Bright sun, cool nights leads to brilliant fall colors

Early color forecast: peak colors in second week of October

Fall is just around the corner, as signalled by chilly weather at the start of the month, shorter days, the absence of migratory birdsong and the return of pumpkin spice lattes on coffee shop menus. But the most visible marker of the coming season has yet to come out in full force: as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, the trees that blanket the Northwoods begin the process of preparing for the long winter months ahead.

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• By Michael Strasburg
• September 19, 2025