September 10, 2021

Fall whispers in Savoy, South Dakota

Color Change: 30% (Low to Moderate)

The Canyon is noticeably more colorful today, with the contrast of the conifer evergreens and the deciduous lime hues. Birch and Aspen deciduous trees are sprinkling the Canyon with golden yellows. This weekend, you will notice a swath of lighter green trees at Bridal Veil falls. The entrance to the Canyon in Spearfish through Devil’s Bathtub are the most colorful areas to view right now.

The leaves are indeed “changing,” but we might consider referring to the leaves as “revealing” their colors. The yellow leaves of the Birch and Aspen, for example, are always yellow. We just cannot see the yellow during the growing season because it is masked by green chlorophyll. Production of chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis, the chemical reaction where plants use sunlight to make food. In autumn, the leaf’s production of the pigment chlorophyll slows and is eventually destroyed. Then, the leaf’s colors are unmasked for us to see and enjoy.

Enjoy watching the chlorophyll destruction this weekend as the leaves reveal their true colors!

September 7, 2021

Berries

Color Change: 5% (Low)

We are on the cusp of fall in these early days of September. The days become shorter and the temperatures cool – both are vital to the leaves changing.

A dry, hot summer like the one we experienced means we may have a later than normal leaf color peak. The weather forecast this week remains warm, which will likely slow down the leaf change a bit. The weather of July and August also give us hints about the timing of fall foliage. South Dakota had much below average precipitation this summer. In July, for example, we had nearly 2” less precipitation than the year prior.

With the steady decrease in daylight hours, the leaves are decreasing their production of chlorophyll. The greens in the Birch, Aspen, Oak, and Cottonwood leaves in the Canyon begin to fade and the yellows and oranges will emerge.

Right now, we are at the “fade” stage in the Canyon where some trees are beginning to lighten up their greens.

September 3, 2021

Three percent leaf color change in Spearfish Canyon

Color Change: 3% (Low)

This is the first Spearfish Canyon Leaf Report of 2021. Leaf peepers, get ready for a spectacular September in Spearfish!

The Canyon is currently showing its fall colors at 3%.

If you drive through the Canyon this weekend, watch for small bursts of yellow on Aspen trees just starting their fall transition. You will notice trees starting to lighten their intense greens around Devil’s Bathtub.

Get low, too. Ground cover and grasses are the first to lighten their color in the Canyon. At this time, Sumac are still mostly green but are beginning to sprinkle yellows and reds along the Canyon’s lower levels. Don’t let the rain stop you, either. Fall colors pop against the rain.

We expect the peak color change to occur between September 23 – October 4. This is based on 20 years of research by Jerry J. Boyer, who tracked the Spearfish Canyon fall foliage for years. Teaser: Keep reading the Leaf Reports this year to hear from a special guest on their estimate for the Canyon’s color peak!