COLUMBUS, OH -- Forestry experts at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) are predicting a colorful autumn in much of the state's woodlands thanks to a moist summer across most of the area and other climatic factors. Because fall is one of Ohio's most popular touring seasons, ODNR will begin issuing weekly Fall Color updates on September 27 to help in-state and out-of-state visitors better plan their outings to the state's color-drenched countryside.
The weekly Fall Color Report, available by calling the state's travel and tourism hotline at 1-800-BUCKEYE, offers on-the-spot reports from state parks, forests and nature preserves throughout Ohio, helping fall color lovers to identify the best locations for peak viewing.
Internet users can access a full menu of fall color information on the ODNR web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us . The site will allow viewers to observe first hand the change of seasons as it occurs. Photos showing the progress of fall color season across Ohio, will be posted daily on the web site.
New web features for 2001 will include "Ask A Forester" where Internet users can obtain answers to questions about fall nature topics from ODNR forestry expert Bill Schultz and free "wallpaper" and other seasonal treats that can be downloaded to personal computers.
"When you are dealing with Mother Nature there's never a guarantee, but this year's plentiful rainfall across the lower two-thirds of the state, combined with recent cool nights and sunny days, promises to bring out the color in Ohio's forests, " Schultz said.
Fall color traditionally begins to appear in the northern part of the state the last week of September, then travels toward the south through October, with a majority of the state showing peak color conditions by mid-October.
ODNR operates 73 state parks, 123 state nature preserves and 20 state forests in Ohio, each offering a variety of opportunities for those seeking the best of Ohio's Fall Color.