common to see people rake away fallen leaves to “clean up” their lawns.

With the “Leave The Leaves” initiative, members of the Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership (CVBP) asks the Chippewa Valley to scrap this tradition for the sake of protecting pollinators.

Cindy Harper is the co-founder of CVBP and a member of the group’s leadership circle. Not unlike the concept of “No Mow May,” which involves letting plants grow out in the spring to feed pollinators, she explained that “Leave The Leaves” is about preserving pollinator habitats to help them over-winter.

“This is a brand-new, autumn movement that is sort of a compliment to ‘No Mow May,” Harper said. “At the end of the summer season, many beneficial insects over-winter in leaf litter, in the ground, and in stems.”

According to Harper, this natural process is what allows insects to complete their life cycles in the fall so they can re-emerge in the spring.

“Both No Mow May and Leave The Leaves have to do with supporting the beneficial insects and pollinators that support birds, animals, and us as human beings.”
— Cindy Harper, co-founder of the Chippewa Valley Biodiversity Partnership (CVBP).

She said CVBP has already spread the word about the initiative by tabling in places around the Chippewa Valley, including the public library and the Eau Claire Farmers Market.

The group also encourages residents and local organizations to create demonstration areas with signage on their properties.

“A lot of people say they can’t leave the leaves because they’re afraid of things blowing into their neighbor’s lawn or into the road,” Harper said. “These demonstrations will show them methods of avoiding that while still leaving the leaves.”

Drew Kaiser, a beekeeper and co-owner of Kaiserson Honey in the Chippewa Valley, said he cares deeply about the “Leave The Leaves” initiative. He and his wife currently have a “Leave The Leaves” plaque on their fence. 

By leaving the foliage that falls onto the ground in the fall (pictured above), pollinators have the chance to take refuge and complete their lifecycles come springtime.

Kaiser ventured to say that “Leave The Leaves” can be more impactful than “No Mow May.”

“Creating undisturbed ground is far more important than not mowing your lawn,” Kaiser said. “These insects need a place to survive the winter. Rather than No Mow May, I'd rather see Rip Your Lawn Up May. Have people put gardens in.”

In addition to leaving the leaves, Kaiser said planting low-growing species like clover — as an alternative to the traditional turf grass — will make a better habitat for insects in the spring and winter.

Harper emphasized that both movements are important, and encouraged residents to practice these efforts in tandem throughout the year.

“Both No Mow May and Leave The Leaves have to do with supporting the beneficial insects and pollinators that support birds, animals, and us as human beings,” Harper said.

To learn more about the “Leave The Leaves” initiative, visit cvbiodiversitypartnership.org.