Module 2: Fall Foliage & Forest Ecology

•      2.1 The Science of Color Change — Chlorophyll breakdown, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and what controls peak timing

•      2.2 Tree-by-Tree Color Guide — Oaks, hickories, sumacs, maples, sycamores, and black gum in autumn

•      2.3 Mast Production — Hard mast (acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts) and soft mast (persimmons, dogwood berries) and their ecological importance

•      2.4 The Mast Year Phenomenon — What triggers bumper crops and how wildlife responds

•      2.5 Leaf Litter Ecology — Decomposition, soil food webs, and the slow alchemy of fallen leaves

•      2.6 Forest Fungi in Autumn — Mushroom diversity, mycorrhizal networks, and saprotrophic fungi

•      2.7 Field Assignment: Identify 10 trees by their fall foliage and/or fruit; document with photos