Natural History Wanderings

Eastern Region National Forests have a new for fall foliage report for September 18, 2013

ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST (PENNSYLVANIA) While the leaves are starting to change on the Allegheny, colors only appear across 10 % of the landscape in the north; and 20% in the south. The first colors to pop are golden yellow, burnt orange, and a hint of red. Cooler temperatures have arrived, and we expect the peak for color to occur mid-October.

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST (WISCONSIN) The Chequamegon-Nicolet is holding tight to its summer green, with just a small number of trees showing signs of fall. We expect to see some vivid colors in the next week.

CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST (MINNESOTA) Leaves are just beginning to hint at fall, with color at about 0-10%. Singular Red Maples are beginning to show hints of red, random Black Ash are beginning to soften their green color, showing hints of gold. Lakeshores and wetlands are a good spot to catch early transition in the Ash, with hints of yellow-green to gold.

GREEN MOUNTAIN & FINGER LAKES NATIONAL FORESTS (VERMONT & NEW YORK) Leaves in Vermont and New York are beginning to show early signs of color; though the majority of hard-wood tree species in Vermont and New York have yet to turn. Cool nights and shorter days will bring in-creased color to the higher elevations within the next week.

HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST (INDIANA) The Hoosier continues to be in the beginning stages of fall. It will still be a few weeks before we see any sig-nificant color changes; however, each week we see leaves showing glimpses of fall. Blackgum leaves are deepening their red colors, and splashes of color are visible in the yellow soybean fields. Pumpkins lining the roadways in fields and local farmer stands and markets add to the feeling of fall all around. This weekend is predicted to be perfect with cooler evenings and sunny low 70’s days – a great opportunity for a hike or cam-pout. There are many local festivals going on throughout the rest of September and all of October. Plan a weekend trip and come visit!

MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST (WEST VIRGINIA) The Forest is still seeing a lot of green, with fall colors at just 2-5%.

SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST (ILLINOIS) The foliage in southern Illinois has just begun to turn! Red is showing up on the tips of maple tree leaves, and a hint of yellow is gracing the leaves of the hardwoods. Daily temperatures are in the mid 80’s, lows in the 60’s; the crisp, cooler air is aiding in the arrival of fall color to the region.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST (MINNESOTA) Despite recent frosty mornings, less than 5% of leaves have changed to fall colors. Most of the color is in the understory, with only occasional branches or individual leaves in the canopy. Fall migration is in full swing, with abundant sightings of palm and other warblers, as well as raptors such as broad-winged hawks.