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Sep
16
Written by:
news editor
9/16/2011 1:00 AM
Forecasting how vivid and durable fall color will be is not an exact science, but like spring flowers and summer sunshine, fall color surely will arrive in Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OH - Forecasting how vivid and durable fall color will be is not an exact science, but like spring flowers and summer sunshine, fall color surely will arrive in Ohio. Casey Burdick, fall color forester for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), says Ohioans can expect to see the state’s woodlands awash in a rich palette of textures in hues – barring any major wind or rain storms.
Fall foliage forecasters must take into account several variables such as sunlight, temperature, rainfall, and wind when predicting the brilliance and longevity of Ohio’s autumn color. Bright, sunny September days and cool nights tend to make the red, orange, and bronze colors in leaves more intense. Early frosts often cause trees to prematurely build a barrier between the leaves and branches. This barrier – known as an abscission layer – prevents carbohydrates and water from passing in and out of leaves, thus turning leaves “ahead of schedule.” Dry conditions can produce a delay in leaf color change while windstorms knock down leaves, quickly drawing a curtain on fall’s color parade.
Hard Science
A decrease in daylight hours triggers an autumnal transformation in some trees. This shift causes green chlorophyll to break down, revealing the gold, yellow, orange, and brown hues of Ohio’s beech, birch, and hickory trees.
The leaves of many “sugary” trees such as maples, dogwoods, and sweet gums, undergo a chemical change prompted by the arrival of mid to-late September’s cool nights and sunny days. The leaves of these trees react with a showy display of deep red, purple, russet and bronze shades.
Making the most of Ohio’s Fall Color
The ODNR fall color Webpage is the premier guide to Ohio’s fall color season, posting weekly color updates and information to help plan leaf-peeping adventures. Weekly videos from Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick will highlight color hot spots around the state and provide informative tidbits about some of Ohio’s 100-plus tree species. This page also offers helpful links for leaf collecting tips, scenic road trips, and more. Looking for some great fall getaway ideas? The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism has numerous itinerary ideas at www.discoverohio.com under their Autumn Adventures feature.
The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
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For more information, contact:
Casey Burdick, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 212. 3286
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842
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