As autumn continued to turn over a new leaf, foliage forecasts faded for a few counties. The report issued Oct. 12 by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources stated that the colors were starting to fade in McKean, Elk, Cameron, and Potter counties.
A Facebook post by Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau on Oct. 10 featuring a photo of the Kinzua Gorge skywalk in Mount Jewett reiterated the DCNR's account.
“Color is past peak at the park, of course, the skywalk is amazing leaves or no leaves! Color is just peaking in the ANF. We suggest visiting the park for the skywalk experience and then drive Route 6 to just east of Kane, head north on Route 321 to cruise the Longhouse National Scenic Byway … for stunning fall colors!,” the post said.
“Color is past peak at the park, of course, the skywalk is amazing leaves or no leaves! Color is just peaking in the ANF. We suggest visiting the park for the skywalk experience and then drive Route 6 to just east of Kane, head north on Route 321 to cruise the Longhouse National Scenic Byway … for stunning fall colors!,” the post said.
In the bureau’s update on Oct. 13, there was still a lot of green at the Allegheny Reservoir at Kinzua Dam in Warren.
While the autumn colors made an appearance during our yearly pilgrimage to Benezette on Oct. 4, the elk did not. Their scarceness was blamed on a hefty acorn crop.
“This year's mast crop of acorns within Pennsylvania's elk range is a bumper crop. Acorns are extremely nutritious for elk and other wildlife.
They contain great sources of protein, unsaturated fats, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins A, E and B6. Acorns are hard to beat for preparing wildlife extra fat layers for the winter months. Until they are all eaten look for elk to be spending more time foraging in the woods than fields,” said an Oct. 11 Facebook post by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Additionally, the day we sauntered up there was quite warm. So, who wouldn’t rather spend their time in the shade of oak trees preparing for winter. Nonetheless, the early fall display did not disappoint.
They contain great sources of protein, unsaturated fats, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamins A, E and B6. Acorns are hard to beat for preparing wildlife extra fat layers for the winter months. Until they are all eaten look for elk to be spending more time foraging in the woods than fields,” said an Oct. 11 Facebook post by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Additionally, the day we sauntered up there was quite warm. So, who wouldn’t rather spend their time in the shade of oak trees preparing for winter. Nonetheless, the early fall display did not disappoint.
Closer to home, Venango, Clarion, Forest, Mercer counties and more were listed by the DCNR report as approaching best color for the week of Oct. 12 to 18.
In the Oct. 12 release, the district manager in Cornplanter State Forest, based in Warren County, reported that the colors of fall are on full display.
In the Oct. 12 release, the district manager in Cornplanter State Forest, based in Warren County, reported that the colors of fall are on full display.
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“Hickories are displaying their warm, golden hue, contrasting with the crimson of black gum. The orange/yellow mix of sugar maples is also standing out against the dark russet from the oaks. Some leaves have fallen, but there is plenty of color to enjoy in area woodlands. Some corridors to observe fall colors include Route 8 from Barkeyville north into Erie County, Route 6 through Erie and Warren counties, US 322 beginning in Crawford County and heading east toward Clarion, and along the Allegheny River on Route 62 north of Oil City toward Warren,” the released continued.
In the Oct. 5 report, the manager said, “continued cooler nights have encouraged the transition to fall colors in northwestern Pennsylvania.
In the Oct. 5 report, the manager said, “continued cooler nights have encouraged the transition to fall colors in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Also in the Oct. 12 report, the Mercer/Lawrence County service forester, Clear Creek State Forest District, indicated the area lost some leaves last week due to heavy rain, but there was still plenty of foliage and color.
“The region is approaching best color with maples putting on a fine show of yellow, orange, and red. Oaks are changing in a few areas, and there is still color on birch, aspen, walnut, and elm. Peak for the region is expected on about Oct. 18,” the forester said.
“The region is approaching best color with maples putting on a fine show of yellow, orange, and red. Oaks are changing in a few areas, and there is still color on birch, aspen, walnut, and elm. Peak for the region is expected on about Oct. 18,” the forester said.
In the Oct. 5 release, the forester stated that the goldenrod was fading, but that the New England asters were going strong.
I found this to be true on my treks, too. The goldenrod radiated its brilliance for a short time at the end of September and early October. However now, even the purple New England asters have started to go to seed. Nonetheless, there were still some very persistent calico asters providing sustenance for area pollinators.
I found this to be true on my treks, too. The goldenrod radiated its brilliance for a short time at the end of September and early October. However now, even the purple New England asters have started to go to seed. Nonetheless, there were still some very persistent calico asters providing sustenance for area pollinators.
There were still bumblebees working over the fading flowers in my garden on Oct. 13. However, the last monarch I saw was on Oct. 5. I feared that may have been the last sighting of the season seeing as how temperatures were forecast to only reach the 50s for the foreseeable future.
Colder weather brought on the threat of frost. The National Weather Service’s data listed Oct. 15 as the median date for the first frost of the season for Franklin.
In other weather news, the U.S. Drought monitor released last Thursday listed most of Venango County as abnormally dry.
Franklin was still running at a deficit with an accumulation of 32.67 inches compared to the normal of 37.31 inches.
The region has a chance to catch up with several days of rain in the forecast.
In other weather news, the U.S. Drought monitor released last Thursday listed most of Venango County as abnormally dry.
Franklin was still running at a deficit with an accumulation of 32.67 inches compared to the normal of 37.31 inches.
The region has a chance to catch up with several days of rain in the forecast.
However, heavy rain meant more leaves on the ground than on the trees.
Around the neighbor’s pond, many of the early maples had already shed their colors.
My Facebook memories from 2013, showed that the maple tree in the front yard was in its full golden glory on Oct. 12. However, this year, the tree there was little sign of color change.
Around the neighbor’s pond, many of the early maples had already shed their colors.
My Facebook memories from 2013, showed that the maple tree in the front yard was in its full golden glory on Oct. 12. However, this year, the tree there was little sign of color change.
| Last year’s photos showed leaves remaining on the early trees while some of the trees that usually turn later were sporting some color. I thought that last fall was one of the most brilliant. This fall seemed to be turned around a little. The earlier trees were bright, but short lived. I feared that the forecasted rain for next week may dull some of this fall’s colors as the leaves depart from the trees. Nonetheless, there were still plenty of colorful leaves to capture my attention. I got so distracted one day that I got turned around on a path and it took me a while to get my bearings. Even though I had walked off trail before, the new colorful appearance of the trees made me lose sight of several landmarks. While I struggled with some temporary confusion, Sherman, was not so lucky. As the seasons progress, another page turned over for the 10-year-old Saint Bernard. Time has not been kind to him. The wages of old age have stolen his sight and ability to move. He struggled to move about proficiently through the woods and fields. On two separate occasions, Sherman did not have the strength to make it back home from the neighbor’s pond. With the help of a cart. a sled and a garden tractor, he was delivered home both times. However, I did not relish a repeat of those episodes. So, Sherman has retired from walking with the rest of the group. |    |
I lamented this choice as a 2013 photo showed a young Sherman watching his predecessor Moose swimming in the pond. I was sad that he may not make it to the pond again, but I couldn’t take the chance that he may become incapacitated several acres from home.
However, Sherman doesn’t get to retire from wearing costumes and holiday hats. The only way out of these situations for fuzzy Applegate family members is death or threat of bodily injury to the photographer.
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
That’s just the nature of things ‘round here.
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