COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Buckeye State is starting to show a myriad of fall colors as we enter prime fall color viewing, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“We are finally getting to see the full array of fall colors on display throughout Ohio with near peak and even some peak conditions,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott.
“This is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the fireworks of fall color. Some of the best tree species right now with color include walnuts, sweetgum and dogwoods.”
As we celebrate Earth Science Week, it is a great time to enjoy the fall colors, as well as search for fossils. Did you know Ohio is home to several fossil species?
Ohio rocks do not have dinosaur fossils, but they do contain fossils from both marine and terrestrial environments. The fossils can be found in rocks that were deposited hundreds of millions of years ago, long before the first dinosaurs walked the earth.
Caeser Creek State Park in Southwest Ohio is known around the world for its well-preserved marine fossils. Rocks exposed there were deposited about 450 million years ago, when Ohio was covered by a shallow sea.
Fossil shells of invertebrate animals, such as brachiopods, corals, and crinoids are abundant. Ohio’s official state invertebrate fossil, the large trilobite Isotelus, is found in this part of the state. Park visitors must abide by any rules in these areas when collecting fossils; sometimes a free permit is required.
This coming weekend don’t miss the Fall Colors Hike at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve, Un-haunted Forest at Shawnee State Park, and the 45th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park.
Those interested in finding the most eye-catching leaves throughout the season should check out ODNR’s fall color website, the official guide to the changing colors. The website includes:
Weekly color updates and information to help plan a fall color adventure; Unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks; and Fun events happening around the state.
Also don’t forget about participating in the Ohio Fall Color Challenge on the OuterSpatial App at https://outerspatial.link/xvaRQh0p1Mb.
ODNR encourages people to share fall color photos using #OhioFall24, #OhioTheHeartofitAll and #FallinOhio. Each week, ODNR will choose photos from those who use this hashtag to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more fall color photos, follow ODNR, Ohio State Parks and Ohio The Heart of It All. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @OhioDNR, @OHStateParks, @odnrforestry and @OhioTheHeartofitAll.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.