Natural History Wanderings

California Fall Color  reports

Passing Martis Creek Meadow (CA 267 between Northstar and Brockway Summit) on the Labor Day weekend, quaking aspen along the edges of the grove appeared to be approaching peak.

However, on closer inspection, these aspen are blighted. The yellow and orange seen above is not fall color change. It’s aspen blight.

Martis Creek Meadow (6,500’), Just Starting (0-10%) – A third of the trees are blighted, have turned brown or dropped leaves. Willows near the creek are glowing yellow-orange and near peak. As yet, no significant color change can be seen in the Sierra, though occasional spots of yellow color are beginning to appear.

See full article and photos at  California Fall Color – Dude, autumn happens here too.