The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the United States generates about 35 million tons of yard waste each year. That is just a little less than the amount of municipal plastic waste! A large portion of yard waste includes leaf litter that is bagged or raked to the side of the street. But, leaf litter could be an important habitat for hibernating insects or for conserving the nutrients in the soil. So, our research is studying how leaving leaf litter in suburban lawns affects insects and soil decomposition.
ABOUT MAX: Max Ferlauto grew up in Arlington, Virginia where he gained an appreciation for native plants and insects through local naturalist and gardening groups. He received his bachelor’s degree in Plant Ecology from Juniata College. He is now a PhD student at the University of Maryland Entomology Department in Karin Burghardt’s Lab. He studies how landscaping practices, such as leaf litter management, affect urban ecosystems.
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