Every year a transformation occurs in the broadleaf forests of eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It is known as the changing of the colors, and it is one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles. As the days begin to shorten and the nights become colder, the leaves of the deciduous broadleaf trees begin to lose their ability to produce the vital sugars that keep the tree nourished during spring and summer. The trees prepare to become dormant in advance of the long, cold winters. As the leaves begin to die, a physical change occurs in which the chemical composition of each leaf is altered. The end result is an incredible transformation of the leaf color from green to yellow, gold, orange or red, depending upon the particular species. And since the forests are a mix of species, the colors splash across the landscape in a patchwork quilt of daubs of brilliance. Whole hillsides or riverbanks begin to blaze in vivid warm tones, visually dazzling to the human eye. And it is this natural phenomenon that draws visitors from all over the world to bear witness. It begins in the northern reaches of the broadleaf forest where it mixes with the great boreal taiga whose coniferous trees do not shed their needles all at once. By mid-September the first tinges of color were always seen north of the St. Lawrence River in the Canadian Shield or at the higher elevations of the northern Appalachian Mountains of the New England states. Slowly as the calendar progresses, the color change works its way south or lower in elevation until by mid to late October the whole region would generally be ablaze. Like a real fire, the change engulfs every broadleaf tree, joining all their shades of color into a kaleidoscope of hues that brings out the cameras and paintbrushes.
It is important to note that with warming temperatures brought about by climate change, there have been significant changes in the timing and intensity of the fall colors. What was noted above is no longer as reliable a guide to the changing of the colors. Much now depends upon how warm the daytime temperatures are in September and into early October. This will impact both the start of the fall color season and also the intensity of the actual color itself. In 2015, for example, the colors came about two weeks later than normal but were as intense and brilliant as those of us who have lived in these parts can remember. In 2017, exceptionally unseasonable temperatures persisted into early October. Thus the fall color season came late and in many areas it was nowhere near as vibrant as expected, nor did it last as long. Yet in many localized pockets the color was brilliant and even lasted until early November. Once it was so reliable that you could book a tour or cruise in late September or early October and virtually be assured of a dynamic color change. In 2020 and 2021 the fall colors were quite brilliant and lasted well into the early part of November.
