While fall color and intensity can vary year to year depending on the weather, this year’s colors have not yet disappointed. According to WeatherBug.com meteorologists, "Weather plays a very large role in determining how vibrant the fall color will be. A warm, wet period during the autumn will decrease the brightness of the foliage. A severe frost early in the season will likely kill the leaves, turning them brown and causing them to fall from the tree. Severe drought could delay the fall colors by two to three weeks."
So it seems here in northern Illinois we must've had the perfect mix of elements for fall color this year. If you haven’t had the chance to get out and take a look at these remarkable colors there may still be time this week to do so. Below is a short list of ideas for finding fall color →
- Drive around your town, scenic and historic routes, local parks or state parks and simply take in the beauty of it all.
- Take pictures and post to social media using the hashtags #itreesfallcolor #itrees or #itreeschicago to share with your community of followers— inspiring them to get outside and find the beauty of fall too! (We may even feature your photo on social media!)
- Hit the trails & go for a hike! Starved Rock in Oglesby, IL is a great spot to visit this time of year!
- Collect leaves in your neighborhood for a festive fall display, journaling or for crafts with the kids in your life.
Once you start looking around for fall color it will be hard to stop!
Marlee grew up in Illinois and the fall color in our area is very special to her. She looks forward to it each year as do most local residents. Check out our 2018 Fall Color Highlight Reel where she takes you out and about in Grundy County to discuss some of this year’s best fall colors!
Resources:
https://extension.illinois.edu/fallcolor/
https://www.enjoyillinois.com/
WeatherBug.com Meteorologists. "The Science Behind Fall Foliage." WeatherBug.com, https://www.weatherbug.com/news/The-Science-Behind-Fall-Foliage. Accessed 05 Nov. 2018.
Be sure to follow us on social media!
