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Community Corner

Chasing Autumn: Northfield Tree Colors Nearing Peak

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shows Northfield's tree colors are in the 25-50 percent peak range, but it's not too soon to see some examples of nature's fall beauty.

Editor's note: As an ode to fall, Northfield Patch encourages our users to show off the images of nature you have captured this fall and add them to the gallery on this post. Feel free to add any fall events and activities to the comments.


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources shows Northfield's tree colors are in the 25-50 percent peak range, but it's not too soon to see some examples of nature's fall beauty.

And this is shaping up to be a good year for fans of bright colors. The DNR predicts one of the best fall color seasons in the past 10 years.

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

While many local trees still have a rainbow of change to undergo, some neighborhoods are already sights to see.

Take a walk around some of the city's oldest homes on the east side to find mature trees lining the streets, many already sporting yellows and reds.

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

A stroll along the Cannon River in Northfield's downtown will take you past foliage in a variety of shades.

Trees on both and campuses are already showing plenty of color, though colors in both schools' natural lands appear to be further behind.

If you're a fan of the annual fall scene at St. Olaf's Hwy. 19 entrance, this is the week to start visiting.


Why are fall colors especially vivid this year?

Adequate rain during growing season for two consecutive years and recent weather patterns—including the ideal combination of warm, sunny days and cool evenings—leads to the prediction for an especially vivid display of autumn color across the state, according to Jana Albers, DNR forest health specialist.


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.


Planning to getaway?

If you’re looking for a place and time to schedule a weekend getaway to catch the colors as they peak, visit the DNR’s Fall Color website. The fall color reports are updated by noon on Thursdays and include percent of color change, peak color projections, flowers and grasses in bloom and more.

* Fall color information also can be accessed from smart phones.


Fall Events

Many Minnesota state parks have planned programs and special events to coincide with peak color projections in their area. Here is a calendar of events going on at state parks this autumn.

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