COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the days grow shorter and the nights a little cooler, signs of autumn have already begun to emerge. As Ohio’s forest canopies begin their color transformation to strong reds, vivid yellows and bold oranges, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be providing weekly updates on the best locations to enjoy unique activities and beautiful hues of autumn.
“Ohio has experienced a very dry summer and early fall, which has led to some trees that are not drought resistant to start changing early,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott.
“These species include maples, sycamores, and tulip poplars. However, some normal early changers such as buckeyes, poison ivy, and sumac have also begun to show their vibrant reds. Due to these early changers, our fall color reporters have been seeing changing conditions statewide.”
As far as the fall color forecast, Parrott believes it may be a sporadic fall color season in the Buckeye State with pockets of vibrant color statewide starting now through October.
“We are expecting the more drought resistant trees to change their colors at their typical times; however, some continued rain and cooler temperatures would really help these tree species even show more of their brilliant colors,” said Parrott.
“In areas that have received more rain, peak colors are expected to occur in mid-October in the north and working south through the end of the month. For this fall color season, it will be important to check on our Ohio Fall Color Progress map to see what colors are changing where.”
With the dry conditions, it is important to remember that environmental conditions like the ones we are experiencing now can cause wildfires to ignite much more easily, spread rapidly, and be extremely difficult to control.
Nearly all wildfires in Ohio are caused by people, which means that almost all wildfires in Ohio are preventable. These extremely dry conditions are leading to an increased chance of many wildfire ignition sources, so be extremely careful when working and playing outside.
Everyone in Ohio needs to do their part by helping to prevent wildfires, especially during this period of elevated wildfire danger that is expected to persist throughout the rest of the year. For more info about fire safety, head to www.smokeybear.com.
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;
-Fun events happening around the state, and;
-Participate in the Ohio Fall Color Challenge on the OuterSpatial App at https://outerspatial.link/xvaRQh0p1Mb.
ODNR encourages people to share fall color photos on social media 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.