Willow and cottonwoods, along with other deciduous plants, shed lots and lots of leaves ending up in the river as leaf litter. While some anglers complain about how messy it is, it is essential for the health of the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Leaf litter in and around rivers and streams is a vital habitat for various insects, providing both food and shelter. These insects, often called “river bugs,” play a crucial role in the ecosystem, influencing the food web and overall stream health. I added a pic of a decomposing leaf in the river.
