The Modern Sisyphus Blows Leaves: Attitudes and Impacts Regarding Leaf Litter Removal on a Suburban Campus

Authors

• A. C. Nony, Hendrix College, ConwayFollow
• M. R. McClung, Hendrix College, ConwayFollow
• M. L. Reid, Hendrix College, ConwayFollow

Keywords

leaf litter, leaf removal, urban ecology, arthropods, lawn care, lawn management

Abstract

Leaf litter habitat disruption in suburban spaces stems from the prevalence of “lawn culture,” that is, the accepted societal norm that land immediately surrounding humans or meant for human recreational use should be clean, tidy, controlled, and aesthetically pleasing, above other considerations. When leaf litter on residential and recreational lawns is cleared, it removes vital habitat for organisms of several taxa, especially species that rely on litter as a moisture and temperature-controlled substrate for overwintering. We administered an opinion survey to students, staff, and faculty at Hendrix College, a highly residential and suburban campus in Conway, Arkansas, to assess views on current grounds management practices, and additionally performed leaf litter invertebrate sampling to determine the specific impacts of leaf litter disturbance on invertebrate biodiversity. Respondents indicated that grounds management had moderate benefits to campus safety and aesthetics, but did not agree that it benefited campus ecosystem health. Areas with accumulated leaf litter also contained more invertebrates by amount and diversity than cleared areas. Survey and sampling results both indicated an overall disconnect between community perspectives and management regimes and suggest a need for alterations in practice.

Recommended Citation

Nony, A. C.; McClung, M. R.; and Reid, M. L. (2026) "The Modern Sisyphus Blows Leaves: Attitudes and Impacts Regarding Leaf Litter Removal on a Suburban Campus," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 79, Article 8.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol79/iss1/8