The Drew Forest is at its most glorious right now, but those leaves aren’t just a breathtaking display of color: They’re a highly valuable natural resource once they hit the ground. 

In forests—and in our yards—fallen leaves provide essential winter habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife.  Many pollinators lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. On the forest floor, leaves provide warmth in the winter and nourishment for new life in the spring.

People benefit year-round from leaves. They trap pollution from the air, allowing less toxicity to reach our lungs and bloodstream.  They release phytoncides into the air, organic compounds that help trees resist disease and are believed to have myriad benefits for people, who co-evolved with trees for eons.  No wonder we feel refreshed in nature!   

When leaves fall, they join the dynamic soil food web, which produces a bevy of human benefits, including soil fertility for our yards, carbon sequestration, water purification and new life that helps us thrive. The genus of Penicillium fungi, which has saved hundreds of millions of lives, is present in soil and decaying vegetation. While admiring the forest's stunning beauty, we are bathed in countless benefits.

PLEASE help us save the Drew Forest Preserve by sharing this petition now. You’ll also help educate the public about the importance of forest ecosystems.