Saunter into autumn at Graham Cave State Park

September 22, 2019 at 12:14 a.m. | Updated September 22, 2019 at 12:14 a.m.

Two things must happen for leaves to turn colors. "First, sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by chilly — but not freezing — autumn nights," Missouri Department of Conservation Resource Forester Cory Gregg said. "Those sugars are the building blocks for red, yellow, orange and purple pigments. Cool nights simultaneously cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing these other colors to show through."
Two things must happen for leaves to turn colors. "First, sugars produced by photosynthesis are trapped inside leaves by chilly — but not freezing — autumn nights," Missouri Department of Conservation Resource Forester Cory Gregg said. "Those sugars are the building blocks for red, yellow, orange and purple pigments. Cool nights simultaneously cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing these other colors to show through."

DANVILLE - The public is invited to participate in a saunter in the autumn landscape from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday at Graham Cave State Park.

Naturalist Lorie Volenberg has invited the public to celebrate fall's arrival with a stroll through the park's diverse forest. Hikers may explore the fall colors and identify tree leaves. Hikers will also have opportunities to photograph the many hues of the the woodlands. This will be a 3-mile moderate level guided hike combining the Indian Glade and Loutre River trails.

Participants are to meet at the lower parking lot near the park's interpretive shelter. They are encouraged to bring a bottle of water, dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Insect repellent is also recommended.

Graham Cave State Park is located off Interstate 70, between Kingdom City and St. Louis, on Route TT, 2 miles west of Missouri 161 at the 170 Exit in Danville. For more information about the event, call Graham Cave State Park at 573-564-3476.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.