Brian Lerer on WNYC and for our final minutes today, we note the changing of the calendar.

Happy October, everyone.

Our listeners' favorite month by far, we learned in our recent thoroughly

on scientific newsletter survey. And one of the biggest reasons is that this is the month

of fall foliage for most of our region. So listeners will open up the phones for you right now

and talk to a guest who definitely knows her fall foliage.

What is your favorite leaf peeping spot?

Where around the tri-state do you head for the best fall foliage?

Got any favorite trees you've been able to identify over the years?

Individual trees, certain ones you look out for.

Give us a call 212-433 WNYC, 212-433-9-692. You can also text that number.

And joining us now to explain some of the science behind leaves changing colors in autumn is Mariel Anzalone, urban botanist and ecologist and founder of New York City Wildflower Week.

Hey, Mariel, welcome back to WNYC.

Hi, Brian.

It's so nice to be back.

So it's definitely what you'd call pre-peak in the immediate New York City area, but some leaves are starting to change.

What are we seeing right now?

Yes, it is pre-peak.

And some plants respond more quickly to the cues that all plants will be following as they're gearing up towards winter.

So there are some plants that are early.

Poison Ivy is actually one of them.

And there are a number of other plants that have, and it's actually really interesting.

...