Baltimore Green Works

Apparently, we’re in the midst of a fall “no raking” campaign!

A fallen branch isn’t waste — it’s shelter, food, and nursery all at once.
Dead wood feeds the soil, hides young animals, and houses countless insects that birds depend on.
🪵 How to help:
• Leave fallen logs and branches where possible.
• Build a small brush pile in a corner of your yard.
• Keep one old tree standing for woodpeckers and owls.
What looks lifeless is often the heart of life. 🌲

FROM THE LAKE WALKER GREENING COMMITTEE:

No need to rake leaves (except the leaves in the street that fall into the storm drains ). If you leave them, by spring they will turn into compost and enrich your soil. If you must rake them off your lawn pike them in garden beds to compost and mulch the soil.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris account for more than 13 percent of the nation’s solid waste—a whopping 33 million tons a year. Without enough oxygen to decompose, this organic matter releases the greenhouse gas methane, says Joe Lamp’l, author of The Green Gardener’s Guide. In fact, solid-waste landfills are the largest U.S. source of man-made methane—and that’s aside from the carbon dioxide generated by gas-powered blowers and trucks used in leaf disposal.

For gardeners, turning leaves into solid waste is wasteful. “Fallen leaves offer a double benefit,” Mizejewski says. “Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and fertilizes the soil as it breaks down. Why spend money on mulch and fertilizer when you can make your own?”

Removing leaves also eliminates vital wildlife habitat. Critters ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring.

Need one more reason to leave the leaves? “The less time you spend raking leaves,” Mizejewski says, “the more time you’ll have to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and the wildlife that visits your garden.”

Let's take care of our bird friends. Lights Out!

Ever been confused by bright lights? Migrating birds feel that way every night! 🐦💡 Outdoor lighting, from businesses to backyards, can throw them off course and put them in danger.

The good news? The solution is as simple as flipping a switch! Join us in the effort by turning off any non-essential outdoor lighting, especially between 11 PM and 6 AM during peak migration. You'll not only help birds but also save energy and money! It's a win-win for everyone.

Do you love Patterson Park? They're looking for an Executive Director...

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