Trail Report for 9-11-23

Check out these interesting facts about why leaves change certain colors in the fall!
(Info from MN DNR website)

🌳🍃 Why do some trees have bright red leaves in the fall, but others will only turn yellow or orange? Good question!

🍂🟠 Yellow, orange, and brown pigments, called carotenoids, are always present in the leaf and become visible as green chlorophyll breaks down. Trees that become golden yellow and brown in the fall include ash, aspen, basswood, birch, cottonwood, and elm.

🍁🟣 Purple and red pigments, called anthocyanins, are only created in some species of trees prior to leaf drop. Fiery red trees include maple, oak, and cherry.

🌲🟡 Let’s not forget about conifers! Pine and spruce trees only lose their oldest needles, which turn tan to rusty-red before falling. The exception of course is the Tamarack (eastern larch). Each fall, tamarack needles become golden yellow and drop.

🗺️📧 Track fall color progress across Minnesota: mndnr.gov/fallcolors. While you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for the weekly fall email with park highlights, hidden gems, and more!