Nature Notes: The Colors of Autumn
by Anna Foster, Director of Operations
October brings sweeping fall colors to most of the Door County peninsula, painting the landscape in bright oranges, reds, and yellows. In the Sanctuary, we see fewer of these colors because of our small pocket of boreal forest. The conifer trees dominating the ridges are evergreen, except for the tamarack trees (read about tamarack trees here). However, if you travel down to our lesser-known Logan Creek property, you’ll find a spectacular array of maples, beech, and aspen trees in all their fall splendor.
Exploring Logan Creek in Autumn
Logan Creek is my favorite Ridges property, not only because it’s quiet- you rarely run into anyone on the trails- but also because of the stark transition from upland maple/beech forest to lowland hemlock grove along the shores of Clark Lake. Hiking there feels like disappearing into a secret, enchanted forest you have all to yourself. The hike is especially stunning in the fall, when autumn’s hues are on full display.
Why Do Leaves Change Color?
The transition of fall colors is one that not many people pause and think about. For humans, it’s just a part of our year, marking the passage of time. For trees, it’s the transition from photosynthesis to dormancy through the long winter months.
Throughout the summer, leaves appear green because of large amounts of chlorophyll, the green pigment that helps plants absorb light for photosynthesis. Other colors are present in tree leaves during this time, but chlorophyll dominates. When leaves start to change colors in the fall, photosynthesis slows, and chlorophyll breaks down. As the green pigment fades, other pigments become visible, revealing waves of fall color.
When Do Fall Colors Peak?
Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures largely reduce photosynthesis. However, fall weather patterns can also affect how long we see fall colors and how quickly trees lose their leaves. We’ve been lucky so far this fall to have many warm, sunny days! Fall colors are expected to peak around the third or fourth week of October. I highly recommend visiting our Logan Creek preserve to enjoy the fall colors before they disappear! It’s right off Hwy 57 on Loritz Rd (Fire Number 5724).
Fall Hiking at The Ridges Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is also beautiful to hike at this time of year. Although fall colors are scarce, other signs of fall are aplenty. Migrating species like warblers love The Ridges’ boreal forest. Hikers are also enjoying the last of the fall wildflowers, including goldenrod and aster. Soon, the tamaracks will start to turn a brilliant golden yellow. For an autumn hike, bring warm layers and pack more than you think you’ll need! I recommend packing a hat and mittens for an October hike. The wind coming off Lake Michigan can make forest temperatures feel much cooler!
Plan Your Visit
The Ridges trails, including Logan Creek, are open to the public from dawn until dusk daily, except during the 9-day gun hunt season from November 21–29. You can pay the $5 trail fee online, in cash at the kiosk (at both the Sanctuary and Logan Creek entrances), or at our Nature Center at 8166 State Hwy 57 in Baileys Harbor during open hours. Visit our website for guidance on trail etiquette, access to our digital trail maps, and other resources.