Why do the leaves change color during autumn?
By Tricia Williams, Cairn Collective
Believe it or not, most leaves always have these beautiful colors, but they are hidden by chlorophyl, the green color that we see throughout the summer months. As the weather begins to become crisp, the chlorophyl breaks down revealing the bright, vibrant red, orange, and yellow tones.
Orange leaves can be seen because of carotene in the leaves – such as those of a Sugar Maple. Yellow leaves have xanthophyll that gives it the bright color of sunshine. Some oaks, birches, and aspen trees change to this color. Lastly, and one of the most unique colors is red because the color is not already present under the green, but is created when the chlorophyl is broken down. When you see these bold leaves on Red Maples, and Scarlet Oaks, you now know they are special.
How cool that we live in a place where nature shows us its beauty differently in every season!
Forever Cairn was founded with humble beginnings in 2017 by Tricia Williams, who wanted to start a business that would give back. A lover of the great outdoors, Tricia’s goal was to share her passion for saving the planet while also embracing her creative side. Coming in contact with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization that plants one tree for every dollar donated, was what tied her whole vision together: purchasing with a purpose. Upon building this partnership with One Tree Planted, Forever Cairn has committed to donating $1 with every purchase, which goes toward global reforestation.
A cairn is a mound of rocks balanced on top of one another, built to guide hikers by marking a specific trail. Each rock signifies strength, balance, and guidance. Forever Cairn’s name was born out of Tricia Williams’ desire to pave a life full of nature loving for her children, inspired by the cairn itself.
As of September 2021, Forever Cairn has planted over 5,500 trees… and it doesn’t stop there.
Team members of Forever Cairn handcraft jewelry from their own studio, while also sourcing fair-trade from women artisans in India. This dynamic collective of artists and environmental activism is what makes Tricia’s mission of building a nature-focused community possible.
