Natural History Wanderings

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following fall color reports for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania,

Illinois

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Just the tips of some leaves are starting to sprout color at Midewin; however, New England Aster is in bloom this week! When other prairie plants may brown and fade this time of year, New England Aster is full of color and life. The blooming period spans a full two months wowing us with gorgeous lavender blooms well into early fall. With approximately 34 miles of hiking trails, 22 of which make way for bicyclists and equestrians, there are many fun ways to enjoy fall colors on the Midewin!

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

Though, some subtle changes are occurring with walnut trees and buckeyes beginning to lose leaves, the Hoosier is still very green and will remain so for a few weeks. There may not be substantial change yet, but fall is in the air!

Michigan

Hiawatha National Forest

Currently the Hiawatha is at 0-5% for fall color. Normally peak season for fall color viewing is the last week in September through the first week in October. Though, we recently received a great deal of rain that could delay peak season.
Ottawa National Forest

On the Ottawa, the leaves are just beginning to display their magnificent fall colors. Currently, you will see a horizon of green tree tops with a peek of color on a number of ash and maple trees. There are so many amazing ways to view the Ottawa’s spectacular fall colors, with breathtaking views of rolling hills dotted with lakes, rivers and waterfalls. By foot, you can check out the beautiful fall colors by hiking to Wolf Mountain, Alligator Eye, Silver Mountain or Bears Den Overlook. Check out the Ottawa’s website for other great recreation opportunities this fall!

Minnesota

Chippewa National Forest

Fall color is slowly starting on the Chippewa, with paper birch turning yellow, and a number of maples turning their brilliant red. A great way to enjoy the changing of the leaves is to hike or drive forests roads. Be sure to take a break from your view from the top, to catch the purple aster wildflowers, which are in abundance. The cool nights are likely to produce some brilliant colors soon!
Superior National Forest

This week, the Superior started to show more signs of color, up to 5%; however, strong winds have blown down many of the leaves returning the woods to only about 1% of peak. Things are changing more quickly, so the percentage should ramp upwards during the next week, moving toward our average peak weeks of the last week of September/first week of October.

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest

Although the majority of leaves are still green on the Allegheny, there is a hint of colors to come!