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Countdown
to Autumn
The
timing of color change and leaf fall
is effected by shorter periods of
daylight, temperature and rainfall.
The
composition of the mixed hardwood
forests and contrasting leaf colors
provides a stunning fall display
each year around Grand Rapids.
Different types of trees peak at
different times and their color
displays are quite different from
one variety of tree to the next.
The maple trees generally peak first
in late September, followed by
aspens and birches, and the tamarack
and oaks usually change color later
in October.
Current Report
As of October 7, 2009:
Now is the peak for mixed colors
Fall colors are displaying nicely in the Grand Rapids area.
The maple trees are fiery oranges
and reds. The green leaves of most deciduous
trees are paling and birches
are yellow. Poples are light green and Oaks
are starting to change but are
mostly still green with brownish
tips - acorns are dropping and the
deer are happy about that. Grasses and shrubs are
drying out and starting to take on
their fall colors as well.
The primary pops of color right now
are the maple trees. While the
Maple trees are at 100% of
their color peak, they are stunning
against the mixes of yellow and some still green other varieties of trees.
This week is a great time
to photograph these maple trees as
they are a striking contrast to
those trees that have not
experienced as much color change.
The Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) currently rates the Grand
Rapids area at 50-75% of peak color
overall. The DNR rates overall color
of all trees. Most people look for
the maple tree peak and that is why
our own rating my differ from the
DNR.
Tip for late season color:
While the deciduous trees are
shedding their leaves, the tamarack
trees (Western Larch - found in wet
or swampy areas) are turning
bright gold in color. This
gold tamarack color is most
prominent in late October.
Fall Color
Folklore:
Native
American folklore explained the fall
colors by telling of the celestial
hunters who had slain the Great Bear
-- the red leaves came from his
blood, and the yellow from the fat
that splattered from the kettle as
the hunters cooked the meat.
(source: Chippewa National Forest.)
Suggested Scenic Driving Route
for Fall Colors: Maps
available at the Marcell Ranger
Station
From Grand Rapids, follow Highway 38
North past Marcell. (Road reconstruction in
the town of Marcell is now complete.)
North of Marcell, take County Road
43 West to Highway 6. Go North
on Highway 6 to Forest Road (FR)
2423. Follow Forest Road 2423
East back to Highway 38 and go back
south. Before you reach the
town of Marcell, take Forest Road
2182 East, to Forest Road 2181
South, to County Road 45 West, back
to Highway 38. Go south on
Highway 38 to return to Grand
Rapids.
(Writer's Favorite Stops on this
route: Dinner at the Timberwolf Inn,
snacks and supplies at Frontier
Sports.)
Other
Scenic Driving Routes:
Click the link for
motorcycle touring to view or
print suggested driving routes.
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