As fall approaches, North Carolinians are gearing up for their annual task of raking leaves. However, a survey conducted by the National Wildlife Federation found many people don't realize how much this common chore may actually harm the environment and wildlife. According to Charlotte Glen, manager of the North Carolina State University Extension Master Gardener program, instead of buying mulch for landscaping, chopping up and using leaves offers the benefits of moisture absorption in a way that's friendly to the local ecosystem. ...