New Research Offers Early Scientific Evidence for the ‘Leave the Leaves’ Movement

BUFFALO, NY, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — New peer-reviewed research provides some of the first scientific evidence supporting the “Leave the Leaves” movement. It finds that fallen leaves in suburban yards shelter a diverse community of insects and other arthropods, and that removing them may eliminate essential habitat. The study, featured on the cover of American Entomologist, one of the field’s leading publications, was co-authored by Canisius University biology professor Katie S. Costanzo, Ph.D., and undergraduate student Peyton A. Callen ’26.

Researchers analyzed bags of fallen autumn leaves collected from suburban yards across Western New York and used microscopes and digital identification tools to classify the organisms living in the leaf litter. The research identified:

More than 25 insect species across nine orders.

A wide range of arthropods, including spiders, centipedes, sowbugs, and ticks.

Insects in multiple life stages, from larvae to adults.

Species representing diverse ecological roles, from decomposers to predators.

The findings show that raking and removing leaves also removes critical insect habitat, disrupting food sources, shelter, and overwintering environments. The study is exploratory in scale, but it provides early evidence that everyday landscaping decisions can meaningfully affect insect biodiversity at a time of global insect decline.

The research also gave a Canisius undergraduate a rare opportunity to contribute directly to scientific literature. Callen, an animal behavior, ecology, and conservation major, began working on the project before formally enrolling in the university’s entomology course. She helped with specimen identification and analyzed data that a previous class had collected and sorted.

The project reflects Canisius University’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, giving students direct experience with the scientific process from data collection through peer-reviewed publication. It also advances the university’s strategic plan, Answer the Call, which emphasizes applied learning, undergraduate research, and student success through real-world, faculty-led inquiry.

As “Leave the Leaves” gains traction in broader conservation conversations, the Canisius-led research adds to the scientific evidence behind it and shows how small changes in yard care can shape local ecosystems.

Those interested in the full study can read more about the research and the “Leave the Leaves” movement on the Canisius website.

About Canisius University

Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, New York, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring, and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.

Audrey R. Browka
Canisius University
browkaa@canisius.edu
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