A good place to explore natural diversity is by looking at the abundant variety of leaves. It’s a great time of year to visit the Preserve to see the different types of leaves. Each plant has a specialized leaf that work together with the other leaf-bearing plants. For example, large leaves provide protection for smaller plants that can’t handle the intense sun as well. Meanwhile, smaller leaves gather and store water that keep larger plants healthy and the soil hydrated through the warmer months.
When on the Preserve, you’ll see that leaves come in an impressive range of sizes and shapes. Some have smooth edges, others have deep grooves that pool water, but all serve as living solar panels through photosynthesis. This process allows plants to absorb sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars that fuel growth. Leaves, especially those on trees, help keep forest and woodlands cooler. It isn’t just because they block the sun, but also because by opening and closing the stoma (tiny mouth-like structures on the underside of leaves) they regulate the amount of water vapor being released. The added moisture in the air helps to cool the air and reduce the temperature.
Beyond gathering sunlight, studies show that leaves also supply as much as 40% of captured carbon when they fall and provide vital nutrients to the soil, feeding plants and providing protection for insects that are part of the cycle breaking down leafy matter.
I encourage you to take a walk on the Big Tree Trail and make notes of the different trees and plants and their leaves that play a vital role in the health of our forests and waterways.
If you would like to arrange a field trip, please reach out to us at coordinator@ketalegacy.org and we’ll work with you to put it on.
Happy learning!
– Katha Miller-Winder, President