Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT October 25 October 31, 2018

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1 Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry PENNSYLVANIA WEEKLY FALL FOLIAGE REPORT October 25 October 31, 2018 New Map Format You will notice the fall foliage map is different this year. We hope you find it more useful and attractive. A few words follow on how to interpret the new format. TIOGA CAMERON BRADFORD The new Fall Foliage Map is based on a color-code system, where brighter colors essentially mean more vibrant foliage. To predict peak season from the colors, use these guidelines: Dark Green/No Change= peak is approximately one month away Light Green/Starting to Change= peak is approximately three weeks away Yellow/Approaching Best Color= peak is approximately one week away Orange/Best Color= foliage is peaking this week Red/Starting to Fade= still some nice color but won t last more than a few more days Brown/Past Peak= all or nearly all color is gone

2 Statewide Fall Foliage Overview Fall colors continue to progress throughout the state, with vibrant color in the southern Pocono area extending toward the middle portion of the commonwealth along the Appalachian Mountains. Peak foliage for oak-dominated communities from the northcentral tier into southern Pennsylvania is still developing and expected in the next forecast. East-central and west-central counties are showing good color, while expected peak in the southeast is still roughly more than one week away. Northwestern Region The Cornplanter State Forest district forester reports fall coloration continues to vary in the district counties of Erie, Crawford, Warren, Forest, and Venango. Some ridges have already reached 60-75% of full color while other areas are approaching 20-30% of peak. WYOMING Sugar maples are at peak in many parts of northwestern Pa. (photo by C. Stelter) SULLIVAN Northcentral Region Foresters in the northern tier from McKean to Bradford counties report early defoliation of maples, but some nice yellow color from oaks in the region. The secondary oak peak is expected next week.

3 Northeastern Region Foresters in Pinchot State Forest report past peak conditions in the northern part of the district but continued peak colors in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. Maples, birches, and aspens are showing vibrant shades of red and yellow, contrasting nicely with evergreen backdrops. South-facing slopes could see color until the second week of November. Delaware State Forest staff reported most northern hardwood forests have peaked and dropped their leaves. Red maple, beech, and oak species in the mixed-oak forests will be peaking throughout the week; adding vibrant red, yellow, and orange throughout the landscape. A good area to view fall foliage is near Promised Land State Park and along Route 390. Beautiful Lackawanna Lake. (photo by R. Reed) Tunkhannock Creek (left) and Lackawanna Lake. (photos by R. Reed) West-central and Southwestern Region Forbes State Forest staff report that foliage is finally beginning to display more color throughout all counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, however on ridges; colors are spotty or have already peaked.

4 Clear Creek State Forest staff reported several recent frosts have spurred a major change in regional foliage, with color around 75% (mostly yellows). Many oak leaves are just starting to turn yellow, but most are still green. Sustained cold weather is expected to facilitate more change in the oaks this week. Central and Southcentral Regions Bureau of Forestry staff in Moshannon, Sproul, and Rothrock State forests report few noteworthy changes since last week. Quehanna Wild Area is still mostly green. (photo by B. Davison)

5 The Bald Eagle State Forest service forester reports that black gum, birch, dogwoods, and blueberry are at about 75% of their red and yellow displays. The area is at least two weeks behind last year s color. Some oaks are just starting to change and at least a week away from any significant color. Bright color along Round Top Road, Bald Eagle State Forest. (photo by G. Hoy)

6 The forest edge in Juniata County. (photo by L. Book) The Tuscarora State Forest service forester noted early changes and spotty color in Juniata County, while Buchanan State Forest staff report good early color in maples and hickories, with oak species still very green. East-central Region Foliage conditions in the northern half of Weiser State Forest counties (Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland) continue to progress and seem poised to peak within a few days. Good color was observed at Mauch Chunk Lake and the town of Jim Thorpe (Carbon County) during this weekend s Fall Foliage Festival. The area should be at or nearing peak color this weekend. Nice early color from the berm at Mauch Chunk Lake. (photos by R. Reed) Southeastern Region Foresters in Michaux and William Penn State Forest districts report noticeable changes in dogwoods and ornamental red maples. A few birches and poplars are adding some splashes of yellow to the forest canopy, but major color has yet to come.