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The Color Show
Why do leaves change color? Native-American legend says that the red leaves symbolize the killing of the Great Bear of the Heavens; the yellow leaves represent the cooking fires. The more prosaic explanation is that the colors are already present in the leaves but are hidden by green chlorophyll. The warm, sunny days and cool nights of early fall cause the trees to produce a corky substance that blocks the flow of water to the leaves. Without water, the chlorophyll breaks down, revealing the vibrant colors.

From the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry...

The Splendor of Autumn
Every autumn we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the tree as the seasons change from summer to winter.
During the spring and summer the leaves have served as factories where most of the foods necessary for the tree's growth are manufactured. This food-making process takes place in the leaf in numerous cells containing chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green color. This extraordinary chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used in transforming carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates, such as sugars and starch.
Along with the green pigment are yellow to orange pigments, carotenes and xanthophyll pigments which, for example, give the orange color to a carrot. Most of the year these colors are masked by great amounts of green coloring.

Chlorophyll Breaks Down
But in the fall, because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.

At the same time other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments. Some mixtures give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of trees such as dogwoods and sumacs, while others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange.The autumn foliage of some trees show only yellow colors. Others, like many oaks, display mostly browns. All these colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll residue and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season.

Other Changes Take Place
As the fall colors appear, other changes are taking place. At the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree, a special layer of cells develops and gradually severs the tissues that support the leaf. At the same time, the tree seals the cut, so that when the leaf is finally blown off by the wind or falls from its own weight, it leaves behind a leaf scar.

Most of the broad-leaved trees in the North shed their leaves in the fall. However, the dead brown leaves of the oaks and a few other species may stay on the tree until growth starts again in the spring. In the South, where the winters are mild, some of the broad-leaved trees are evergreen; that is, the leaves stay on the trees during winter and keep their green color.

Only Some Trees Lose Leaves
Most of the conifers - pines, spruces, firs, hemlocks, cedars, etc. - are evergreen in both the North and South. The needle- or scale-like leaves remain green or greenish the year round, and individual leaves may stay on for two to four or more years.

Weather Affects Color Intensity
Temperature, light, and water supply have an influence on the degree and the duration of fall color. Low temperatures above freezing willfavor anthocyanin formation producing bright reds in maples. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color. Rainy and/or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cool (not freezing) day. Enjoy the color, it only occurs for a brief period each fall.
Text prepared by Carl E. Palm, Jr., Instructional Support Specialist, Faculty of Environmental and Forest Biology.

There are numerous ways to preserve leaves. No matter which method you use, it is important to remove as much moisture from the leaves as quickly as possible.

In the Microwave
Start by laying the leaves between two paper towels. If possible, set your microwave's power setting to medium. Now run the microwave between 30 and 120 seconds, depending on the dryness of the leaves (less time for drier leaves, more for those with more moisture). This will remove the moisture from the leaves, allowing the colors to remain as they are.

In a Book
First, find a big book, and one that you are not too attached to (this method may discolor the pages). Place the leaves (don't overlap them) between paper towels or blotting paper (this will absorb the moisture from the leaves). Allow at least 20 pages between the leaves for best results. Keep the leaves in the book for about 7 days, replacing the paper towels on day 2. This should nicely dry the leaves and also keep them flat.

Okay, they're dry, now what?
Now that you have dry leaves, their are a few things you can do. You can either leave them as is or add a bit more protection. This can be accomplished by placing the leaf between two pieces of wax paper. Place a dish towel over the wax paper and press with an iron (on medium heat). Press on each side for approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove leaf from wax paper. You will notice a fine coating of wax which will preserve your leaves.

You can also purchase a spray preservative at your local craft store. This will leave a glossy coating on the leaf. Important: This must be done in a very well ventilated area as the fumes are toxic. Children should not do this, please ask your parent or another adult.