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Peak fall colors in the Valley expected by week’s end
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YOUNGSTOWN
Spring and summer greens still permeate the area’s foliage, but splashes of autumn oranges and reds are beginning to appear.
Within the next week or so, experts say, those bright, bold bursts of fall hues will reach their peak.
“I have noticed with this run of two or three weeks of really dry and really hot weather that some trees have kind of turned brown and dropped their leaves,” said Casey Burdick, Ohio Department of Natural Resources fall color forecaster. “But I still expect that parks and more woodland trees should be able to show a lot of really nice colors over the next week or two.”
This year, spring and summer conditions led some leaves to change a bit prematurely.
“Across Ohio, we had a little bit of early fall color that was brought on by the really wet spring and summer months that we had,” Burdick said. “A lot of those leaves have dropped at this point, the really early changing ones.”
For leaves to change color, sunny days, cool nights and moderate rainfall are needed.
Across the state, ODNR has found that about 25 percent of the leaves have changed. Here in the Valley, experts expect peak fall colors in mid-October. Burdick said the end of October’s second full week should be the prime time to enjoy the brightest colors.
ODNR offers a fall color guide on its website at fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov. The website includes weekly color updates, videos highlighting fall color hot spots and information on autumn activities.
“Ohio in particular is great because we have over 100 different tree species,” Burdick said. “And they vary slightly from north to south, so people really have the opportunity to see great fall color, starting now through the end of October, if they just want to travel south and watch it progress.”
Locally, Mill Creek MetroParks has some fall foliage-themed activities planned.
On Oct. 22, for example, the MetroParks will host a “canine color hike” as part of the MetroMutts program. People are invited to bring their canine companions for a walk around the Lily Pond that will provide an opportunity to see fall colors in that area.
Also on Oct. 22, the MetroParks will host a nature photography program that will teach the best ways to capture fall foliage on camera. For a full calendar of events, visit www.millcreekmetroparks.org.
Even if a scheduled program isn’t for you, park officials encourage community members to simply visit the park and enjoy the changing of the season.
“Come out anywhere. Find a place to sit or walk,” said Carol Vigorito, MetroParks recreation and education director.
Vigorito offered a few suggested locations to view the autumn scenery.
“The prettiest place, I think, is along Lake Glacier,” she said. “If you’re on the west side [of the lake], and you’re looking across the lake, you can see the east side reflected in the water. ... It’s just beautiful.”
Vigorito also recommended the area near the Suspension Bridge and anywhere with water nearby.
“The park is beautiful this time of year, whether it’s raining or the sun’s out,” Vigorito said. “Anywhere in the park is a great place to be.”