Leader: Marney Bruce In early October, shortly after the fall equinox, the contracting days and lengthening nights spur changes in the plant community. On this walk, we will notice color changes in the trees and shrubs. We’ll observe the plants in all stages of shutting down for winter. An abundance of autumn fruits feed the migrating birds and animals as they prepare for colder, harsher weather to come. While we’ll focus mostly on plant life, we won’t ignore the birds and late-season insects who will round out our ecological excursion along the C&O Canal.