Foliage forecaster for WCU predicts good fall colors in WNC

Foliage forecaster for WCU predicts good fall colors in WNC

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fall foliage forecaster, is predicting a good display of color this autumn in Western North Carolina’s mountains. However, leaf peepers should be aware that some areas will enjoy brighter hues than others.

Due to local rainfall amounts across the region this past spring and summer, the intensity of the fall colors will vary. Mathews, an associate professor of biology at WCU, bases her annual prediction in part on weather conditions during the spring and summer growing season.

Mathews also states:

“Look for some of the best colors on Grandfather Mountain, the Graveyard Fields area of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Nantahala National Forest along U.S. Highway 64 between Macon and Clay counties. These and other ridgetop areas show colors in all hues of red, orange and yellow. The forested areas will have a lot of yellow tulip poplars, red maple, and orange and red oak. Graveyard Fields also has a lot of shrubs that turn red.”

To read the entire article in the Reporter that details her forecast, please click here.






Jeff
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Fall Color Predictions for Western North Carolina

Fall Color Predictions for Western North Carolina

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

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As she has for the last several years, Kathy Mathews, an associate professor of biology at Western Carolina University, has issued her predictions today on what the fall leaf season could look like this year.

Compared to last year, the news is much better. Ms. Mathews is predicting that visitors to the mountains of Western North Carolina can look forward to a vibrant display of color this fall.

“I predict this fall color change will be variable throughout the Southern mountains, but on the whole we should expect to see rich and attractive color change this season.,” she is quoted as saying in WCUs the Reporter.

“It’s been a hot year in North Carolina, with above-average temperatures this summer. Rainfall has been slightly less than average during the spring and summer. These are two factors I look at when thinking about the timing and quality of fall leaf color change in the mountains,” she said.

Mathews also said that peak colors may arrive a bit later than normal this year as a result of the warm temperatures over the summer. She told the Reporter that she doesn't expect peak to arrive until perhaps the end of October - about a week or so later than normal.

You can read the full article by clicking here.


Jeff
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