Tree canopies are on the verge of an explosion of vibrant colors and the Forest Preserves of Cook County offers an easy way to find the best places to witness the changes. For the second year, the Fall Color Map filter on the interactive web map is at the hands of visitors to locate spots most likely to feature dramatic fall colors.

The map features 21 sites throughout Cook County, including four new additions of Edgebrook Woods, Potawatomi Woods, Crabtree Nature Center and Sand Ridge Nature Center. This year, fall foliage is expected to peak during the second week of October.

But why do the leaves change? As trees prepare for winter, they decrease their chlorophyll production, the green pigment that helps plants photosynthesize. Other pigments are present but are masked by chlorophyll. When trees stop making chlorophyll, these other pigments become more visible, and that’s when people will see the shimmering yellows, fiery reds and radiant oranges.

Interested in experiencing fall colors yourself this season? Make sure to explore our upcoming events listed below, which showcase nature’s autumn palette: