Welcoming Fall
On Monday, September 22, we will welcome the Fall Equinox: an astronomical event when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, shining its rays directly over Earth’s midline. This alignment results in a day and night of nearly equal length all over the globe! In the Northern Hemisphere, it officially marks the start of autumn. From this point forward, daylight hours gradually decrease as our planet tilts away from the Sun. While Florida’s fall is quieter and more subtle compared to some of the northern states, it is still full of seasonal change for those who know where to look.
Florida’s Subtle Signs of Autumn
Florida’s autumn has its own distinct rhythms, including:
Bird Migration: Each September, the fall migration begins, bringing flocks of birds heading south to warmer grounds. The calls of migratory American kestrels are sharper and more insistent than those of our year-round residents, and are a sound many birders associate with Florida fall!
Seagrass: As water temperatures drop, the rapid summer growth of seagrass slows, marking a seasonal shift in underwater ecosystems.
Changing Leaves: While our canopy doesn’t blaze with the colors of northern forests, native trees like sweetgum, hickory, and ash offer touches of yellow, orange, and red. Sweetgum’s five-pointed leaves change hue over the season, and its spiky seed pods drop to the ground.
Sea Turtle Hatchlings: In late September, many hatchlings are still making their journey from nest to ocean. The longer nights of autumn help shield them from predators and guide them toward the water.
These changes are markers of Florida’s living calendar, and are reminders that the year is turning, even in a subtropical climate.
The Equinox in Myth and Tradition
More than just a calendar date, the equinox is a natural symbol of balance. Just as day and night share the sky in almost equal length for a brief moment, thriving ecosystems depend on balance as well.
Across cultures and centuries, communities around the globe have honored the Equinox with various rituals and stories that reflect themes of harmony, transition, and gratitude. For example, in Greek mythology, the fall equinox signals Persephone’s return to the underworld, marking the waning of sunlight and plant life. In Japan, Higan is a Buddhist observance where families honor ancestors, reflecting on life’s impermanence and the pursuit of harmony.
The themes of respecting nature’s cycles and living in balance guide our work at MAR. The equinox reminds us that every season brings its own turning point, a moment when change is both inevitable and necessary. By planting native trees, cleaning up our coastline, and more, we help ensure that our ecosystems remain steady, resilient, and full of life. Join us at our upcoming events to make a tangible difference and help protect the places we all depend on!
References:
University of Florida. (1996, September 20). Autumn signals seasonal changes – even in Florida, say UF experts. UF News Archive. Retrieved from https://archive.news.ufl.edu/articles/1996/09/autumn-signals-seasonal-changes---even-in-florida-say-uf-experts.html
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (2017, December 21). The seagrasses of Charlotte Harbor. UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Blog. Retrieved from https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2017/12/21/seagrasses-charlotte-harbor/
Hocken, V., & Kher, A. (2025, June 16). Customs around the September equinox. TimeandDate.com. Retrieved fromhttps://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/september-equinox-customs.html
