Community Corner

Chasing Autumn: Fall Colors Start to Arrive in the St. Michael Area

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, starting Sept. 6, began updating fall color reports online for Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Editor’s Note: As an ode to fall, I encourage St. MIchael Patch users to show off the images you have captured from the beautiful hills around Wright County—and beyond—this fall and add them to the gallery on this post. Feel free to add any fall events and activities to the comments.

The leaves are beginning to change color here and there around the state, and staff at Minnesota state parks is keeping you in the know when it comes to all things fall.

Starting last week, Minnesota parks staff began posting fall color reports online, and will continue to update the website by noon every Thursday.

Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As in past years, these reports will include percent of color change, peak color projections, flowers and grasses in bloom, and three parks considered "hot picks" of the week.

The DNR also offers fall colors "to go" on a mobile website compatible with smart phones and tablets. The mobile fall color reports include percent of color change, integrated with Google maps.

Find out what's happening in St. Michaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The fall colors are arriving right on schedule in northern Minnesota, and they're making their way south," said Jana Albers, forest health specialist for the DNR's Forestry Division. "We had a decent amount of rain in August across much of the state, and if the sunshine and cool nights continue in September, that's the ideal recipe for fall color. There are already splashes of color wherever you go, and it's only going to get better in the weeks to come."

When Do Fall Colors Peak?

* Colors typically peak in the northern third of Minnesota is between mid-September and early October.

* In the central third of the state colors typically peak between late September and early October.

* Color typically peaks here in the lower third of the state between late September and mid-October.

Chasing Autumn

Lake Maria State Mark

Where to go: Forest edges along roads and around lakes and ponds. Bjorkland Lake Trail offers a nice variety of early fall color.

What you'll see: A few yellow edges, some scattered reds and oranges. Dry weather may accelerate the fall color changes.

Also of interest: Songbirds, waterfowl,and hawk migrations have begun.....listen for owls calling. Excellent hiking conditions, Prairie grasses and wildflowers have a nice early blend of colors. Kayak/Canoe rentals continue on weekends thru mid October

Last updated: September 18, 2012 

 

 

This post will be updated with photos, events, and updated fall color reports, so check back for updated information.


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