This beautiful, warm October and its kaleidoscope of fallen leaves brings to mind an aspect of stormwater pollution. Yet it might not be one we think about until we end up driving on a flooded street due to sodden oak, maple and willow leaves clogging storm drains and increasing the load on our waterways.
Google
"Pennsylvania leaf collection" and you'll find, as I did, the myriad ways our statewide municipalities address (or don't address) fall leaves. We're the sixth most populous state in the nation and we have roughly 17 million acres of forest cover, some seen here in a fall view of Frances Slocum State Park in Luzerne County. Yes, our fall foliage can easily become an autumn onslaught.
Recycling leaves and grass into mulch on your lawn as well as encouraging community pickup and large-scale mulching are a couple of options, along with
these tips for managing fall leaves. The Lancaster County, Pa. Conservation District has also produced this
guide to managing stormwater on your property. Finally, the
poetry of autumn is a good accompaniment to any yard work on a fall afternoon.
