A forestry expert at West Virginia University says this falls leaf display should be more colorful than its been in years.
p. “Im going out on the proverbial limb this year,”said Ray Hicks, a professor in WVU s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences.”Im predicting a 25-year best for this years colors.”

Hicks has two reasons for his prediction.”First, the rains this summer have been adequate and well spaced, so as to prevent premature leaf drop due to drought in any species. Secondly, there was a 28-degree temperature on Sunday night (Oct. 7)the first freeze of the season. This should serve to synchronize the color change for many species that normally turn at different times.”

Fall colors will begin to peak this weekend, Oct. 13-14, Hicks said.”The regions leaf-watchers can expect a spectacular display,”Hicks added.

Hicks, who teaches courses in forest ecology in the Davis College, indicated that fall

colors appear when chlorophyll (green pigment) in leaves is broken down, revealing the orange, red, yellow and purple pigments that had been present all along.

Dr. Hicks has earned the status of certified forester with the Society of American Foresters, the national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States.