Why do Leaves Change Colors?

Why do Leaves Change Colors?

Submitted by Dennis Wilson, Forester at Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Colors The easiest way to explain why leaves change colors has to do with the time of year. The longer and cooler nights trigger the changing colors and falling leaves. None of the other environmental influences – such as temperature, rainfall, food supply – are as unvarying as the steadily increasing length of night during autumn. As days grow shorter, and nights grow longer and cooler, biochemical processes in the leaf begin to paint the landscape with Nature's autumn palette. A color palette needs pigments, and there…
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Harvest Time at the Homeplace

Harvest Time at the Homeplace

Fall Harvest Programs at the Homeplace In fall our garden, orchard, and forest provide food for keeping through the winter. Daily programs on the farm feature harvesting activities such as working with tobacco, shucking and shelling corn, and woodstove cooking from the fall harvest. “Tobacco firing” will also be on-going throughout the fall. Come on out and lend a hand with the harvest, or take a look and see what we've got in our barns. Every Day on the Farm Feedin' Time on the Farm | 3:30-4:30pm Join us daily as we take care of our animal family. Feeding time…
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Field Guide to Fall Hiking

Field Guide to Fall Hiking

By John Pollpeter, Lead Naturalist, Woodlands Nature Station Honker Lake Trail Autumn brings some of the best hiking opportunities at Land Between the Lakes. The changing colors and mild temperatures chase away the feelings of heat and humidity of late summer. Honker Lake Trail checks off all the major components for a great fall day hike – and more! My favorite, Honker Trail is located near our Woodlands Nature Station. You can easily come visit our back yard with our natural gardens, bat boxes, and rescued native animals before or after your hike. The trail loops around Honker Lake for…
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