News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2001
OHIO FALL COLOR UPDATE #4 -- OCTOBER 18
EDITORS NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of fall color updates highlighting some of the best locations to enjoy Ohio's fall foliage. Updated reports are available from ODNR each Thursday through November 1.
COLUMBUS, OH - Forests and woodlands across the southern two-thirds of Ohio are at peak fall color this week. And while recent winds and rains have brought down leaves in many areas, fall's characteristic oranges, reds and purples continue to dominate the state's rural landscapes.
"With a few exceptions, last weekend's storms brought down most of the vibrant red and gold leaves that were showing on maple and hickory trees - our traditional 'early turners'," said Bill Schultz, forest expert with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "But the oaks are still holding their green throughout much of the state, indicating a second wave of reds and purples will be coming on within the next two weeks when these trees start to turn."
In effect, this week's storms will likely cause Ohio to have two peak fall color viewing periods this year. "Twice the beauty and double the opportunities to get out and see it," Schultz observed.
Outdoor enthusiasts can savor the sights of the season at the annual Conkle's Hollow Fall Foliage Event in Hocking County. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, October 20-21. Other seasonal activities are set for Indian Lake State Park in Logan County; East Fork State Park and Stonelick State Park in Clermont County; Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County; Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County; Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County; Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County; Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County; Shawnee State Park in Scioto County; Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve in Portage County and Lake Loramie State Park in Shelby County.
To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular outdoor season, weekly updates are available from the best fall color viewing locations across the state by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE. Users can also find fall color information on the Internet at www.dnr.state.oh.us . Ohio's 73 state parks, 20 state forests and 123 state nature preserves provide excellent locations for viewing fall color up close. Here's a list of recommended areas by region.
REGION CONDITION 10/11/01
CENTRAL
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) Peak
Mount Gilead State Park (Morrow County) Fading
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) Peak
NORTHEAST
Punderson State Park (Geauga County) Fading
Mohican State Park and State Forest (Ashland County) Fading
Findley State Park (Lorain County) Fading
Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) Fading
Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve (Lake County) Peak
EAST
Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County) Peak
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest (Muskingum County) Peak
Fernwood State Forest (Jefferson County) Peak
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) Fading
Harrison State Forest (Harrison County) Peak
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) Peak
SOUTHEAST
Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County) Peak
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) Peak
Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) Peak
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) Fading
Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross County) Peak
Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) Peak
SOUTHWEST
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) Near Peak
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve (Preble County) Peak
Paint Creek State Park (Ross County) Near Peak
Caesar Creek State Park and State Nature Preserve (Warren County)Fading
Little Miami State Park (Warren County) Fading
WEST
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) Peak
J. Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (Greene County) Fading
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) Peak
NORTHWEST
Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) Peak
Maumee State Forest (Fulton County) Peak
Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) Peak COLOR CONDITION KEY: GREEN - Still mostly green. FAIR - Beginning to turn colors. NEAR PEAK - Mostly colored. PEAK - Peak colors. FADING - Mostly colored, but fading from peak conditions. LEAF DROP - Few leaves on trees. Note that reported conditions are subject to rapid change with wind or rain.
For Further Information Contact:
Bill Schultz, ODNR Division of Forestry
(614) 265-6704
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
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