#leaf blowers

1 hr (gas) lawn mower use = driving 300 miles from LA to Vegas

1 hr (gas) leaf blower use = driving 1100 miles from LA to Denver

This is because while gas efficiency has improved leaps and bounds for cars, the motors used in lawn mowers and leaf blowers have not changed much in the last 50 years. leaf blowers also blast other forms of particulate matter around, adding immensely to air pollution.

as long as they arent in the walkway, feel free to leave the leaves as they are free compost and protection for insects.

The Wildlife Benefits of Acorns and Oaks

We all know that from tiny acorns mighty oak trees grow, but we should add that from tiny acorns also grow deer, gray squirrels, red squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkeys, crows, flying squirrels, rabbits, opossums, blue jays, quail,  raccoons, wood ducks—more than 100 U.S. vertebrate species eat acorns. In autumn and winter, the acorn is the cheeseburger of the forest ecosystem—fairly easy to find and nicely packaged. They are one of the most valuable food resources available for wildlife...

Read more: 

https://blog.nwf.org/2013/10/the-wildlife-benefits-of-acorns-and-oaks

disturbing the peaceful leaves

with its high pitched wail,

interrupting calming tea

and the lovely quiet hour.

.