Happy November, Oswego!
The season of fall has progressed quickly, and is now 2/3 over, from a meteorological standpoint. Meteorological seasons are a little different from regular seasons – for example, fall runs from ~Sept. 21 to ~Dec. 21 on the calendar, but meteorological fall runs from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30. The reasoning for this is that meteorological seasons are based around times of temperature change (spring and fall) or non-change (summer and winter). It also is easier to keep track of!
Anyways, here’s an update to what’s happening in the trees around campus! Lots of colorful leaves have blossomed over the past couple of weeks, and I had a chance to check out the color a couple days ago.
Maple trees adorn in yellow along the road to Hidden Fields. Photo credit: Matthew Seymour
Maples in front of Culkin Hall, Oct. 30. Photo credit: Matthew Seymour
Trees near Littlepage and Glimmerglass, Oct. 30. Photo credit: Matthew Seymour
Oak tree in the quad, Oct. 30. Photo credit: Matthew Seymour
Foliage conditions on campus were generally mixed. About 1/4 of all trees were bare and prepared for the long winter ahead, while another 1/2 had leaves in fall colors, and the last 1/4 were still mostly green. The area around the Lakeside dorms generally had the most green trees left, while Central Campus, The Village and Hidden Fields (the athletic fields near the Village) held the most fall-colored foliage.
While these conditions are similar to what Oswego experienced during autumn last year, I continue to be surprised by the longevity of the foliage season. I am originally from the Ithaca, NY area, which is typically on its tail end of fall foliage season at this time. Oswego’s season, in my opinion, is peaking right now, and if not will peak later this week.
Lake Ontario, in part, helps locally change the timing of foliage emergence on campus. The lake typically keeps nighttime temperatures from dropping too low. Trees require cool nights, in combination with mild days, in order to produce maximum color. Additionally, the overall weather pattern has been mild. Until about a week ago, nights were generally mild to warm, prolonging the foliage season. The recent colder weather has finally jump-started the trees’ preparation for winter.
Weather conditions this week will generally be drier and warmer than last week, but not perfectly dry nor perfectly warm. Every day this week, except Thursday, should offer plenty of dry time to get outside and check out nature’s beauty. Have a great week, Oswegonians!