Fall Color Report Sept 21 – 28, 2023

A little color, mostly green. Yep, it’s going to be a quick report this week!

The first place we see colors changing with Devil’s Lake State Park each year is around roads and parking lots. These trees not only get more sunlight, but they suffer the same stresses as their urban cousins – not enough water due to surrounding pavement, compressed roots from foot traffic, more pollution from cars, etc. As you can see from the photo above, the maple trees are the parking lots are coming on quickly with those bright reds and glowing oranges most folks are looking for.

Meanwhile, on the top of the bluffs, you’ll be met with a lot of green, with patches of red and yellow. Often these colors are much more muted, but they still inspire that autumn spirit.

Pics: Top of the East Bluff

When looking over the many vistas and the hills in the distance, green is still the dominant color with an occasional tree or patch of trees getting a head start.

Pics: Distant Vistas

Looking Foreward

The 10-day forecast is calling for daytime temps mostly in the 70s with nights in the low 50s. This should keep the change moving at a regular, but slower pace. What we’re hoping for is warm sunny days and cold, even frosty nights. So far, those frosty nights are not in the forecast.

Last Word This Week?

Fall is coming and trees are indeed changing, but it’s early. You’ll find some yellows mixed in the green and a few individual red or bright orange trees but if you’re waiting for “peak”, it’s going to be awhile yet!