Final Fall Color Wednesday

While the sun is currently shining brightly through my office window, the last few days in West Michigan have been tumultuous with downpours and tornado warnings (yes, warnings). This sort of weather havoc does little to extend the color watching season, and it is with much dismay that I must inform you that this, our final color report, is full of browning leaves and bare trees.

But what a beautiful color season it was! The crimson! The gold! The season's palette was certainly stunning, and it was with pleasure that WMTA and its partner, the Michigan Audubon Society, were able to bring updates to you weekly.

Do you have a favorite fall color photo that you snapped? Send it to Shannon@wmta.org, and I'll post it here for all to enjoy.

High five,

-Shannon

Northern Counties: Everything up north (Petoskey to US-23/I-75 break) is brown with the exception of one or two gold trees. Downstate, below the freeway split, the colors are fading, but leaves are still on the trees.

Southern Muskegon County (Fruitport): Colors are at peak, with most trees showing a variety of oranges, yellows and browns. About 15% of the trees are bare, so along the lakeshore may be a good bet if you want to see good quantities of color.

Kent County: North of Grand Rapids, areas are past peak and mostly bare.

Barry/Eastern Allegan Counties: Colors are past peak, although the remaining trees are mostly in color. Pockets of color remain, especially along M-179 between Gun Lake and Hastings.

Southern Kalamazoo/St. Joseph Counties: Over half of the trees are bare, however, pockets of color remain. In and around White Pigeon there are pockets of color, especially in town.

Southwestern Van Buren County: Only the mighty oaks are holding tight. The remaining color has been blown away by the big winds.

Northern Calhoun/Southern Eaton Counties: These areas are past peak but with occasional areas with color. Sandhill cranes continue to migrate into the Baker Sanctuary, as many as 10,000 will be seen this weekend!