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A look at the fall foliage report for early October

Mid-summer and September rainfall quenched drought-stressed forests across the Commonwealth, greening tree canopies that are now primed for a fantastic autumn show. Bright fall color is developing nicely, especially across the northern tier counties and along the Laurel Summit on the Allegheny Plateau. Expected cold nights in the forecast this week will continue to advance the color transition across the state. The best colors are still to come. Northcentral Region Foresters in Elk State Forest (serving Elk and Cameron counties) said trees are slowly starting to change color, ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of October 6

AUDUBON EVENT: WILLIAMSPORT WATER AUTHORITY, MOSQUITO VALLEY BIRD WALK WHERE: Williamsport Water Authority Trails (1600 Mosquito Valley Road, Duboistown) WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 8 a.m. NOTES: Join birders of all experience levels for an enjoyable autumn walk on forested trails, and along brushy habitat as we look and listen for fall species.This is a mostly flat and easy walk. ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL WHERE: Little Pine State Park WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. NOTES: There will be an annual fall festival at Little Pine State Park. This is an outdoor festival ...

DCNR organizes a Walk in Penn’s Woods

HARRISBURG — Fall is here and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging Pennsylvanians to kick off autumn with a Walk in Penn’s Woods — a series of walks that give the public a chance to explore the state’s 17 million acres of forests and learn about the benefits they provide. The DCNR is hosting about 30 of the walks in state parks and forests on October 3 and 4. Led by volunteers and DCNR staff, the hikes range from one-mile strolls, to medium distanced hikes through an arboretum, or to more challenging treks through old-growth ...

When it comes to birding, October can serve up some humble pie

Mid-October, that cherished time of year when mornings are crisp, days are pleasantly warm, and the forests of the Northeast present an unrivaled foliar pageant. October is one of, if not arguably the, prime month for wildlife, nature and landscape photography in Pennsylvania. So, as I ...

Reflections in Nature: Time to look closer at the walnut which is in North America

Last week we went to Arlington, Virginia to attend a baby shower for our granddaughter. Since I do not like to drive in the traffic around Washington, D.C., I drive to Harrisburg, and our son, Mark, meets us at the Pennsylvania Game Commission parking lot and drives us to their home. There were many black marks all over his car and I asked what they were from. His reply was that he had made the mistake of parking the car overnight under a large walnut tree. During the night, there was a wind storm that caused the black walnut hulls to fall from the tree and cling to his car. After ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of Sept. 29

OLD GROWTH FORESTS WHERE: Little Pine State Park WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:15 p.m. NOTES: Join the park naturalist to learn about topics about old growth forests such as the history that many of these forests went through and some of the threats old growth forests face today. A movie will be shown. All children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The program may be modified or canceled in the event of severe weather or new state or community guidelines. Those interested should meet at the amphitheater. TERRIFIC TREES WHERE: Hyner Run State Park WHEN: Saturday, ...