Autumn has just about arrived in Westchester county. With so many recreational parks to explore and trails to hike, Westchester is the epitome of Autumn in New England. Have you ever wondered why leaves change color? Let’s delve in!
Why Leaves Change Color
If you’re taking a walk through Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, NY during September and October, take note of the variation of leaf colors. When the temperature drops during fall time, leaves stop producing cholorophyll, and the other color pigments show through. Chlorophyll is the green pigment which helps capture sunlight to power photosynthesis. Once the green color fades from the leaf, other pigments such as orange, yellow and red are more visible.
Did You Know:
When leaves turn red and purple it is due to the presence of sugars from tree sap which are trapped inside of the leaves!
Taking a Closer Look
While you may not see them until Autumn,, the bright colors of fall leaves are always present in the pigmentation; because the other colors are overpowered by the abundance of green from the chlorophyll you are unable to see these colors. Once the sun weakens during the shorter fall days, the amount of chlorophyll diminishes, allowing the other colors to show through.
Did You Know:
Those who live closest to the equator, which is the center of the planet, never experience the season of autumn. Around the equator, the temperature remains consistently warm.
