Time waits for no one and neither does nature. The first day of fall is Sept. 22 and leaves are already starting to turn vivid autumn hues.
“Overall color this year should be especially lovely if there are sunny days and chilly but not freezing nights as we get more into the season,” said Val Cervenka, the forest health program consultant at the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The DNR notes that aspens and ashes are turning yellow and maples are starting to show reds and oranges. Fiery red leaves are beginning to appear in the sumac and understory shrubs, and the prairie grasses have taken on rich gold and red hues. Fall flowers such as goldenrod and cone flowers are in full bloom.
Many of the scheduled fall events like walking tours, Highland Park Water Tower open house, and fall colors train excursions have been canceled this year. But there’s still plenty to see around town. Use the DNR’s handy map (at the link below) or simply walk around your neighborhood and you’re bound to see fall colors.
To best map out your fall colors sightseeing, visit the DNR’s map which is updated weekly at www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html.
—Information and graphic provided by the DNR