Here’s some good news according to the Huffington Post:

WILDLIFE GROUPS SAYS NOT TO RAKE LEAVES: Environmentalists are confirming that raking is terrible, especially for the environment. Bagging up leaves and throwing them away destroys habitats for small animals, like chipmunks and turtles, and fills up landfills. According to the National Wildlife Federation, leaves and other “yard debris” make up 33 million tons of solid waste, or 13% of the solid waste in the US. The group says that in addition to becoming natural fertilizer for your soil, leaves stay where they fall creating “mini ecosystems.” However, a very thick layer of leaves can harm your lawn under certain conditions, especially if covered by snow all winter, so here are some alternatives: turn the leves into mulch by shredding them with a lawn mower, they’ll break down more quickly, or rake the leaves up and save them to use as compost for your garden. Don’t burn them, the smoke they create contributes to air pollution. (Huffington Post)