October 7th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

What a difference a week makes! In Western Maryland, autumn began with a slow start; however, the most recent field reports are encouraging. Garrett County Forester Melissa Nash says things are starting to change more rapidly, as seen in her photo taken at the Maryland 4-H Environmental Education and Camping Center in Swanton.

“At Deep Creek Lake State Park, the hickory trees are really starting to show bright yellow now. The county is not at peak just yet, but there are still many trees showing good color. The mix of green, red, orange and yellow make for great photography,” reports Ranger Roy Musselwhite.

Rocky Gap State Park in Allegany County remains mostly green, but reds and yellows are beginning to pop on isolated trees, according to Ranger Julia Musselwhite, who sent along a photo by Ranger Dave Best.

Aaron Cook, Washington County forester reports: “The cooler, sunny weather over the weekend seems to have spurred some changes in western areas of the county. Individual pockets of maple, blackgum, and hickory are beginning to change revealing bronze, orange, red, and purple in the midstory wherever these trees are found. Peak color across the landscape is likely still a week or two away.”

In Frederick County, leaves are just starting to change at Cunningham Falls State Park says Ranger Mark Spurrier.