Leave the leaves. Fallen leaves are very important for a healthy ecosystem. They provide cover for insects, reptiles and amphibians, and small mammals. Birds need them to have a place to forage for insects. When they decay, they provide nutrients to the soil for the plants and trees.

I only rake most of the leaves from the grass (and I use the term grass loosely, as there are probably 50% weeds). The rest are distributed in the garden and field. I'm fortunate to have a rural property with many areas to move the leaves. Many suburbanites do not have a place and/or are unaware of the benefits to the ecosystem (some of my rural neighbors, too!) and end up raking them to the curb or burning them. If you have a full grass lawn, consider making a space for wildlife on it. It can be as small or large as you have room. Plant native shrubs and flowers and in the fall, rake the leaves over the beds for free mulch. Every little bit helps!