Rosie, be careful of ticks back in that brush! You can probably tame some of your brush into useable areas, and leave the rest to habitat. That could help you introduce more desired plants, if you like, into the tamed areas and slowly convert wildness into something more desirable, if you choose.

My opinion on virginia creeper is to get rid of it. One becomes MANY very quickly.

I would leave the one at the base of the big pine. Let it go up it. It has great fall color and it will provide some nourishment for the critters.

Virginia creeper does have pretty fall color. One suggestion, though, take a good look at that pine once a year and make sure the creeper isn't smothering it.

Of course, never have a virginia creeper near the house. They can actually work their way through the wall. As I know from experience.

The brush piles will certainly help as a habitat, and they will compost eventually. Maybe you could get something to grow over it to hide it somewhat.

And I winder if you could find some plants that love the deep shade. Hostas, ferns, something along those lines....

I've appreciated your thoughts. The piles are all dead brush - and don't really bother me - and the kids play behind some I've put between trees.

GGG - thanks for the warning about ticks. My cat and I each had one a couple of weeks ago - the really small ones.

woody - I'll try more plants up there. Have a bit of variegated vinca major and some pachysandra, neither doing well. The soil is inordinately dry, even under leaf litter. I'll keep adding clippings and whatever I can lay my hands on, maybe buy some more wheat straw. The whole area is too far from the house to be noticed much.

esh - will rogue out the other virginia creepers. Agree one in the pine will look pretty. Oldmayfly - I'll heed your words and keep it in check. Lots of branches low enough that I can climb and sever the creeper.

Y'all are so good!!!
Rosie