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DNR Posts Fall Foliage Update

September 24th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

It’s official! It’s autumn in Maryland.

When this weekend rolls in, thoughts will begin to turn to the sights, sounds and scents of the season: fan-filled football stadiums, bright orange pumpkins, cinnamon and cider warming on the stove and the welcomed return of Canada geese.

The leaves of black walnuts and birch are turning yellow, and those of black gums and dogwoods are red. Traditionally it’s the region where leaf color changes are seen first, with Garrett County’s foliage beginning to turn around the end of September and peaking toward the middle of October.The most obvious indicator of autumn’s arrival, the changing of the foliage, is still a few weeks away for most of the state; however, in western Maryland, pockets are starting to show splotches of brilliant color. Reports in from Garrett, Allegany, Washington and Frederick County indicate color change just beginning at the higher levels, with patches of bold reds and oranges on maples a preview of the natural show to come.

Colorful changes in goldenrod and iron weed in the farm valleys are also signaling the changing season.

The shorter, cooler days that accompany these spectacular seasonal changes offer the perfect opportunity for everyone to go outside and experience some of our state’s exciting fall activities and festivals.

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring its very popular National Hunting and Fishing Day Saturday at the Izaak Walton League of America in Washington County. Admission is free for the entire family.

Celebrate Farm Heritage Days in Howard County this weekend (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.), with a Rodeo Extravaganza, farm animals and equipment, and great food and entertainment for all.

On the Eastern Shore, head to Queen Anne’s County Saturday for the Centreville Farmers’ Market (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Pickup your favorite fall fruit and produce, including apples, peaches, pears and sweet potatoes.In the Washington, D.C. area Saturday (noon-6 p.m.) theDowntown Hyattsville Arts Festival will showcase more than 100 talented artisans in the region accompanied by musicians, dancers and street performers. The event is free and family-friendly.

If you’re heading out into the Piedmont this weekend, stop by theWestminster Fallfest (Sept. 21-24), Carroll County’s largest community charity event. This picturesque town will be full of good old-fashioned fun, including a one-mile run, car show, bingo, karaoke and pie eating contests, carnival rides, food and evening musical entertainment.

On the “Top of the Bay,” the Fall Harvest Festival will be going this weekend at the Steppingstone Museum in Susquehanna State Park in Harford County. It features craft booths, scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, apple bobbing, cider pressing, apple butter making, hay rides, petting zoo, Punch & Judy and magic shows, bluegrass and historic tours.

Just before or after your visit to Steppingstone, head off the beaten path on the Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway, a 33-mile mix of local and state roads from Havre de Grace to Perryville.

In Southern Maryland, celebrate agricultural and rural heritage at the St. Mary’s County Fair (Sept. 21-24), an old-fashioned, family-style event in Leonardtown. Exhibits, livestock, home arts, flowers, 4-H & school exhibits, horse pulls, carnival, and plenty of arts and crafts.

On Sunday, you can take a relaxing 45-minute “Autumn Pontoon” ride out on Clopper Lake in Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County. The ride will focus on the nearby foliage and animal adaptions as the weather cools. Please be sure to call ahead or email to reserve your spot on the Blue Heron.

And if you’re not quite ready for the changing season, remember summer lasts longer in Ocean City! So grab your bathing suits, kids and bicycles and head “Downey Ayshin.” Enjoy four days of family fun, arts, crafts, live music and more at Sunfest, “Maryland’s biggest and best festival.”

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