Peak Foliage Season

As the nights begin to cool, we are seeing less day light and the peak of the fall season will soon be here.

According to Extension Educator of Muskingum County Mark Mechling South-East Ohio will typically see the peak in foliage color change between the 2nd and 3rd week of October. Presenting the perfect time for families to enjoy Ohio’s beauty.

"The fall is a good time to go out and learn a little more about nature," said Mechling. "Certainly we’re seeing the change of seasons and there is always some teachable moments for youth to learn a little more about why the leaves turn color, why the leaves drop off."

The change in leave color is due to a pigment change. The green pigment-chlorophyll- begins to fade allowing the orange, red and yellow pigments to show through. At about this time in the season you can expect to see the color change in Dogwoods and Ash trees, next will be Maple trees with the peak season ending when the Oak change color.

"Those generally are some of the most spectacular colors we would see in this part of the state," said Mechling. "We have a lot of Oak Woods to the south of us, so if you travel to southern Perry County, Morgan county even further south those would be places that have a lot of Oak Woods."

Mechling suggests visiting the State Parks between October 15th and the 20th for an ideal view of the season

To learn more about the foliage change and to see when the leaves near your home will change visit, Ohiodnr.com