Where Are the Fall Colors?
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2022 has been an unpredictable year weather-wise and otherwise. We saw an April snow storm that caused unparalleled physical damage to our collections, long hot summers, drought, drenching rains, and now, the very late fall weather.
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Same smoke bush on
10/12/2022
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As October comes to a close, we and our visitors have been disappointed that there was little-to-no fall color at the Arboretum throughout the month. Normally, our Maple Trail would blaze brilliantly in reds, oranges, and yellows by the 3rd week in October, but in 2022, that proved not to be the case.
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Explaining the lack of fall color at our annual Members Fall Colors Tour, Curator Martin Nicholson speculated the cause to be a lack of cold night-time temperatures. He told the group “Drought is a factor, but our Maple Trail is irrigated, and it's still looking pretty green.”
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He explained “since daylight hours are the same as ever, the only missing ingredient is cold to trigger the phenological change.” Phenology is a term used to describe the timing of recurring biological phases.
So, the short answer to why fall color was late is climate change. We can expect the unexpected as seasonal changes like spring blooms and fall colors become more and more unpredictable.
In November, the fall color is hitting its stride, so now is a good time to visit our maples!
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Meet Marissa: Volunteer Extraordinaire
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It takes a village to raise an arboretum. 200 acres, 12 miles of trails, more than 6,000 trees, and a changing climate thrown into the mix is a lot to contend with! The dedicated staff that steward Hoyt Arboretum are skilled and knowledgeable, but we could not provide the required level of care without our strong volunteer base.
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Each volunteer has a unique background and skill set to contribute, and can select any number of projects that fit their personal goals.
For born-and-raised Oregonian, Marissa Shumaker, that was first with Tuesday Crew, and more recently, the Early Detection of Invasive Pests Community Science project, protecting our beautiful ash, olive, and fringetrees from the threat of invasive emerald ash borers.
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New in the Visitor Center
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Book: Disabled Hikers Guide to Western WA & OR
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The outdoors is for everyone, but it doesn’t always accommodate the diverse needs of real people. That’s why Syren Nagakyrie, founder of Disabled Hikers advocacy group wrote this guide.
Written by a disabled person for disabled people, this publication is groundbreaking in the information it provides and the many people it represents.
Pick up a copy at the Visitor Center and explore the trails it highlights (Hoyt Arboretum included!).
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Look cool for the cool season!
Represent Hoyt Arboretum and stay warm this winter!
These hats are staff-approved and available only in the Visitor Center.
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