Special to 1812Blockhouse
While some areas are now seeing near peak conditions of fall color, patchy conditions continue throughout the Buckeye State due to cloudy, rainy weather and warmer temperatures, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“In general, the weather across the state has not been ideal for vibrant fall color development,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “The warm temperatures mixed with cloudy skies and rain have stunted and delayed fall color in some areas; however, some places are still on track to have a good display of yellows, oranges and reds in the coming weeks.”
The fall season is also a good time of year to identify and deal with invasive species. Bush honeysuckle, for example, will generally maintain green leaves after most native species have dropped their leaves. Tree-of-heaven will have large clusters of winged seeds that are held through the winter months, and paulownia trees have large elephant eared leaves that will stay green until they fall to the ground.
Many treatments for removing these invasive species are most effective in autumn and winter. Please contact the Division of Forestry or visit their website for help to learn more about how to identify these species and to learn about effective methods to remove them.
Those interested in finding the most eye-catching leaves throughout the season should check out ODNR’s fall color website, the official guide to the changing colors. The website includes:
- Weekly color updates, a map showing fall color progress and information to help plan a fall color adventure
- Ideas for scenic road trips
- Unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks
- Fun activities to do around the state
Share your fall color photos using #FallinOhio and #OhioFindItHere. For more fall color photos, follow ODNR, Ohio State Parks and Ohio. Find It Here. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ohiodnr, @OHStateParks and @Ohio.FindItHere.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit Forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook @odnrforestry and on Instagram @odnrforestry (instagram.com/odnrforestry).
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Editor’s Note: Fall color chart can be found here.
Source: ODNR