Natural History Wanderings

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following fall color reports for Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Illinois

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Midewin is ablaze with carpets of goldenrod and complementary prairie asters. Native autumn blooms are in full color and will continue for the next few weeks. Bright, cheerful yellow abounds in the blooms of Riddell’s Goldenrod and in the hearty little centers of lavender-leafed New England Aster. Softer Bottle Gentain sprinkles in hues of lavender and periwinkle blue.

“These are the flowers of fall here at Midewin, and their colors complement each other very nicely,” said Midewin Ecologist Bill Glass. “While we still have a few weeks before the leaves on the trees reach peak color, now is the time to catch these native Illinois autumnal blooms. They are part of what makes fall such a special time here at Midewin. You’re bound to see plenty of color right off the trails near the Welcome Center and the Iron Bridge Trail.”

Following are some details about these prairie flowers and where to find them:

• New England Aster prefers moist, rich soils of the prairie. New England Aster usually starts blooming now and into late October. New England Aster and other asters can be quite plentiful and cover large portions of the prairie with bright colors.
• Bottle Gentain grows in areas of full or partial sun, and in moist, rich soil. Bottle Gentain has a shorter season than other autumn blooms. It typically blooms into early October. Bottle gentian is a short plant and not as common as the asters. It may take a little searching to find but the reward is worth the effort.
• Look for Riddell’s Goldenrod on low moist ground in the prairie. Riddell’s Goldenrod, along with other goldenrods, are abundant this time of year. Riddell’s Goldenrod lights up the prairie in September and October and contrasts nicely with the blue asters

 

Indiana

Hoosier National Forest

Trees in the Hoosier are a ‘haze’ of yellow; you can tell fall colors are coming! Currently the lovely blossoms of wildflowers are providing the most beautiful colors. White snakeroot, asters, Joe-pye weed and golden rod are dancing around the roadsides and fields creating an explosion of color. Pumpkins and gourds show off in the fields, as well as in farm stands along the highways and byways. The weather is to be perfect – sunny and 75 during the days and low 50’s at night.  Sounds like a great time for a campout!

Michigan

Hiawatha National Forest

We are still at 0-5% fall color on the Hiawatha. Recent rain seems to be causing a delay in color change. However, we are looking forward to an exceptionally colorful Forest in the next few weeks!
Ottawa National Forest

The fall color season got off to a late start around the Ottawa; however, leaves continue to change throughout the Forest. While fall color coverage varies, visitors will enjoy stretches of brilliant color along major road corridors further inland from Lake Superior. A number of maples are showing off their bright reds, yellows, and oranges. As you travel inland and closer to Lake Superior you will see an obvious difference, ranging from almost no color to 25% color. Start planning your visit to the Ottawa to catch a glimpse of fall in the north woods. Remember, this is hunting season, so please wear orange when you are out in the Forest! Check out the recreation section of the Ottawa’s website when planning your fall visit!

 

Minnesota

Chippewa National Forest

The leaves are changing this week in the Chippewa, with aspen and paper birch turning a bright yellow and the maples beautiful shades of red. Enjoy a drive on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway (State highway 38 north of Grand Rapids) where you’ll find about 50% of fall color, or bike along the Migizi Trail near Cass Lake in the fresh, crisp autumn air. Looking forward to more vibrant fall color coming soon in the Forest!
Superior National Forest

Fall has progressed rapidly on the Superior over the last few days.  While the North Shore of Lake Superior remains at around 25 to 50%, inland areas are near peak and may be at their best in time for this weekend! See current fall color pictures, estimates of percent of peak, as well as stories and quotes about fall on the Superior’s fall color page.

 

New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest

Currently fall color on the White Mountain is moderate at about 20-30%. Through the majority of green foliage, you will find some brilliant pops of yellow and orange. To catch some of the beginnings of color, check out the Lincoln Woods Suspension Bridge, “The Eddy” on Mad River, or Campton Pond.

 

Pennsylvania

Allegheny National Forest

There is still little color change throughout the Allegheny, with leaves at 5-10%. Yellow is the predominant color in the midst of greens and a smattering of brilliant red. Plan a trip close to Columbus Day (Oct. 10) to catch a beautiful array of fall colors!

 

Vermont

Green Mountain National Forest

Thanks to shorter days and cooler nighttime temperatures, fall has arrived on the Green Mountain, ushering in one of nature’s most magnificent seasons. In the Forest’s higher elevations, fall colors are expected to be most vibrant during the next couple of weeks.

 

West Virginia

Monogahela National Forest

It’s been dry in the Mountain State. Leaves on the Monongahela are changing, but into muted colors and then falling off the trees quickly. However, rain predicted this week could perk things up! You can expect peak color in the higher elevations (Spruce Knob or Highland Scenic Highway) during the first week in October. Lower elevations (Lake Sherwood or Seneca Rocks) will peak in later weeks.

*Mark your calendar for October 1-9, and plan to attend the Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins, West Virginia. The Festival is one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia, continuing to promote the beauty and splendor of our mountains and valleys in all their autumn glory and promoting prudent development, conservation and culture of our abundant natural resources for the future.

 

Wisconsin

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Sites throughout the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest’s Lakewood-Laona Ranger District are still a bit green; however, predicted rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast should bring out brilliant color. To catch some emerging fall color right now, check out Richardson Lake and consider breaking out the camping gear!