Don’t burn that butterfly’s blankie!

SHOWCASING THE DNR:
Fallen leaves on the ground are important for woodland species including insects, amphibians and small mammals over the cold months. PHOTO BY RACHEL COALE
Fallen leaves on the ground are important for woodland species including insects, amphibians and small mammals over the cold months. PHOTO BY RACHEL COALE

Acold palace, solitude and a queen. This story may seem familiar, but we’re not talking about magical Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The queen in question is a bumblebee, and she has a request for you: When it comes to fall leaves, “let it go.”

Allow us to explain. Fuzzy bumblebees that bounce from clovers to coneflowers are among many Michigan insects and wildlife that seek shelter over the winter.

Wh…