Rutgers' campuses will be transformed by foliage soon. This is how it happens.
The fall foliage in New Jersey is expected to hit its peak color sometime in the next week or two, but every year this natural cycle varies depending on summer conditions.
"Leaf color change in autumn is a great example of how living organisms respond to seasonal cues," said Kwangwon Lee, a biology professor at Rutgers University-Camden, who explained the science behind the changes of color in nature.
"As days grow shorter and temperatures drop, trees sense that winter is coming and begin shutting down food production" he said. "Trees stop making chlorophyll, the green pigment used in photosynthesis, and as that fades, the yellow, orange, and red pigments that were hidden in the leaves become visible. This is a natural process of energy conservation before trees shed their leaves for winter."
As a result of the summer's dry conditions, we may see more muted colors. Lee said. Trees may start shutting down food production and shedding their leaves a little earlier than usual.
"Drought can accelerate the loss of chlorophyll, shortening the peak color period and slightly muting reds and oranges" said Lee. "But the New Jersey fall landscape will be beautiful in its own way, and even a shorter leaf-viewing season reminds us how resilient trees are as they adapt to changing climate conditions."
Research supports the therapeutic effects of exposure to nature, particularly the warmer tones found in autumn, which may be beneficial to both mental and physical health.
"People seek out the aesthetic experiences of autumn in part because they are so transitory; the color changes last only a brief moment, but they transform the normal into the sublime," said Sean Duffy, associate professor of psychology and director of the Rutgers-Camden Graduate Psychology Program.
"It also has a symbolic element," Duffy added. "The fall of leaves reminds us of the cycle of life because all things come to an end. There is an inherent appreciation of the cyclic nature of change; sure, it will be winter soon, but thereafter comes spring.
Autumn also forms the basis of fond memories, including for many parents who try to share these experiences with their children, he said.
"The romantic element to autumn comes along with apple picking, visiting the pumpkin patch, having cider and donuts, or walking with a loved one through the woods, crunching leaves underfoot,'' Duffy said.
