Tag Archives: fall

Science/Nature

🍁 Why leaves are nature’s changing fashion show.

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By: Canaan Nonnemacher

Have you ever wondered why, after being perfectly green all summer, trees suddenly explode into bright red, yellow, and orange colors every fall? It’s not magic, it’s science, and it’s a critical way trees prepare for the cold weather ahead.

The Color Change Explained

During spring and summer, leaves act as tiny food factories for the tree. They are filled with a green chemical called chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis, the process of using sunlight to make food (sugar). Because there is so much chlorophyll, it completely covers up all the other coloring chemicals, or pigments, in the leaf, making everything look green.

As summer ends, the days get shorter, signaling to the tree that it’s time to stop food production and get ready for winter. The tree stops producing new chlorophyll, and the existing molecules quickly break down. This disappearance of the green pigment reveals other colors that were hidden all along.

The Colors That Were Always Hiding

As the green fades, the yellow and orange colors, created by pigments called carotenoids, become visible. These pigments are always in the leaf but are simply masked by the strong green chlorophyll.

However, the deep reds and purples are created by a different pigment called anthocyanin, which is not present during the summer. Anthocyanins are made in the fall when the tree seals off the leaf stem, trapping sugars inside the leaf. When these trapped sugars are exposed to bright sunlight, they create a brilliant red color. Scientists believe this red acts like a protective sunscreen for the leaf while the tree quickly pulls out and stores all the important nutrients before the leaf falls.

Why Trees Drop Their Leaves

The color change is the first part of the tree’s survival plan for winter. The main reasons trees shed their leaves is to save water and prevent damage. Leaves constantly lose a lot of water. When winter comes and the ground freezes, the tree’s roots can’t suck up new water. By dropping its leaves, the tree avoids drying out and enters a state of, like a long sleep, to conserve water until spring. Additionally, being leafless prevents heavy snow and ice from building up on branches, which would otherwise cause them to break.

Thus, the spectacular colors of fall are a clear sign that the tree is being smart, preparing for a long, cold winter rest

Getting To Know/History

Halloween and the Changing Leaves: Why Fall is one of the most popular seasons in America

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By: Charlotte Aver

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

When you ask someone what their favorite season is does it feel like the answer is always fall? This is probably because fall is the most commonly liked season in America. According to a CBS News poll in which 45% said that their favorite season is fall.

Why is fall one of the most liked seasons in America? Is it the abundance of pumpkin flavored things or the spooky season and Halloween? Don’t forget about fall colors, apple picking, pumpkin carving, and Thanksgiving. Could it also be the ingrained predisposition to like fall that is brought upon as children? Maybe it’s a combination of all of these things bundled together into a nice fall themed package.

According to Katherine Lively, a sociology professor at Dartmouth University, we are predisposed to like fall as children. “As children, we come to associate fall with going back to school, new school supplies (and) seeing friends. It’s exciting, for most. We still respond to this pattern that we experienced for 18 years.”

Another reason why fall is so popular is because it can be a time to start anew as Yasmine Saad, PhD and licensed psychologist, said “Temporal landmarks divide life into distinct mental phases. They allow us to put in the past negative experiences and propel a fresh outlook.” Fall is also a time of order and structure making it a relief to people dislike the chaos of summer.

“Depending on where you live, fall usually means the end of swimsuit season. People tend to feel more comfortable about their bodies and appearance in the fall because they’re wearing more or bulkier clothing,” Dr. Levy says. That, combined with the social acceptance to indulge in Halloween candy and decadent fall foods, means “there’s less body shame and pressure to diet in order to maintain a picture-perfect, beach-ready body,” as Levy also explains. This is yet another reason why fall is so popular and a relief for plenty of people. Fall is also a time when eating goes beyond just fuel for your body, it becomes a time that families and friends come together to eat.

In addition to a childhood predisposition towards fall, there are plenty of fun activities that are purely fall related and you can’t do any other time of the year. You can go to an apple orchard and pick apples, drink apple cider, and get some nice warm cinnamon donuts. According to a poll, 51% of Americans’ favorite thing about fall is the leaves changing colors, and in New England it is incredibly popular to visit purely for fall colors. Between 3 and 4 million people go to New Hampshire alone to see fall colors.

When discussing fall you can’t forget about Halloween and spooky season. Halloween is one of the most commonly celebrated holidays in America and on Halloween night you can certainly tell by the sheer amount of decorations and trick or treaters. Leading up to Halloween there are plenty of things to do to start feeling the spooky atmosphere, you could go to a pumpkin patch and carve a pumpkin or go to a haunted house. You could also go to a coffee place, chain or local, and get one of the most popular seasonal treats, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. In some states there aren’t distinct seasons therefore, no true fall, even so PSL’s and Halloween are just as popular and celebrated.

Overall, fall is one of the most popular seasons and honestly, what’s not to like? From colorful leaves to Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider, there is truly something for everyone. So the next time someone asks your favorite seasons I hope the answer is ‘fall’.

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Student Creative Writing

A chill day at the arboretum

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By: Nils Hilleson

Spring leaves and leaves fall

Fallen leaves leave crunches

As we leave a trail through the leaves

Soon fall will leave but not just yet

Today the branching paths guide us

Through the trees and their barren branches

A branch in the path, a decision to be made

Any branch will show us beautiful branches

A chilly wind blows bringing warmer colors

A warm hoodie keeps me unchilly

And safe from falling leaves from branches

A chill day at the arboretum

Travel/Food

Top 5 things to do during fall in Minnesota

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By: Kumari Mia Wijetunge

Highway 61 in Fall, Minnesota by: Sharon Mollerus courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fall is a very colorful and festive time of  year in Minnesota. Whether you enjoy the local festivals, hiking through the vibrant landscapes, or picking pumpkins, Minnesota offers something for everybody!

  1. Seeing the colorful leaves by the North Shore

One of the best ways to experience Minnesota’s fall scenery is to go up to the North Shore of Lake Superior. The scenic drive across Highway 61 offers breathtaking views of the colorful trees against the sparkling lake. Popular spots like Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park provide many hiking trails and lookout points, perfect for spotting all of the beautiful colored trees and the wildlife Minnesota has to offer.

2. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Fall in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a pumpkin patch. Many farms in Minnesota open their fields for pumpkin picking and offer a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy. Places like Afton Apple Orchard and the more northern, charming Pine Tree Apple Orchard not only provide pumpkins but also corn mazes, hayrides, and plenty of freshly baked goods.

3. Explore State Parks

Minnesota is home to many state parks that come alive with fall colors. Parks like Gooseberry Falls and Itasca State Park offer amazing views, animal sightings, and hiking trails. If you’re looking to hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by the colorful leaves, these parks can provide the perfect day to experience the fall weather.

4. Attend a Fall Festival

Fall festivals in Minnesota are an awesome way to take in the fall season, celebrating everything from harvests to the local arts. The Minnesota Harvest Festival & Ghost Stories, in the Twin Cities, is a highlight, varying from farm activities to crafts and live music. Other festivals, like Applefest, in La Cresent, which mainly focuses is apples, also has everything from arts and crafts to pie eating contests. These events are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

5. Experience State Fair’s Fall Activities

Though the Minnesota State Fair is mostly known for its end of summer fun, many of its attractions and vendors continue to celebrate during  fall. Keep and eye out for events at the fairgrounds, like apple and pumpkin-themed dishes to local crafts. The fair’s iconic food vendors often showcase seasonal flavors.