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United States Department of Agriculture

Fall Colors 2018: Science of Fall Colors

Welcome to our Fall Colors 2018 webpage! This autumn we not only want you to get out there and see all the glorious colors on your National Forests and Grasslands but we also want you to know a little bit about how all this color happens. So this year add a little science knowledge of fall colors to impress your friends and family!

What to see

Fothergilla leaves make the transition from green to red in the National Herb Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum. (Photo credit U.S. National Arboretum)

Fall Colors Progression
Fall wildflowers
Photos of fall colors
Fall Colors Arriving

Where to see it

Fall foliage along a scenic route on the Superior National forest. USDA photo.

Visit a forest or grassland
Interactive Visitor Map
Planning a trip?
Fall Colors around the world

Learn about it

Fall Colors Resources – Lots of info on trees.
Arbor Day Foundation – Make your world greener.
Untamed Science – Learn about nature the fun way.
U.S. National Arboretum – A natural treasure in Washington, D.C.
Recreation.gov - Make reservations and plan your outdoors trip.
Outdoor Safety - A useful guide to a safe outdoors.
Learn to pack a survival pack – Useful info when out in the great outdoors.

Kids, Science and Stories

Kids having fun - Link to Fall Colors Kids Area

Scientist seeing through a microscope - Fall Colors Science Area

Newspaper and Reading Glasses - Link to Fall Colors Story area