Fall foliage continues to peak this week in Garrett and Allegany counties in western Maryland. Trees in central Maryland are at their midpoint, approaching peak foliage. Cooler temperatures should help prompt change.
Keep an eye out for sugar maples, which show a range of red, orange and yellow shades this time of year.
“You can see a sunset in a single tree,” Forester Bob Schwartz said.
On the Eastern Shore, watch out for the rare but stunning ash tree, the leaves of which turn a golden yellow this time of year. While the emerald ash borer beetle has caused significant damage to ash trees, efforts to fight the pest with biocontrols offer a glimmer of hope that ash may one day return to a place of prominence in Maryland forests.
Trees with changing leaves reflected in the surface of Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park. Photo by Dave Best.
Forester Melissa Nash, Garrett County
A hickory tree outside the Hickory Environmental Education Center in Accident.
The vibrant early season foliage is starting to give way to the more golden and russet tones of oaks and hickory.
Forester Aaron Cook, Washington County
Sugar maple can exhibit a range of color depending on the composition of its protective chemicals. Photo by Bob Schwartz.
It seems like autumn is finally sweeping into Washington County this week. A high pressure system has established over the region, bringing with it brilliant sunny days with clear, cold overnights. These cooler nights and warm days are the perfect recipe for color change, and the stable air mass allows the leaves to linger longer on trees.
In eastern Washington County, the trees atop South Mountain and those spilling onto Catoctin Ridge are likely very near the peak. The forest species composition in this area is less dominated by oaks, with a higher concentration of birch, poplar, and maple. All of these species have changed into their fall colors, and in some areas leaves are beginning to fall to the forest floor.
Foggy fishing. Photo by Aaron Cook.
The oaks are just beginning to change, so areas with a lot of oak remain relatively green. In the western half of Washington County, the ridges are turning color in pockets, but give it a week and that landscape-scale color will be on full display as the oaks finally lose their chlorophyll (green) and expose xanthophyll (yellow), carotene (orange), anthocyanin (red), and tannins (browns). Oaks are not often the most vibrant fall color because their leaves contain less of the chemicals that create vibrant colors. Instead oak leaves contain high levels of tannins, which produce hues of bronze, russet, and dull brown. Do not let that stop you from enjoying fall foliage. Individual oak trees can display an array of fall colors on individual branches, which entails getting out into the forest and seeing the trees up close.
With early deer muzzleloader season open through the end of the month, hunters afield will be in the forest at peak foliage, and should take time to enjoy the glory of an autumn sunrise or sunset while hoping to bring home some venison. Hikers should wear blaze orange while admiring the fall foliage.
Invasive plant species often leaf out earlier than our native species, and hold their leaves longer than our native species. They also tend to turn off photosynthesis only when they are frozen, which means they just do not add to the fall splendor like our native species. Yet another reason to remove them from our landscape when feasible.
An ash tree. Photo by Aaron Cook.
Ash was known to provide one of the most striking and varied fall colors in our forests. An individual tree can range from brilliant gold to deep purple and maroon. Invasive emerald ash borer beetles have largely eradicated ash from our regional display of fall color. But recently, more and more ash seems to be regenerating and living through the persistent attacks, likely being helped along by biocontrols released by the federal and state departments of agriculture to help combat the beetles.
There is a glimmer of hope that this king of the fall will return to our palate of fall color.
Forester Dakota Durcho, Frederick County
All trees are seeing moderate change at this point. We are currently between mid-point and peak color. Next week we should experience peak color change.
Consistent moisture over the past week as well as temperatures that dipped into the mid-30s have sped this process up. Most of the first species to change such as black walnut and blackgum have few or no leaves remaining at this point.
The dogwoods and maples have mostly retained their leaves and are still vibrant. The hickories and oaks still show some variation in overall change, with many consisting of a mix of green and yellow leaves. The overall color has been more vibrant than in recent years.
Ranger Lesley Leader, Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area
It is peak fall beauty in Cecil County – blue skies, crisp air, and gorgeous color!
Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area. Photo by Rick Ewing.
Old 273 Bridge Landscape by Jake Bonner
Forester Alex Fignar, Dorchester County
Pictured is an historic ash tree which stands majestically in front of the Dorchester Historical Society in Cambridge.
Due to a temperate climate and long growing season, the Eastern Shore is always behind the western region of the state in fall foliage. That being said, the white ash trees we have remaining turn a bright vibrant yellow in early to mid-October. Pictured is an historic ash tree which stands majestically in front of the Dorchester Historical Society in Cambridge.
Janet Heaton, Pocomoke River State Park
Fall foliage reflected in a pond at the Shad Landing area of Pocomoke River State Park.
By Anthony Burrows
The conditions have been pretty good for viewing the Orionid meteor shower the last few days. The moon has been setting early in the morning so the skies have been dark. The show should still be visible by the constellation Orion (the giant hunter from Greek mythology) over the next few days, even though the peak was Wednesday and Thursday.
Photo by Anthony Burrows.
Next up is the full Hunter’s Moon. It has also been called the Travel Moon and Blood Moon. It will rise at 6:13 p.m. on Oct. 26. If you can, catch the moonrise. Close to the horizon, the moon will look especially large and may have an orange tint. It will set at 9:18 a.m. on Oct. 27.
October kicks off the peak sporting calendar weather across Maryland, with fall archery in full swing and early muzzleloader seasons for white-tailed and sika deer, along with the arrival of autumnal weather, which sparks the appearance of migratory waterfowl across the marshes and fields.
The Hunter’s Moon.
Helmets and Harvest
Check out the Helmets and Harvest AgriTrail, which celebrates Maryland’s bike trails and agritourism businesses! Pick a region to explore, then check in at designated bike paths and businesses to earn points toward autumnal swag – 10 points for a sticker, 15 points for a water bottle, and 20 points for a knit beanie!
More information and links to sign up are available on the Maryland’s Best website.
Spooky Hollow Hike
Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.
Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area
Meet at the Gallaher Lot, 491 Gallaher Road in Elkton
Join us for family friendly fun on Fair Hill NRMA’s annual tradition, the Spooky Hollow Hike! Our illuminated Osage Orange Tree tunnel brings a magical touch to this nighttime nature walk. Hiking boots, flashlights and walking sticks are recommended, as the trail can be muddy and uneven. See you in the hollow! To register email [email protected].
Fungi Fest
Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Pocomoke River State Park Shad Landing Area
Celebrate all things fungi while promoting healthy, active lifestyles and a love of the outdoors. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning with a 5K walk/run followed by a farmers market-style festival featuring vendors, live music, interpretive programs, arts and crafts, and family-friendly yard games.
