Dry Conditions

Even though we have seen storms roll in throughout the summer, we are noticing that we are below average for our overall precipitation for the rain year that began in October. We can see it in the water level in the river, we can see it in the stress showing up in the fir trees, in the hard-packed dirt in swampy areas that should be moist, and we are starting to see it in the vine maples that are growing at the edge of the forest land.

While driving the clearing between the planted patches of forest, I noticed this vine maple at the edge of the woods. The leaves are already starting to turn red as a result of the dry conditions. Vine maples show brilliant red color as the seasons change.

The leaf color stands out from an area that should be lush with multi-hues of green at least for another couple of weeks. The color change is signaling that the deciduous tree is beginning to go into fall mode, taking the nutrients usually used to keep the leaves plumped with moisture and using the reserves inside the core of the tree and down in the roots.

It is also a good reminder for us that the summer season of bounty is fleeting and to begin the preparations for the fall season. It will be upon us soon.