Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2017

Eastern Sierra Fall Color Facebook Group

Facebook has an Eastern Sierra Fall Color group.  There are many good photos of Eastern Sierra fall foliage with dates and general locations. To participate you have to sign-up and agree to group guidelines/rules. If you are considering going to see fall color on the east side of the Sierras it is definitely worth a look. Check it out: Eastern Sierra Fall Color

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2017

California Fall Color Updates 10/3/17

California Fall Color has a number of new reports

Plumas County –  Hideaway Road and Round Valley Road to the Round Valley reservoir, then up from there to the top, and back down to Canyon Dam near Lake Almanor.He found the Canyon Dam side not as far along with weeks to go until peak color. Though the dogwoods are coming along and bigleaf maples are half way there.River bottoms along Wolf Creek in Greenville are full of yellows and reds beside Hideaway Road.A tree that is often confused (wild locust) are in full yellow. Jeff reports that the higher you go in the area,  the longer it seems the color will take to peak, though the valley floor is turning fast.
Plumas County (3,500’) – Patchy (10-50%) See photos at Plumas County Fills With Color

Big Pine Creek – there’s still some snow on the ground at over 10,000’.
Big Pine Creek (10,000’) – Peak GO NOW! See photos at  Big Pine Creek – Snow Still at 10,000’

Los Angeles National Forest –  the few bigleaf maple are at or near peak color are found between 4000’ and 6000′.
The Sheep Mountain Wilderness in San Gabriel National Monument along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and its tributaries provides the best color.
“It is a remote area with very few trails, but the maples are accessible along the Mine Gulch trail from Vincent Gap (Vincent Gulch Divide) on the Angeles Crest Highway. There is plenty of poison oak this year in very beautiful shades of pink and red, at peak now at elevations near 5000′ and moving down.
Sheep Mountain Wilderness, San Gabriel National Monument (4,000-6,000’) – Near Peak to Peak GO NOW!  See photos at  Spotting Color: Angeles National Forest

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 3, 2017

Santa Monica Mountains Bird Festival 11/4/17

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

Plumas County Fall Color 10/2/17

 Awesome Autumn in Plumas County, California has photos and reports showing good color in Quincy and reporting “The Aspen trees are happening NOW at Antelope Lake.”

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

San Juan National Forest 10/2/17

San Juan National Forest reports

Estimated Percentage of Current Fall Foliage:
Durango to Purgatory – 75%
Molas Pass – 90%
Silverton/Red Mtn Pass – 85%-0%
Pagosa – 35%
Dolores to Lizard Head Pass – 75%
Mancos/La Platas – 60%
Ouray to Telluride – 75%

Areas with Greatest Amount of Color / Recommended Viewing Areas: Purgatory to Coalbank.  Telluride, Ridgeway to Rico. Many areas show a large variation within a small distance this year.  Green to yellow to gone on the same hillside.

Estimated Peak Viewing Period: Should still be some great areas thru the coming weekend.

Viewing Suggestions / Tips: Anything over about 50% should be good for photography.  This can vary even across small areas.If you’re driving slow and taking pictures, pull over and let the thru traffic pass. Weather should be clear again until mid-week.

Trees That Are Currently Turning Color: Aspen and Oak brush are best right now. Some choke cherry, service berry, and Box Elder trees.

For More Information on Fall Colors Please Contact: San Juan Public Lands Center, Durango (970) 247-4874

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

Appalachian Fall Color October 1, 2017

 Department of Biology | Appalachian State University reports on Fall Color Report for Week of October 1, 2017

Today I had the pleasure of hiking to the top of Elk Knob State Park with Dave and Jan Crotts, long-time followers of my fall color prognostications. It was the first time we had met in person, and we had a very enjoyable and leisurely hike to the top. Because of the low humidity today, the air was clear and crisp, and we could see for miles and miles.

So, what is the state of the leaves? In one word: green! The warm period last week really slowed down color development. However, the past two days the temperatures have been cool, with lows in Boone around 43 F, and highs only in the 60s. This should speed up color development, but it still has a long way to go. I’d rate the forests around Elk Knob at only 20% of the way there – you can see trees starting to color up, but they have at least a week to go, and maybe more. I’d say next weekend should better than this one, and the week following through to that next weekend even better.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

Birding The Richmond Bay Trail 10/2/17

Today we did a short birding walk along the Richmond Bay Trail. It was sunny, windy with white caps on the bay, early afternoon and between high and low tide. Not the best conditions for birding. We did see 15 species, which is a  less than usual for the area. Most numerous were the White-crowned Sparrows flitting in and out of the shrubs and trees.

Great Egret

Click Read more to see today’s bird list.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

Monday Morning California Fall Color Updates 10/2/17

California Fall Color has a number of new reports this morning

North Lake – the aspen along North Lake Road, North Lake and high areas of Bishop Creek Canyon nearing peak, as seen in her photographs. See photos at North Lake Nears Peak

  • North Lake Road (9,000′) – Near Peak GO NOW!
  • North Lake (9,225′) – Near Peak GO NOW!
  • Groves Above Cardinal Village – Near Peak GO NOW!

High Sierra – Hope Valley/Monitor Pass/Woodford’s Canyon -peak is likely a week away in the Hope Valley, although aspen in Woodford’s Canyon near Sorenson’s Resort are now Near Peak…. the aspen seem to be so healthy in this area (not what they were last year at this time) of the Northern Sierra (CA-88) that the show should be bright and vibrant. See photos at Near Peak Aspen Surround Sorenson’s

  • Monitor Pass (8,314′) – Patchy (10-50%)
  • Woodford’s Canyon (7,000′) – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW!
  • Hope Valley (7,300′) – Patchy (10-50%)
Lassen Park –  willows surrounding Manzanita Lake (northwest entrance) are golden with “hints of orange” and are in the Near Peak range. Rabbitbrush continue to show blooms, with Lassen Peak in the background, across the lake. Alder leaves, dented with black spot, still proudly shine newly golden as they lose their green. See photos at Sometimes, Fall Color Crawls

  • Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (2,900′) – Transitioning from Patchy to Near Peak (10 – 75%)
Golden Gate Park – the park’s striking Conservatory of Flowers looked brilliant in the morning light, but he hastened to the Japanese Tea Garden via Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive and was delivered a treat. There were juxtapositions of yellow gingko starting to turn, and Japanese tiger lily (Lilium leichtlinii) with red leaves to overlayed. Inside the Tea Garden, color change was Just Starting (it’s an early November peak, normally), as the large ginkgo trees and most of the Japanese Maple still lacked color. See photos at September in Golden Gate Park

  • Golden Gate Park, San Francisco – Just Starting (0-10%)

Gold Country – Non-native, landscaped maples are lighting up Grass Valley in hues of orange and salmon. See photo at  Exotics Light Up Grass Valley – California Fall Color

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

 New England Fall Color 10/2/17

New England Today ‘s map shows that parts of eastern and northern Maine  and northern New Hampshire are peaking. The rest of New England is showing moderate pre-peak color. Check out the map and follow fall color changes at Live Fall Foliage Map – New England Today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 2, 2017

How Climate Change Is Impacting World’s Oldest Trees

The LA Times reports on how climate change is impacting Bristlecone Pine Forests, world’s oldest trees.

the world’s oldest trees may never have experienced temperature increases as rapid as those of recent decades. The climatic changes have triggered a struggle for dominance, in very slow motion, between the ancient bristlecones and the younger limber pines that have been able to charge up-slope as conditions become warmer and wetter.

Read story at  Ancient bristlecone pine forests are being overwhelmed by climate change – LA Times

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2017

Birding Albany Mudflats 10/1/2017

Today we went birding at the Albany mudflats. The Albany Mudflats Ecological Reserve are tidal mudflats at the mouths of Codornices, Village, and Marin Creeks, between the Albany Bulb peninsula and Pt. Isabel. There is  as an important habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds.

It was  low tide and there were a good number of  waterbirds and shorebirds today. There were many  American Avocets and American Wigeon.  Also in good number were Green-wing Teal, Marbled Godwits, American Coots,  Northern Shovelers, Western Gulls, and Ring-billed Gulls  We identified twenty-six different bird species. Also seen were Anise Swallowtail and Cabbage White Butterflies and ground squirrels.

Click Read more to see today’s bird list

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2017

Coconino National Forest Fall Color 9/30/17

Coconino National Forest reports

Color is just beginning to dust the north side of the San Francisco Peaks. Typically around Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim, the first strong color shows up in late September, and colors peak the first two weeks of October. West Fork and Oak Creek Canyon typically peak around the third week of October. Sedona and the Verde Valley don’t typically turn until the end of October and into November. This page will be filled out and updated regularly as we get information and the season progresses.

The season is just getting started! This report is in the process of being redesigned. Pardon our dust! In addition to regular status updates, we’ll be adding more sites and recommendations, and making things prettier. Check back often!

Best Bets

The following recreation opportunities are the best bets for fall color for the weekend of September 30, 2017.

Notes on Lockett Meadow and Inner Basin Trail

Read more and see photos at Coconino National Forest 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2017

Colorado Fall Color 9/30/17

Michael Frye reports on his blog

By Colorado standards this is a below-average year for autumn color. Apparently a mid-May snowstorm damaged some of the just-sprouting aspen leaves, and those leaves are turning brown or dull yellow before falling off.

But many of the aspens seem to be undamaged. And it’s Colorado after all, where there are so many aspens that even in a “poor” year you can find plenty of colorful trees. And we’ve had some great weather, with rain, snow, fog, and lots of interesting clouds.

See photos and full post at Colorado Autumn – Michael Frye Photography

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2017

Native Plant Sale 10/7/17

Regional Parks Botanic Garden Fall Plant Sale Saturday October 7

Fall is the best time to plant many California natives. Choose from a huge selection of California native plants at our annual fall sale to benefit the Garden.

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friends of RPBG members only.
Memberships may be purchased starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Botanic Garden on October 7.
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Open to the public.
Sale held at Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Regional Park.
Entrance to the sale will be at the Botanic Garden’s west gate on Anza View Drive via Wildcat Canyon Road.

Bring your own small wagon or boxes
Plenty of fun and expert advice!
Plant List

Free parking and no entrance fee.
Directions: The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is located at the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive  within Tilden Regional Park in the hills above Berkeley, California. Google Map

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | October 1, 2017

Botanic Gardens Save Endangered Plants 

The  BBC  reports

The world’s botanic gardens contain about a third of all known plants and help protect 40% of endangered species, a study has found.

Scientists say that with one in five of the world’s plants on the brink of extinction, botanic collections hold the key to saving rare plant life.

Read story at Botanic gardens ‘best hope’ for saving endangered plants – BBC News

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2017

California Fall Color Reports 9/30/17 Updated

Updated

California Fall Color has the following new reports

Lassen National Park

  • Panther Meadow (8,000′) – Peak (75-100%) – Shasta knotweed have carpeted the meadow with peak crimson leaves, though the remainder of the meadow was just beginning to change color, and Shanda saw some late blooming wildflowers in the meado
  • McCloud River Falls Trail (3,000′) – Just Starting  (0-10%) – Indian Rhubarb is just beginning to promise giant flame orange fan leaves along the McCloud River. A quarter of the Pacific Dogwood growing beside the river are giving off intense ruby and lime.

See photos at Way Up North Two Firsts

 

Hope Valley – the valley’s photogenic cabin (2 miles east of Red Lake on CA88 at 7,400′) surrounded by a few of the aspen that are changing in the valley. The rest along the highway and on the mountainside above the cabins are still green.

  • At 7,200′ in elevation the old California Trail, Reedy wrote, “cuts across 88 right there which was used back in the 1840s.  That was the only place along the entire trip from Silver Lake to Tahoe with bright yellow color.”
  • Phillip said last year at this time, the route was peaking and anticipates it will be Near Peak to Peak by next weekend, in time for the Alpine Aspen Festival. It is likely to stay at peak for the next two weeks.

See photos at Hope Valley Begins to Happen

Tahoe – fall color is turning at the lake with aspen and maples developing quickly, yet a week away from peak color. The weather is glorious.

  • North Lake Tahoe (6,250′) – Patchy (10-50%) See photos at Tahoe Turns

Shasta Cascade –  we’re getting early reports of fall color from the Northern Sierra and Cascades.

Admittedly, the color is at the starting to patchy phase, but still, the photos don’t lie. Even valley locations in the northern Central Valley, like Colusa, are showing early color.
We’re not close to issuing a GO NOW! alert, as too few photos have been received to indicate a trend, though will be watching closely. What a weird year!

  • Westwood (Lassen County) – Patchy (10-50%) – Chris Gallagher, Lassen County District 1 Supervisor, sent a photo of patchy cottonwood near a Westwood barn to score a First Report. Westwood was a lumber mill town, east of Lake Almanor and beside the lovely (bring your kayak) Mountain Meadows Reservoir and Dyer Mountain, the northernmost point in the Sierra Nevada.
  • Fall River – Patchy (10-50%) – Martha Fletcher reports that the Fall River area, particularly Upper Fall River near the Spinner Fall Lodge remains Patchy with the color at 50% and showing shades of yellow, gold, some reds and green from willow, black oak and river grasses.
  • Colusa – Patchy (10-50%) – Mountain ash have brightened in Colusa (Central Valley), Nancy Hull reports. Several National Wildlife Refuges are located near Colusa, which is a great location for wildlife viewing in autumn.

See photos at  SHASTA CASCADE ON PACE FOR EARLY PEAK 

Mammoth/South –  ortunately, none of the areas south of Mammoth Lakes have neared peak, though all of them moved from Just Starting to Patchy. Here’s what he reported on Wednesday:

  • Mammoth Lakes Basin (8,500′) – Patchy (10-50-%) 
  • Lake George (9,000′) –Patchy (10-50-%) 
  • Mammoth Rock (9,100′) –Patchy (10-50-%) 
  • Laurel Meadow (9,000′) –Patchy (10-50-%) 
  • Convict Lake (8,500′) – Patchy (10-50-%) – Convict Lake is gorgeous right now. Golden willows have ringed the lake with lime-yellow color. Some of the smaller groves near the backside of the lake have turned orange. Convict Lake is on the edge of transitioning to Near Peak.
  • McGee Creek (9,000′) –Patchy (10-50-%) – Aspen near the pack station have begun turning. It’s best around late afternoon. Look for lots of lime and yellow.
  • Rock Creek  (9,000′) – Patchy (10-50%) –  Like many of the upper areas, Rock Creek is off to a late start. The color begins at level 7,500′, but is just starting there. The best color is seen above the Rock Creek Resort.

See photos at MAMMOTH/SOUTH ALL PATCHY, PEAK NEARS

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2017

10 Northern California Fall Color Hotspots

KCRA3 has an article with pictures of 10 top Northern California places to see fall color at 10 NorCal areas to visit for best fall foliage.

They include

  • Sonoma County
  • Sugarloaf Ridge
  • Napa Valley
  • Quincy
  • Plumas County
  • Hope Valley
  • Mammoth Lakes
  • Bishop Creek Canyon
  • Amador County
  • Avenue of the Giants

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 30, 2017

National Parks Struggle With Overcrowding

The New York Times reports

the number of park visitors has reached an unprecedented level, leaving many tourists frustrated and many environmentalists concerned about the toll of overcrowding.

Read full story at National Parks Struggle With a Mounting Crisis: Too Many Visitors

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2017

Great Smoky Fall Color 9/29/17

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  reports

Fall Color Report- Fall color continues to emerge throughout the Smokies. The highest elevations in the park, around 6,000 ft., are exhibiting great color right now. The yellows of the mountain ash, beech, and birch trees along with the oranges and reds of witch hobble dominate the drive along Clingmans Dome Road. Looking into the valleys and along the mountainsides, however, the view is still predominantly green, with hints of color dispersed throughout the forests. Perhaps more notable now are the fall wildflowers including cardinal flower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, great blue lobelia, skunk goldenrod, southern harebell, ironweed, and a variety of asters.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2017

Blue Ridge Parkway Fall Color 9/28/17

Asheville NC Fall Foliage Color 2017 reports

September 28, 2017 Update: Spotty color is appearing in the highest regions. While color started a little early due to cool weather, the last two weeks of summertime temperatures have slowed the transition. More warm weather coming this week, so color change will be slow. Best color now along the Blue Ridge Parkway is found in the Grandfather Mountain area. The Craggy Gardens summits and popular Graveyard Fields are past peak due to Irma’s high winds taking down so many leaves, but valley views are green. Watch for more updates on our Facebook page.
Weather Outlook: Much cooler this weekend (finally!), but plenty of sun. Bring a jacket for higher elevations. Above normal temperatures will return during the first half of October.

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2017

Eastern National Forests Fall Color 9/29/17

Eastern Region National Forests reports

Illinois
Leaves are starting to fall, and yellows and oranges are starting to become visible in the trees of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The prairie fields are also full of color with the blues yellows, and whites from asters and goldenrod. For a nice hike to take in fall splendor on the Midewin, check out the Prairie Creek Woods Trail.

The Shawnee National Forest is about 8% leaf color change. The oak, hickory and elm trees have a touch of bright yellow and brown, while the sassafras and sweet gum trees are beginning to turn red. Southern Illinois has had very little rain this fall and leaves are beginning to cover the forest floor.

Indiana
The Hoosier National Forest is still in the very early stages of color. The black gums are beginning to turn purple on their way to scarlet red, while walnut are turning their bright yellow and sumacs a brilliant red.  Otherwise, throughout the Forest you will find random maples displaying bright yellows, oranges and reds, and a hickory tree turning its stunning golden yellow. Most of the cottonwoods and sycamore trees are almost bare. In town, ornamental trees are beginning to show off.  The coming weekend is predicted to be more fall like with cooler days and night time temps in the 50’s.  Pack up your camping gear and come enjoy the sights of fall on the Hoosier!

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 29, 2017

October 2017 Birding Field Trips

October 2017 Golden Gate Audubon Birding Field Trips

For more information on any of the trips below go to http://goldengateaudubon.org/field-trips/fieldtrips/

  • Las Gallinas Storage Pond, San Rafael Sunday, October 1, 8:00 — 11:00 a.m.
  • San Francisco Botanical Garden Sunday, October 1, 8:00 — 10:30 a.m. (First Sunday bird walk)
  • Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley Friday, October 6, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m. (First Friday bird walk)
  • Heron’s Head Park, San Francisco (Centennial Bird Walk) Sunday October 8, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m.…that’s right…2:30 PM!! The trip is limited to 25 participants and advance registration is required.
  • Lafayette-Moraga Trail, Lafayette Sunday, October 8, 8:30 — 10:30 a.m.
  • Chain of Lakes, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Sunday, October 8, 8:30 — 11:30 a.m.
  • Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Oakland Friday, October 13, 8:30 — 10:30 a.m. (Second Friday bird walk)
  • Audubon Canyon Ranch Martin Griffin Preserve, Bolinas Lagoon, Marin County
    (Centennial bird walk) Saturday, October 14, 10:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
  • Fort Mason Community Garden, San Francisco Sunday, October 15, 8:00 — 10:00 a.m. (Third Sunday bird walk)
  • Hilltop Lake Park, Richmond Wednesday, October 18, 9:00 — 10:45 a.m.
  • Corona Heights, San Francisco Friday, October 20, 8 — 10 a.m. (Third Friday bird walk)
  • Wilcox Staging Area, part of Sibley Preserve, Oakland (Note: this is NOT on Skyline Blvd. Read the directions!) (Centennial bird walk) Sunday, October 22, 9:00 — 11:00 a.m.
  • Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park, Oakland Wednesday, October 25, 9:30 a.m. – noon (Fourth Wednesday bird walk)
  • Berkeley Meadows and Eastshore State Park, Berkeley Saturday, October 28, 7:30 — 10:30 a.m.
  • Valle Vista Staging Area, Upper San Leandro Reservoir, Moraga
    Sunday, October 29, 8:30 a.m. — Noon

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

2nd Yosemite Rockfall, Injury At El Capitan 

NPR reports

A day after one climber was killed and another injured, a larger rockfall has hurt someone in the same place in California’s Yosemite National Park.

Climber Ryan Sheridan tells the Associated Press that the new slab that fell from El Capitan — which was full of climbers undetered by Wednesday’s fall — was three times larger than the section that broke off the previous day.

Read full story at New Rockfall, Injury At El Capitan : The Two-Way : NPR

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

California Fall Color Updates for 9/28/17

California Fall Color has new postings for the Eastern Sierra and Plumas County

Round Valley Canyon (4,692′), Plumas County – Near Peak (50-75%) GO NOW! bigleaf maple and dogwood showing Near Peak color in areas of Round Valley Canyon.

Eastern Sierra

A call to Jared Smith at Parcher’s Resort this morning was disheartening, at least for the moment. He reported that the snow that fell last week knocked newly turned leaves from the aspen. And, he was “not impressed” by what is left, for now.

The best areas of fall color in Bishop Creek Canyon, presently, are: Lake Sabrina (high above the lake) and at Groves Above Cardinal Village. Most of the upper areas are patchy with muted orange and gold tones. Peak color can also be found near Mono Lake at Sagehen Meadows

Eastern Sierra – Inyo County

  • Whitney Portal (8,374’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Onion Valley (9,600’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Big Pine Creek (7,660’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery (4,000’) – Just Starting (0-10%)
  • Alabama Hills (4,534’) – Just Starting (0-10%)

Eastern Sierra – Inyo County, Bishop Creek Canyon

  • Weir Pond (9,650’) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
  • Sabrina Campground (9,000’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Willow Campground (9,000’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Table Mountain Camp (8,900’)- Patchy (10 – 50%) – Table Mountain and Surveyor’s Meadow seem to have the best color along South Lake Road, for the moment.
  • Surveyors Meadow (8,975’) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
  • Lake Sabrina (9150ft) – Patchy (10 – 50%) to Peak (75-100%) –Peak color is seen high above Lake Sabrina in groves of aspen growing near 10,000’. However, it has not yet descended to lake level.GO NOW!
  • North Lake (9,255’) – Patchy (10 – 50%)
  • Mist Falls and the groves above Bishop Creek Lodge (8,350’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Aspendell (8,400’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Groves above Cardinal Village (8,550’) – Near Peak (50-75%) – The stunted and weathered aspen here are normally notoriously early, but not this year. Presently, they are a deep orange color and should peak in the coming week.
  • Four Jeffries (8,000’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Intake II (8,000’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)
  • Big Trees Campground (7,800’) – Just Starting (0 – 10%)

Eastern Sierra – Walker River – Just Starting (0-10%)“just a little gold peaking out” among the willows and in the aspen along the canyon’s walls.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

Coconino National Forest Fall Color 9/27/17

Coconino National Forest reports

Color is just beginning to dust the north side of the San Francisco Peaks. Typically around Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim, the first strong color shows up in late September, and colors peak the first two weeks of October. West Fork and Oak Creek Canyon typically peak around the third week of October. Sedona and the Verde Valley don’t typically turn until the end of October and into November. This page will be filled out and updated regularly as we get information and the season progresses.

The season is just getting started! This report is in the process of being redesigned. Pardon our dust! In addition to regular status updates, we’ll be adding more sites and recommendations, and making things prettier. Check back often!

Best Bets

The following recreation opportunities are the best bets for fall color for the weekend of September 30, 2017.

 

Read more and see photos at Coconino National Forest 

 

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

Maine Fall Color 9/27/17

Maine Foliage Home reports

The Fall Foliage Report from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports 70 percent color for the upcoming weekend in northern Maine, while the rest of the state is at 30 to 50 percent color change with low leaf drop throughout the state.

Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the state’s progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-to-late October.

“To bring about the intensity of the autumn colors, we look forward to the warm days followed by cool nights. As the days begin to get shorter and the nights longer, the dazzle will soon be visible in central, southern, coastal and western mountains of Maine,” according to Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

Read More…

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

Rocky Mt. National Park Fall Color 9/28/17

Afield Trails has a fall color report for Rocky Mt. National Park with predictions for the week of September 28. See photos and learn about Afield Trails app for Rocky Mt. National Park at Current Aspen Conditions, 2017 – Afield Trails

The cold and wet weather this week will likely quicken the dropping of leaves and reduce the length of the leaf-peeping season, but there is still plenty of color to be seen. The aspens at lower elevations are finally changing and you will be able to find fall foliage throughout the park if you visit this weekend.

As in weeks past, the terrain along Bear Lake Road offers the most stunning vistas of autumn color, in my opinion. The whole east-facing hillside between the Bierstadt Lake trailhead and the Bear Lake parking area is full of color: red, orange, and yellow groves form a brilliant aspen tapestry. A few stands here and there retain their green leaves adding to the mosaic of color, but most of the leaves are now splendidly autumnal in their appearance.

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

 New England Fall Color 9/28/17

New England Today ‘s map shows that leaves have started to turn throughout New England with parts of northern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine showing moderate pre-peak color. Check out the map and follow fall color changes at Live Fall Foliage Map – New England Today

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 28, 2017

California Leading U.S. Climate Change Policy

The New York Times reports on how California is leading the nation in implementing Climate Change policy.

The Trump administration may appear to control climate policy in Washington, but the nation’s most dynamic environmental regulator is here in California.

Mary D. Nichols, California’s electric-car-driving, hoodie-wearing, 72-year-old air quality regulator, is pressing ahead with a far-reaching agenda of environmental and climate actions. She says she will not let the Trump administration stand in her way.

As chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, or CARB, Ms. Nichols is the de facto enforcer of the single biggest step the United States has taken to combat the effects of climate change: standards adopted under the Obama administration that mandate a deep cut in emissions from the 190 million passenger cars on America’s roads. Together, those vehicles regularly emit more earth-warming gases than the country’s power plants.

Read full story at U.S. Climate Change Policy: Made in California

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Posted by: Sandy Steinman | September 27, 2017

Yosemite Rock Fall – One Fatality & One Injured

Rockfall in Yosemite National Park

A rockfall of undetermined size occurred in Yosemite National Park this afternoon at about 1:55 p.m. this afternoon. The rockfall was reported to have happened from El Capitan, a granite monolith above Yosemite Valley. The release point appears to be near the “Waterfall Route”, a popular climbing route on the East Buttress of El Capitan. This is the area where Horsetail Fall flows in winter and spring conditions.
Yosemite National Park Rangers and Yosemite Search and Rescue are currently on scene assessing the situation. The park helicopter is currently flying and also assessing the situation.
There is one confirmed fatality and one injured person. Park Rangers are working to transport the injured person to receive medical care.outside of the park. .
This is the climbing season in Yosemite National Park and there are many climbers on El Capitan and other climbing routes in the park.
Yosemite National Park remains open and visitor services are not affected.

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