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The Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) gets its name from the way the leaves quake in the wind. The aspens grow in large colonies, often starting from a single seedling and spreading underground only to sprout another tree nearby. For this reason, it is considered to be one of the largest single organisms in nature. During the spring and summer, the aspens use sunlight and chlorophyll to create food necessary for the tree’s growth. In the fall, as the days get shorter and colder, the naturally green chlorophyll breaks down and the leaves stop producing food. Other pigments are now visible, causing the leaves to take on beautiful orange and gold colors. These colors can vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. For instance, when autumn is warm and rainy, the leaves are less colorful. This aspen grove was photographed along the Arizona Trail near Bismarck Lake in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Photographer Jeff Goulden has combined his lifelong passion for photography and his love of the natural world, creating a portfolio that reveals nature in its pure and simple beauty. Growing up in the Puget Sound region of Washington State gave Jeff the opportunity to pursue hiking, canoeing, backpacking, mountain climbing and other outdoor adventures. Jeff is now based in Northern Arizona where he continues to hike, mountain bike and cross country ski. As always, his camera accompanies him on his many outdoor adventures. Photography is Jeff's artistic medium with which to share his love of nature and wilderness. Jeff received his Bachelors in Business Administration and Information Science from Pacific Lutheran University in...