As the vibrant energy of New York City transitions from the heat of summer to the crisp winds of autumn, Madison Square Park offers a stunning display of transformation. 

As the days shorten and temperatures cool, many might think that the bustling activity of pollinators comes to a halt. However, fall bloomers in our park provide a crucial lifeline for these essential creatures. Plants such as goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), asters (Symphyotrichum racemosum), Japanese anemone (Eriocapitella hupehensis), and boneset (Eupatorium seratinum) burst into bloom as summer flowers fade, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators need vital nourishment as they are  preparing for winter. These fall blooms offer late-season nectar and pollen, helping to sustain pollinator populations when food sources are scarce. In a city like New York, where green spaces can be limited, preserving and enhancing these habitats is vital.

As autumn progresses, the trees in our park prepare for the winter ahead by entering a state of dormancy. This process is akin to hibernation for trees, allowing them to conserve energy during the colder months when water and nutrients are less available. The first step in this transformation occurs as daylight hours decrease. Trees sense this change and begin to slow their growth. They withdraw nutrients from their leaves, which leads to the vibrant display of color we associate with fall. This is not just a beautiful spectacle; it’s a critical adaptation. By shedding leaves, trees reduce water loss and the risk of damage from snow and ice. One of the most enchanting aspects of autumn in Madison Square Park is the breathtaking display of fall foliage. The colors of leaves transform due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for the green hue we see throughout the warmer months. As chlorophyll fades, other pigments become more visible:

• Carotenoids produce yellow and orange hues. These pigments are always present in the leaves but are overshadowed by chlorophyll during the growing season. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), a common tree used in parks for their tough constitution and salt tolerance, are a great example of this process. Look for their yellow fan-like leaves on your next walk! 
• Anthocyanins, on the other hand, create reds and purples. Unlike carotenoids, these pigments are produced in the leaves as chlorophyll breaks down and are influenced by factors like temperature and sunlight. If you look near the Farragut monument you will see two red maples (Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’) as a great example of this.

The interplay of these pigments gives our park its stunning autumn palette, and now New Yorkers can go leaf peeping right in the heart of the city! 

This autumn, let’s take a moment to appreciate not only the beautiful fall foliage, but also the vital ecological processes at play in our urban environment.