Muskegon River Newaygo, High Roll Away

There is something magical as the fog lifts on a cool fall morning, revealing the vibrant colors of the scene before you. Fall is a beautiful time as the trees wind down the photosynthesis process, revealing the pigments that have been masked by chlorophyll over the growing season.

Manistee River, Red Bridge backwater

Fall leaf color is triggered by the shortening day length and cool nights. Trees begin to shut down food production and close off the veins that carry the fluids in and out of the leaf. A layer of cells forms at the base of each leaf, closing of these veins and eventually separating them from the tree. As this process progresses, sugars are trapped in the leaf and the chlorophyll fades away, revealing carotenoids, the source of yellow, orange and brown colors. Factors such as cool nights and the amount of moisture prior to this shutting down process, affects the intensity of the colors. Athocyanins produced in the fall as a response to excess plant sugars and bright light give the more vibrant colors of reds and oranges that were so vibrant in the maples this fall. For a more complete explanation, visit USDA Forest Service web site and search “Why Leaves Change Color”.

As I recently took a color tour of West Michigan, the maples were exceptionally vibrant with colors ranging from yellow to orange and brilliant reds. I began to notice that I could identify the tree makeup of each woodlot I viewed. By recognizing the intensities of yellow, reds, oranges, and maroons, I began to pick out the aspens, Red and Sugar Maples, ashes and White Oaks in particular. Some of the best and most spectacular colors were along or near rivers and lakes.

Trees are not the only worthy source of fall color, there are still wildflowers blooming. Look for asters, late goldenrods, brilliant yellow Witch-hazel and other wildflowers as well. Color can also be found in many berries produced by trees, shrub and herbaceous plants.

Hairy Woodpecker

Keep in mind that here are different ways worth trying for enjoying the beauty in fall. Most of us take color tours in our cars and cover a lot of area quickly. Try stopping for a hike in the woods, bike on a trail or take a color tour from a canoe, kayak or boat. These slower, less invasive modes can allow for more wildlife viewing.  I experienced this from my canoe on Lake Leelanau on the above mentioned trip. From the canoe I saw Hairy Woodpeckers, Coots, Grebes, ducks and yes Mute Swans. Color tours from the water or trail put in the middle of the production, not just a distant observer.

As we move from summer to winter, fall is a wonderful time of transition. Stormy weather not only helps bring about changes such as the turning over of water in Lake Michigan, producing cooler water temps, but  also providing drama and accent to the scenes of fall. Yes, a bright sun shining on the colorful trees helps the colors come alive, but what a dramatic scene when you add dark cold clouds in the background. So as we continue to transition to winter take advantage of the season by visiting the beach to enjoy a good storm or float a local lake or river and see what awaits in Michigan’s great outdoors.

Hudsonville Nature Center