FALLING FOR AUTUMN COLORS

It's the time of year that makes people in more tropical climates envy Midwesterners.

Folks in Missouri and Illinois wake to a chill in the air -- just enough for a light sweater. They are surrounded by beauty as they travel here and there. The sun is out on most days, making autumn leaves shine even brighter.

Many of those leaves remain green, but others are bright orange, deep red or muted yellow.

Most people don't question why the change happens. They just appreciate the leaves as a benefit of fall or perceive them as a sobering sign that winter is on the way. Others want to be in the know.

One of those is Debbie Naeter, a University Extension master gardener and owner of The Plant Lady, a Cape Girardeau plant care business. When asked about the reason for autumn hues, she referred to the September/October issue of "The Gardener," a magazine produced by the Men's Garden Clubs of America.

The magazine explained that fall color develops as days get shorter and trees use chlorophyll faster than it can be replenished. Other pigments, called carotenoids, always are present in the leaves. When the green chlorophyll fades, the yellow, brown and orange carotenoids become visible.

Sunny, warm days followed by nights with 45-degree temperatures -- which Southeast Missouri residents have experienced recently -- help emphasize anthocyanins. These pigments make the red hues being seen on area trees now. Sunny sides of trees tend to have more reds.

Most old-timers say leaf color depends on how much rain fell during the summer, and it's true that rainfall has an effect. Stress from insects, drought and root damage may cause an early change in leaf color. Early frost that kills leaves also prevents development of fall color.

Although last summer's lack of rain might have a negative impact on leaf color, the trees are turning nicely so far. Missouri and Illinois leaves are so popular that some groups use them as tourist attractions.

The Mark Twain National Forest has a toll-free hotline that leaf lovers all over the nation may call. The number is 1-800-898-8895. A recording tells callers where leaves are at their peak.

On Tuesday, it said Columbia was the place to go. "Fall colors are brilliant," the recording said. "Colorful native grasses showcase the red dogwoods and sumacs."

Callers were encouraged to enjoy the cool mornings and warm afternoons by taking day-long hikes or weekend trips.

Charlie Gill, public affairs specialist, said the toll-free line helps promote the 1.5 million acres in Mark Twain National Forest.

"We have had a lot of calls to the office in the past," he said. "People wanted to know where to go to see the best color. We get calls from all over the U.S. -- New York, Pennsylvania, California, Texas -- you name it. People want to plan when they should come through the area."

Gill said the best fall color in Missouri right now is around Interstate 44 and in the northern part of the state.

In Southern Illinois, members of the Union County Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring Colorfest this weekend. Chamber President Carol Goodman said the annual event, started five years ago, brings together several cities.

Bus tours will leave from the Anna movie theater at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Drivers may take self-guided tours through Alto Pass, Anna, Cobden, Dongola, Jonesboro and Lick Creek.

In addition to seeing the fall leaves, visitors are treated to an array of crafts, music and art.

"We are already seeing a lot of color changes here," Goodman said. "Colorfest is always the first full weekend in October. We anticipate that will be the peak."

Goodman said the festival gets larger every year, with more and more tourists visiting the six cities.

Colorfest is an annual event in Union County, Ill. Tourists come to see the beautiful fall leaves, but also to buy crafts and hear music. Here are some of the events planned today:

ALTO PASS

Noon-5 p.m. -- Alto Vineyard Festival

ANNA

10 a.m. -- Firemen's competition in City Park

11 a.m.-3 p.m. -- Horse drawn surrey rides, games, crafts and barbecue at the Choate Mental Health and Development Center

noon-4 p.m. -- Live music downtown

COBDEN

All day -- Flea market, craft show and kids' craft workshops; open houses at the Owl Creek Winery and Shawnee Hills Barn Antiques; presidential campaign memorabilia at Cobden Museum; Octoberfest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church; western dancers

Noon-5 p.m. -- Black Powder encampment

DONGOLA

All day -- Craft show

1 p.m. -- Gospel singing

JONESBORO

All day -- Crafts and other vendors

LICK CREEK

All day -- Cajun crawfish boil at Lick Creek General Store

2 p.m. -- Pumpkin pie bake-off

3 p.m. -- Pumpkin pie eating contest