I stay within the Palisades neighborhood of Lake Oswego. Almost each day, particularly through the fall months, I hear a droning refrain of loud and obtrusive gas-powered leaf blowers coming from each course. Not solely are these blowers noisy and disruptive, however they pose important well being dangers to the folks utilizing them and destroy treasured habitat for the small wildlife residing within the leaves. In response to the Xerces Society, “A layer of leaves is important insulation from the chilly for the various animals that conceal inside (or within the soil beneath), like fairly a couple of butterflies. Others, like many native bees, nest inside stems, flower heads, or items of wooden.”
I wish to strongly encourage my neighbors and the broader group to cease utilizing gas-powered leaf blowers. As a substitute, please go away the leaves the place they’re to allow them to nourish the soil. Definitely, sidewalks and streets needs to be cleared, however that may simply be completed with a rake, broom or – if mandatory – an electrical leaf blower.
Rachel Melissa, Lake Oswego
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