Enjoy all fall has to offer in Forest Preserves of Cook County
Throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook County, mid to late October is prime time for residents and visitors to experience the seasonal transition of summer to fall as leaves change colors to vibrant autumn hues.
The best leaf color is seen when autumn has sunny days and cool nights. Residents and visitors can experience this annual burst of warm colors by exploring more than 300 miles of trails, visiting nature centers and more.
What may surprise many visitors interested in this annual nature art show is that most of the yellow and orange leaf color has actually been in the leaves all summer, says Assistant Director of Trailside Museum of Natural History Irene Flebbe.
"During spring and summer, the beautiful fall colors were 'covered up' by the dominant green color of chlorophyll - the naturally occurring chemical that is responsible for helping trees and other plants turn sunlight into food," Flebbe said.
"In autumn, the amount of chlorophyll produced by the plant decreases and eventually stops as the amount of daylight decreases. The chlorophyll is slowly broken down, revealing the colors we love to see this time of year."
Residents and visitors can plan a fall hike by visiting the Forest Preserves' interactive web map at map.fpdcc.com, stopping by a nature center, or checking out the guided hikes below:
Guided Fall Color Hikes
• Autumn Walks: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest.
• Fall Color Walk: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S Paxton Ave., South Holland.
In addition to viewing the array of fall colors, residents and visitors can also celebrate Halloween throughout the Forest Preserves. Check out these events. All events are family-friendly; some cost a small fee. Visit fpdcc.com/events for information.
Halloween Happenings
• The Un-haunted Forest: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook.
• Halloween Hike and Happenings: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct 28, Camp Sullivan, 14630 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest.
• NIGHTLIFE - The Return of Scary Stories: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook.
• Owls, Bats and Spiders: 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills.
• The Un-haunted Forest: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook.
• A Sand Ridge Halloween: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, Sand Ridge Nature Center, 15891 S. Paxton Ave., South Holland.
Connect with the Forest Preserves of Cook County at fpdcc.com; facebook.com/FPDCC; twitter.com/FPDCC; or instagram.com/FPDCC.