Plants native to Evanston
speaker series
@ Wikimedia commons photochem_PA from State College, PA

Leaves are not Litter!

Wednesday
November 18, 2026
6:30 pm
-
7:30 pm
Zoom

About our topic

This presentation will discuss new research on the value of fallen autumn leaves to ecosystems and provide additional landscaping best practices to support local wildlife.

About the speaker

Max graduated with a degree in plant ecology from Juniata College, then received a PhD in Entomology from the University of Maryland studying the effects of suburban leaf litter removal. He now serves as the Maryland state entomologist for the MD Natural Heritage Program, where he focuses on the conservation of rare insects. 

Sponsored by Natural Habitat Evanston

We are an all-volunteer community group of about 1,500 members, spreading the word on creating habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. We aim to change the culture of lawns: leaving your leaves is the simplest first step; the second step is adding a native shrub or tree to shrink your lawn. We show how to transition from turf with low-cost cardboard methods, which keystone native plants to choose, that insects chewing on leaves is a ‘win’ (don't reach for pesticide), how turning off unnecessary lights saves insects and birds (and human health), and how to make your windows bird-friendly (because if you are going to invite birds to your yard, give them safe passage). We plant a lot of native trees and shrubs, especially at schools, parks and in the 2nd and 5th Wards. We encourage people to think outside the lawn with No Mow May. Our Pollinator Pledge is a central focus of all our outreach and education, and a great way to spread the word to your neighbors.
Natural Habitat Evanston is a program of Climate Action Evanston.