Seasonal Spotlight
Species Highlights - Fall 2026
At last we have arrived to my favourite season of the year…fall! For many of you out there, I am sure you associate this time with harvest, pumpkins, festive traditions, seasonal frights, and colder nights. I associate this time of year with my favourite temperatures, cozy warm clothes, tasty tea samplings and seasonal smells of leaves.
At Ruthven Park, fall is a time of transition. It is the time of year that plants start to conserve their chlorophyll and the beautiful golds, reds, and oranges show through their leaves. It is a time of anticipation of the cool fall nights and frosty mornings. A time to prepare and give thanks for all that the earth provides for us.
I am truly grateful for the fall and am so thankful that I get to spend it in this remarkable place.
Our Co-op student Arilyn took some time to explore the grounds to find some signs of fall for you to look for on your next visit. She has highlighted a couple of signs for you below.
I hope you enjoy her findings and look for them the next time you come out to Ruthven Park! Happy fall to all!
Banded Woolly Bear - Pyrrharctia Isabella
The Banded Woolly Bear Caterpillar is one of our most frequently encountered species during September and October. Often seen roaming the trails, looking for a safe place to hibernate for the winter. These caterpillars are usually covered with reddish-brown hair in the middle of their body, and black hair in the front and back. In adulthood Woolly Bears turn into an Isabella Tiger Moth, with a yellowish orange color with black dots on the wings and body. It’s said that the width of the caterpillar's brown band in the middle of its body predicts how harsh the winter will be. The amount of orange and black on the body translates to the severity of the winter months. The caterpillar on the right shows that winter will start harsh and will end mild. We will have to wait and see if this prediction comes true!
New England Aster - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
Asters of all types are a common species to find along our trails in the fall season. They flower at this time of year and provide a nice splash of colour in meadows and along the forest edge.
The characteristic purple flowers all around the trails are called New England Asters. They bloom late summer until the first frost. What I find interesting about these daisy-like flowers is that they close at night and on cloudy days. Many of these flowers are recognized along the trails and in the fields. Caterpillars and butterflies love these flowers for their great source of pollen and excellent habitat.
Additional Fall Highlights
