Fall Leaves

1. How many leaves do trees have? - An average, large healthy tree could have about 2,000 leaves. During 60 years of its life, such a tree could grow and shed approximately 3,600 pounds of leaves. Those leaves return about 70 percent of the nutrients to the soil.

2. Can leaves turn different colors on the same tree? Yes. Leaves directly exposed to the sun may turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree or other trees, may be yellow.

3. Does lots of rain affect a tree's leaf color? Yes. When there is mainly warm, cloudy and rainy weather in the Fall, the leaves may have less red coloration.

4. Have there been other explanations for leaves changing color? Yes. According to Native American myth, hunters in the Heavens killed the Great Bear in Autumn and its blood dripped over Earth's forests coloring some of the leaves red. As the hunters cooked the meat, fat dripped from the Heavens and colored some of the leaves yellow. Folklore held that Jack Frost was responsible for changes in leaf color.

5. Is the winged euonymous a species of eagle that flies between the branches of fall trees?
No. The winged euonymous is the botanical name of a fall tree that boasts red and purple leaves.

"October" By Rose Fyleman:

The summer is over,
The trees are all bare,
There is mist in the garden and frost in the air.
The meadows are empty
And gathered the sheaves-
But isn't it lovely kicking up leaves!

John from the garden
Has taken the chairs;
It's dark in the evening
And cold on the stairs.
Winter is coming and everyone grieves-
But isn't it lovely kicking up leaves!

Source: http://www.ncantonlibrary.org/departments/Children/october.htm

Journal Prompt #1 : Let changing fall leaves represent a desire for us to change-to let go of what is hindering and to lay hold of our untapped potential. What do you need to let go of today?

Journal Prompt #2: The phrase turning over a new leaf is particularly appropriate today. What new leaf do you need to turn over? What will you find on the other side when you do so?