Patches of fall color continue in Buckeye State

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COLUMBUS — After a very slow start to the fall color season because of the unseasonal warm and dry weather, the fall color really popped, and Mother Nature put on a great show at the end of October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Some patches of fall color, especially the vibrant reds and russets of oak trees, are still evident throughout the Buckeye State so there is still time to get out and explore Ohio this season.

“Even though the leaves have begun to fall, there is still plenty to see and do in our state parks, forests, nature preserves and wildlife areas,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick. “Hiking, horseback riding, viewing geological features hidden by leaves and hunting are just a few things to enjoy over the next few months.”

Even though we have had a few rainy days lately, don’t forget we are still in the middle of Ohio’s fall wildfire season. It is illegal to have open fires in Ohio in October and November in unincorporated areas of the state. If a person starts a campfire, make sure it is out and cold to the touch before leaving.

As the fall color season winds down, ODNR will be launching our winter recreation site soon at ohiodnr.gov/winter, which will include lots of fun things to do when it’s cold outside. Then as we approach spring, our wildflower bloom report will begin so make sure to visit naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/wildflowers to learn more about where to see beautiful spring wildflowers.

People interested in finding out where to find most eye-catching leaves throughout the upcoming fall color season should check out fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov, Ohio’s official guide to the changing colors. This website includes:

• Weekly color updates and information to help plan a fall color adventure.

• Weekly videos from Burdick highlighting fall color hot spots around the state.

• Links to fall activities, scenic road trips, unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks and more.

Fall is a distinctive season in Ohio with an identifiable color palette of reds, oranges and yellows; cooler temperatures; and aromas and tastes of autumn’s harvest from apples to pumpkins. It’s such a fun, vibrant few months to enjoy time with those closest to you that it feels like a holiday — or perhaps a Falliday! To help visitors find those special autumn activities in Ohio, the Office of TourismOhio has created a new landing page, Ohio.org/Fallidays.

ODNR and TourismOhio encourage people to take fall color photos and upload them to social media using the hashtag #OhioFall17. Follow @ohiodnr and @OhioFindItHere on Twitter, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio. Find it Here. on Facebook and @OhioDNR, @OHStateParks and @Ohiogram on Instagram to see more fall color photos.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of Ohio’s natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

TourismOhio, operating within the state of Ohio’s Development Services Agency, works to ensure Ohio is positioned as a destination of choice, enriching lives through authentic travel experiences. The branding Ohio. Find It Here. supports Ohio’s $43 billion tourism industry. For more, visit Ohio.org.

Staff report

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