ParkTalk Podcast: Experiencing Change with Autumn

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Episode Description:

As the weather changes and the scenery shifts from summer green to fall yellow, ecologist Scott Kobal from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County talks about the environmental changes during nature's transition to fall.

Quotes from the Episode:

Why have leaves begun changing colors despite September reflecting a hot, summer month as opposed to a cool, fall one?

Temperature plays a factor in it, but it is really those shortening day lengths. This is triggering hormonal changes in the trees which is starting that chlorophyl breakdown as they prepare for the winter. Some trees have been stressed by the warmer weather. Then we have some trees that are naturally early, things like cottonwoods and black walnuts, they start dropping leaves in August even in years we have normal precipitation.

What are some changes in wildlife behavior between summer and fall?

Behaviorally, birds are starting to flock up, and those that migrate are preparing to move south. Then you get physiological changes in animals too, mammals in particular. They’re going to be growing denser fur. Then animals, like chipmunks who hibernate, they’re going to be storing up fat and looking for hibernation areas. Reptiles and amphibians, they’re going to be searching out hibernaculum too. You even have a few animals whose color changes, like weasels who change from a brown to a whiteish.

What is the best way for us to help preserve and protect our environment while we enjoy our parks, trails, and forest preserves?

The big thing is to get out and enjoy it! We encourage that; this is all our lands and we encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the beauty of nature, particularly in the fall when it’s so spectacular. But some commonsense things. Enjoying it, not littering, that sorts of things. It protects it and makes it better for the people coming after us. Show respect for nature and appreciate all these natural areas that people that came before us were so fortunate to have protected that we can continue to enjoy it.