(Iowa DNR News) – Fall colors are starting to tinge the forest canopy. The DNR is now sharing the first fall color report of 2023. Fall color started early in northeast Iowa, most likely due to the drought. Lots of vibrant colors from sugar maple, sumac, Virginia creeper, ash, walnut, basswood and cottonwood. Some buckeyes are turning red in north central Iowa. Hard maples are turning yellow and orange in northwest Iowa. Walnut and cottonwood are turning yellow. Roadside sumacs are bright red and crimson in central Iowa. Walnut, cottonwood, and hackberry are becoming yellow. Virginia creeper vines are bright red.

Walnut, elm and cottonwood are showing yellow; some are already losing their leaves in southeast Iowa. Poison ivy, sumac and Virginia creeper are turning bright red. Poison ivy and Virginia creeper vines are turning bright red in south central Iowa. Walnut and cottonwood have turned yellow; some are already losing their leaves.

Fall color is a week ahead of last year in west central Iowa. Some shrubs and trees are starting to turn on the drier slopes. Lots of fall prairie flowers in bloom. Walnut and cottonwood are starting to turn yellow in southwest Iowa. Dogwoods are turning purple, plums are reddish pink, and drought stressed sumac is starting to turn red. With all of Iowa’s beautiful state parks and wooded areas, there are so many places to get your fall color fix. Plan your autumn excursions today!

Get outside this fall!
Autumn brings a welcoming crispness to the air. Fun abounds statewide for those in search of color and good times outdoors. From fall festivals to apple orchards, Iowa has many fall activities to celebrate local traditions and create memories with your family. Start planning your autumn excursions today with these great resources:

• Travel Iowa – lists of apple orchards and pumpkin patches, must-visit fall attractions, fall festivals, scenic drives and more
• MyCountyParks.com – attend a fun fall program for the whole family at a local county park
• Iowa State Park Passport- discover your new favorite parks, check in to track your progress and earn prizes

It’s easy to add fall color to your yard. Iowa DNR, through a partnership with the USDA Forest Service, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.  All Iowa residents can purchase up to two trees to be picked up at the following locations:

Tuesday, October 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Jefferson County Conservation (2003 Libertyville Rd, Fairfield)
Thursday, October 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Swan Lake State Park Nature Center (22676 Swan Lake Drive, Carroll)
Tuesday, October 17, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Fort Des Moines Park (7200 SE 5th St, Des Moines)
Submit an order form, available online, to reserve your trees.