October 23, 2002

Since the last report (Report #14), the foliage has rapidly past peak in much of Minnesota and northern Wisconsin. The recent snowfall, in excess of 5 inches in some areas, is not helping matters. Southeastern Minnesota, southern Wisconsin, the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan is mostly displaying high (61 to 80 percent) to peak color. The southern Lower Peninsula of Michigan and much of Ohio is in the moderate range (31 to 60 percent change).

The heavy snow in Minnesota and Wisconsin has caused a great deal of leaf drop with most of the leaves in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin having fallen from the trees. Leaf drop in the balance of the region ranges from low to high.

Suggested drives. In Minnesota: Forestville-Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN in southeastern Minnesota. In Wisconsin: Route 60 from Bridgeport to Prairie du Sac. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Route 2 from Rapid River to Manistique; Route 123 from Eckerman to Moran.

This information provided by Marek D. Rzonca, The Foliage Network.