Features of Fall

The winding trails and towering trees that make up the over 200 acres of Asbury Woods property are a pleasure for the senses any time of year, but arguably most of all in the fall.  The majority of the trees visible from our trails are deciduous trees, those magical woody plants that, while putting away their chlorophyll for the winter, display a dazzling array of leaf colors throughout the months of October and November. Some of our most beautiful autumn trees can be seen right in front of our nature center. From oaks to maples, tulip trees to beech, the variety of colors that can be found around the nature center make delightful subjects for colorful fall photos.  For even more breath-taking fall beauty, hike across Asbury Road or begin your journey at our Brown’s Farm location to wind your way downhill to the Walnut Creek pedestrian bridge located on our Greenway Trail.

Delight all of your senses with a short walk or run to the bridge which provides a view along the banks of Walnut Creek bordered by a variety trees displaying fall colors, the refreshing sound of crunchy leaves underfoot, the earthy smell of fresh forest soil and gently decaying leaf litter, the feeling of the shade-cooled air on your face, and the sound of the gently winding waters of Walnut Creek.

Other wonders of fall to keep an eye out for are:

Seeds:  Most plants in our regions go to seed in the late summer and early fall. Seeds of all shapes, sizes, colors, and textures can be found along our trails.

Mushrooms:  Fall is a great time to look for, photograph, and identify local fungi varieties. While most mushrooms found along our trails are not edible and wild mushrooms should never be consumed without a mycologist or mushroom expert present, they are varied in color, shape, size, and texture which makes them an interesting find on a nature walk.

Signs of animal habitats:  Fall is a great time to look for signs of animal life in our woods.  With the thinning of the leaves, nests and tree cavities can be more easily spotted. Many animals also begin to stock up on food like acorns, walnuts, and other tree seeds, making this a busy time of year for small mammals. Directing your eyes down toward the ground will reveal burrows of many sizes, as well as insects and the occasional amphibian preparing to hibernate for the winter.