Fallen leaves, decaying logs, and gone-by flowers nurture overwintering birds, pollinators, fireflies, turtles, and other wildlife. But . . . it's all so messy! How can we manage the practical and aesthetic concerns that arise when we keep autumn materials on home or community grounds?

We'll discuss the life-giving importance of winter habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Kathy shares the story of her own experiments with leaving leaves and saving stems. Learn how careful plant selection, plant care, timing, and good design can harmonize our desire for attractive landscapes with other creatures' needs for winter habitat. 

An informative handout accompanies this one-hour talk. 

Kathy Connolly is a landscape designer who specializes in naturalized designs, low-impact landscape techniques, and native plants. In addition to her design projects, she gives talks, tours, and workshops. She has received several awards for her communications efforts on landscapes, plants, and land care. Kathy has a master’s degree from the Conway Graduate Program in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design.