Tiny Hints Of Fall On The Carrell Wildlife Preserve


Once September hit, it's like Southern Iowa went into autumn mode! The temperatures are cooler, the air isn't as thick, and the warm sunshine feels even better.


I took a solo ride around the property this week on the slightest chance that there might be some fall colors starting to pop. It wasn't looking great at first, but the view can't be beat regardless. This is one of my favorite spots by the big pond, down where my prayer bench is.


The trails that are cut on both sides of the pond are each their own little adventure. I went most of the way up one on the far south side when I encountered a fallen tree and had to turn around. Ever seen a 16-point turn in a side-by-side?


But while I was turning around, that's when I saw it. A tiny patch of about six leaves that had turned yellow! They were glowing in the sunlight like a spotlight, way up in one of the taller trees.


Feeling victorious in my pursuit, I went back by the pond and saw an entire tree that was turning. How had I missed that the first time?


I asked my naturalist friend why one tree in an entire forest will turn but not the ones around it. She compared it to individual people - not everyone acts and reacts the same in the same conditions. We just have one over-achiever tree here and there that want to buck the trend.


This one is slightly less dramatic than its friends, but it's the first one on the ridge that's turning. Soon it will be bright and bold and the trees around it will follow. 


What does the first of September look like in your neck of the woods? Are you seeing any colors yet? Are you taking tons of pictures so you can watch the beautiful progression of God's handiwork?

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