From CITY OF BOWLING GREEN
This autumn, residents are encouraged to consider leaving their leaves, rather than raking them to the curb. The city of Bowling Green, Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group, and the Bowling Green State University Environmental Service Club are partnering to educate and aid the community members to switch their lawn care practices to a more sustainable choice.
Fall leaves can provide many environmental benefits when used intentionally in landscaping. Leaves can be used as mulch in garden beds and around trees to retain moisture, keep roots warmer during winter, and provide nutrients as they decompose. These leaves can also act as habitats for many insects, including fireflies. Leaves can also be mown over, broken into smaller pieces, and left on top of turf grass to act as a fertilizer. These methods are the focus of the “Leave the Leaves” outreach, education, and service project.
Community members are invited to attend the “Leave the Leaves” kick-off event on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5:30-8 p.m., at Simpson Garden Park, in the meeting spaces. Attendees will first get an introduction to the Leave the Leaves project, followed by a viewing of “Extraordinary Caterpillar,” a 60-minute documentary that provides a peek into the lives of caterpillars. Food and drinks will be provided for attendees – pizza and a vegan option. Children will get the chance to participate in nature activities.
Registration is required for this event and is available here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepP9UChDTERSeN1CrA68hbcKVtEPME30252Z_Wt3pTXRLMdQ/viewform?pli=1. Registration to attend the kick-off closes on Oct. 20.
Residents interested in applying to have their yard maintained are encouraged to apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepP9UChDTERSeN1CrA68hbcKVtEPME30252Z_Wt3pTXRLMdQ/viewform. Residents are also able to apply at the kick-off event on Oct. 21, which is the last day to apply.
Community members are encouraged to participate by volunteering on Saturday, Nov. 7. Volunteers will provide sustainable leaf management techniques for the participating homes. Those interested in volunteering for this event can visit https://bgsu.givepulse.com/event/942313-Leave-the-Leaves-Volunteering to sign up. Registration for volunteers closes on Nov. 2.
Leaving the leaves is an easy, eco-friendly, cost-free, sustainable practice that homeowners can adopt year after year. Fall leaves are often seen as a chore, but they can be turned into an environmental project.
