Transition Into Autumn – Wylde Center

By: Tatiana Gonzalez, Farm to School Educator

Autumn has arrived! And if we pay close attention, we can feel the shifting characteristics of this magical season. The cooler air, the changing colors of the leaves, the softer lighting of the sun in the morning, and of course, the shortening of days. With the Autumnal Equinox having occurred on September 23rd, the days from here on will continue to shorten until the Winter Solstice, which hosts the longest night of the year.

The fall season can represent nature’s cyclical return to a restful state, after a busy and abundant summer. New life still blossoms, but plants that needed constant sun and heat to survive, shift into a sense of slowness and reflection. As we are an essential and aware part of Nature, we can follow the example of our environment by choosing to embrace reflection, stillness and peace. Some ways to embrace the Autumn season are to observe the beauty and abundance of fall seasonal plants, try new seasonal recipes, engage in fall related family activities, and absorb poetic prose that can connect us further with the season. To begin let’s start a poem that unravels the essential theme of the Autumn season:

“As I dig for wild orchids

in the autumn fields,

it is the deeply-bedded root

that I desire,

not the flower.”

– Izumi Shikibu

Autumn Plants to Notice:

Goldenrod: The appearance of Goldenrod is a sign of the seasons starting to shift. As it begins to shower fields and gardens with its perfect yellow blooms, I know fall has arrived. Goldenrod is native to North America and is a resilient plant that can thrive in almost any habitat, from woodlands to along roadsides; this truly golden flower cannot be missed. There are over 120 different species of Goldenrod, all within the genus Solidago and within the Aster family [Asteraceae]. Goldenrod is an herb that can be used for medicinal purposes such as assisting with sinus congestion, allergies, reducing inflammation and more.

Maitake Mushroom: While mushrooms are technically not plants, the maitake mushroom, otherwise known as ‘Hen of the Woods’, is a notable fall mushroom that can be observed while hiking in the Georgian wilderness. Maitake is native to Japan and the eastern United States, and is part of the Polyporaceae family that grows on dying or dead hardwoods. Due to the presence of potent antioxidants and polysaccharides, Maitake has been traditionally consumed for its immune supportive properties.

Persimmons: Female persimmons trees bear the rich, orange, fall fruit that when ripe, is a delicious, nourishing treat. There are two well known types of persimmon trees: Asian and American persimmons. American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana) are a native species, commonly foraged and grown throughout the southeastern United States. When the fruit is consumed before it is perfectly ripe, persimmons have been trademarked to have an incredibly astringent and unpleasant taste. However, when foraging or harvesting the fruit, make sure it is a bit squishy, and take note of whether the first frost has hit your region or not – typically, an American persimmons fruit must undergo a frost before it is ready to be consumed at its ideal ripeness.

Pecans: Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are a native nut and tree within the walnut family (Juglandaceae) that contain the highest healthy fat within any vegetable product, are highly caloric, and contain a good supply of quality protein. Due to these reasons, the pecan nut is an excellent source of food for prolonged energy. Pecans can also be converted into pecan milk, which can be a great alternative to traditional dairy products. The Southeastern United States, specifically Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, are the largest producers of pecan nuts. So, make sure to support local farmers and grab pecans at your farmers market!

“As Summer ends

Pictures prevail

Time caught in the act”

– Lenore McComas Coberly

Autumn Recipes:

Due to the fact that Autumn is a dry and cold season, it is important that we begin to nourish our bodies with warming foods as much as possible. Most foods that are abundant within this season tend to lean towards rich orange hues, such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, persimmons, carrots and more. Paying attention to the color of autumn harvest can be an insightful process of recognizing how nature provides us with what we need for optimal health and connection.

Orange foods are rich in a nutrient known as beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, an essential vitamin for skin and eye health, for supporting the immune system, for supporting the reproductive system and more. Beta-carotene is best absorbed when paired with healthy fats, such as nuts or olive oil!
Orange foods are also high in bioflavonoids and curcuminoids, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals.

Try one of the recipes below to enjoy the benefits of orange foods and to connect further with the Autumn season!

Children’s Activity for Fall: Color Hunt

In addition to observing the changing environment and cooking nutritional fall meals, another way to fully experience Autumn is to engage in family related activities, such as a fall leaf scavenger hunt!

Collect paint samples: To begin this activity, you will need to go to any home improvement store, like Home Depot or Lowes, and collect paint samples that resemble colors you currently see or may expect to see in nature.

Go outside: Then, you will hand out the different colors and encourage everyone to find things in nature that closely resemble the color of the sample. This is an exciting way to get kids and family members to really observe and connect with their environment, while also noticing the diversity of color within a garden space, a state park, a beach, and beyond.
Share what you noticed: Take photos and share what things everyone found that resemble the colors they were given. These may be flowers, fallen leaves, tree bark, and more! This activity can be done anytime throughout the year, but Autumn is an excellent time to observe all of the different colors that nature provides.

As we all deepen into Autumn, let us all embrace the changes and beauty that comes with the shifting of the seasons.

“Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;

Lengthen night and shorten day;

Every leaf speaks bliss to me

Fluttering from the autumn tree.

I shall smile when wreaths of snow

Blossom where the rose should grow;

I shall sing when night’s decay

Ushers in a drearier day.”

– Emily Bronte

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Since 1997, the Wylde Center has been dedicated to providing outstanding hands-on environmental education experiences for students throughout the Atlanta area. Our interactive classes are led by trained and enthusiastic environmental educators. As students encounter our gardens, streams, and woodlands, they learn to think critically, creatively, and responsibly about the world around them. Programs Align with current grade level Georgia Standards of Excellence. Book your 2023-2024 school programs here.

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