09-09-2008, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - The relatively dry summer has created the opportunity for a great fall color season, promising an excellent opportunity to get out and enjoy Ohio's state parks, forests and nature preserves, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
While regular rainfall over the summer months is a factor, it is September that sets the stage for the degree of brilliance in the fall. In the month of September, as the days begin to shorten, the weather needs to settle into cool, but not freezing, nights accompanied by bright sunny days to produce the brightest colors.
"So far we are on track for some exciting color in 2008," said Casey Munchel, service forester and fall color expert with the ODNR Division of Forestry.
To help Ohioans plan their seasonal outings, ODNR will be posting weekly fall color updates beginning the last week of September-first week of October. Fall color forecasts will be available at ohiodnr.com. The department's web page will post reports on current peak viewing opportunities at state parks, forests, and nature preserves. The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism will also be launching their fall color website in the upcoming weeks, which will include more information about other autumn weekend getaways around the state.
Leaves begin to turn color first in northern Ohio around the end of September and finish out in southern Ohio at the end of October. Ohio is an especially great place to enjoy fall color because of the over 100 tree species that call this state home.
While regular rainfall over the summer months is a factor, it is September that sets the stage for the degree of brilliance in the fall. In the month of September, as the days begin to shorten, the weather needs to settle into cool, but not freezing, nights accompanied by bright sunny days to produce the brightest colors.
"So far we are on track for some exciting color in 2008," said Casey Munchel, service forester and fall color expert with the ODNR Division of Forestry.
To help Ohioans plan their seasonal outings, ODNR will be posting weekly fall color updates beginning the last week of September-first week of October. Fall color forecasts will be available at ohiodnr.com. The department's web page will post reports on current peak viewing opportunities at state parks, forests, and nature preserves. The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism will also be launching their fall color website in the upcoming weeks, which will include more information about other autumn weekend getaways around the state.
Leaves begin to turn color first in northern Ohio around the end of September and finish out in southern Ohio at the end of October. Ohio is an especially great place to enjoy fall color because of the over 100 tree species that call this state home.