Last week, Hurricane Helene showed us that whether we live on the coast or in the mountains, anywhere can be vulnerable to the devastating effects of major storms. Humans can prepare for these types of storms that continue to become stronger and more frequent, but what about wildlife? How do they respond to extreme weather events and what we can do to help them?

If you’ve ever lived in a region with fireflies, you’re probably most familiar with them as flying insects that light up the sky with their rhythmic blinking. But did you know that most of a firefly’s life can be spent under the leaves?

Amid the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot lies a hidden ecosystem where moths and butterflies find shelter and sustenance. While it might seem like clutter to some, this layer of fallen foliage is a lifeline for various species—including these important pollinators. Fallen leaves are more than just remnants of summer; they are essential components of ecosystems. They enrich the soil, provide habitats, and play a pivotal role in the life cycles of many insects. Let’s take a look at some of the species that depend on the leaf layer for survival.

Camp Wildwood, a conservation camp founded in 1954, continues through another year of inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards with its steadfast legacy in conservation and associated jobs.