Fall Events around Kalamazoo 2024

 

Labor Day marks the end of summer, even if the official season lasts a few more weeks.  September and October still have great weather for outdoor activities-- for camping, paddling, or a walk or bike ride.  Seasonal festivals celebrate Art, Sandhill Cranes, and harvest time.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September Summer Time Live concerts continue through September Kalamazoo

September 6-8  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 7 Kalamazoo Scottish Festival Parchment

September 7-8 Grand Valley American Indian Pow Wow  Grand Rapids

September 13 - 28  Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 21 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 29 Harvest Fest Vicksburg

September 27-28 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 12-13 Cranefest Bellevue

October 10-13 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October  19-20 Arts and Eats Tour  Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties



Also consider:

SW Michigan Fall Festivals Guide from Kzoo Kids

8 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo

Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

Sarrett Nature Center's Event calendar  Benton Harbor

         Events calendar from Pure Michigan

 

 

Fall Events 2023

The start of school and the Labor Day holiday mark the end of summer, even if the astronomical season lasts a few more weeks.  September and October still have great weather for outdoor activities-- for camping, paddling, or a walk or bike ride.  Seasonal festivals celebrate Labor Day, Art, Sandhill Cranes, and harvest time.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 2-4  Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 4 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 8-10  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 14 - October 1  Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 16 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 17 Fall Festival Portage

September 24 Harvest Fest Vicksburg

September 29-30 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 6-7 Pumpkinfest Zeeland

October 14-15 Cranefest Bellevue

October 12-15 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October  21-22 Arts and Eats Tour  Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties



Also consider:

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

SW Michigan Fall Festivals Guide from Kzoo Kids

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo

Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

Sarrett Nature Center's Event list Benton Harbor

         Events calendar from Pure Michigan

 

Fall Events 2019

As August comes to a close, Labor Day brings the final holiday of summer.  September and October offer plenty of warm days and cool nights for outdoor activities.  Fall is a great season for for camping, paddling or a walk or bike ride through the woods.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, Sandhill Cranes, harvests, and art.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

August 30- September 2 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 2 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 6-8  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 13-14 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 7-October 27 Project 1 Grand Rapids (Project 1 replaces Art Prize this year.)

September 21 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 27-28 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 12 BontebokOktoberfest Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek 

October 12-13 Cranefest Bellevue

October 11-13 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 19-20 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas



Also consider:

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo

Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

Sarrett Nature Center's Event list Benton Harbor

Events from Pure Michigan 

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Fall 2018 events

Like it or not, Summer will end soon.  Fortunately, Fall is still great for outdoor activities around Kalamazoo.  Warm days and cool nights are perfect weather for camping or paddling.   Colorful leaves make it a great time to take a walk in the woods or to explore a local bike trail.   Sandhill Cranes gather in West Michigan before they migrate south for the season.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, art, and birds.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 3-5 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 3 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 7-9  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 14-15 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 19-October 7 Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 22-29  Michigan Trails Week

September 22 Eco Raft Race  Kalamazoo

September 22 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 29-30 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 13 BontebokOktoberfest Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek 

October 13-14 Cranefest Bellevue

October 12-14 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 20-21 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

October 18-21, 25-28 Zoo Boo Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek 

November 10 Holiday Parade 11am- 12:30pm Kalamazoo


Also consider:

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo

Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

Michigan Festivals and Events Association Events browser

Sarrett Nature Center's Event list Benton Harbor

Events from Pure Michigan 

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Fall Flowers

Joe Pye Weed  Eutrochium maculatum (or Illinois Wildflowers  or USDA)



When I think of color in the Fall, I automatically think of  autumn leaves.  Most of summer's prairie flowers are finished, replaced by a variety of asters and goldenrods.  A walk at the Kalamazoo Nature Center reminded me that there are still some interesting plants in bloom, particularly in the wet soil along the Kalamazoo River.

Jewelweed    Impatiens capensis (or Illinois Wildflowers or MSU extension pdf)

White Turtlehead Chelone glabra  (or USDA link or  Illinois Wildflowers )

Great Blue Lobelia   Lobelia siphilitica 

Fall 2017 Events

Labor Day marks the last weekend of Michigan's summer.   In Kalamazoo, Fall is a great time for walking or riding under colorful foliage, paddling down a river, or watching Sandhill Cranes.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, and birds.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 2-4 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 4 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 8-10  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 9 Eco Raft Race  Kalamazoo

September 15-17 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 24-30  Michigan Trails Week

September 20-October 8 Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 22-23 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 29-30 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 14-15 Cranefest Bellevue

October 13-17 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 21-22 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

October 19-29 Zoo Boo Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek 

November 11 Holiday Parade 11am- 12:30pm Kalamazoo



Also consider:

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo

Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Fall Events 2016

Labor Day marks the last weekend of summer and the coming of Fall with crisp cool weather and colorful foliage.  Autumn in Kalamazoo is a great time for walking or riding in the woods, paddling down a river, or watching Sandhill Cranes.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, and birds.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 2-5 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 5 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 9-11  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 16-17 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 19-26  Michigan Trails Week

September 21-October 9 Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 23-24 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 23-24 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 9 Fall Color Cruise Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Kalamazoo

October 8-9 Cranefest Bellevue

October 7-9 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 15-16 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

October 19-30 Zoo Boo Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek



Also consider:

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

8 Ways to Celebrate Fall from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Fall Events 2015

Labor Day is late this year, extending summer by an extra week, but Fall will come soon enough with crisp cool weather and colorful foliage.  Autumn in Kalamazoo is a great time for walking or riding in the woods, paddling down a river, or watching Sandhill Cranes.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, and birds.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 4-7 No Work - All Play St. Joseph

September 5-7 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 7 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 11-13  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 18-19 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 19-26  Michigan Trails Week


September 25-26 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 25-26 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 11 Fall Color Cruise Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Kalamazoo

October 10-11 Cranefest Bellevue

October x-x Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 14-20 Zoo Boo Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek

October 17-18 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

Also consider:

Labor Day in West Michigan (WLMagazine)

Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk

8 Ways to Celebrate Fall from Pure Michigan

Michigan Apple Festivals

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

a Fall Color Tour

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association Event Calendar

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

Fall Events 2014

Labor Day signals the end of summer and the beginning of fall.  Fall in Kalamazoo is a great time for a walk in the woods, a paddle down a river, or a ride on a bike trail.  It's also time for local harvest festivals.  Have fun!

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 5-7  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 12-14 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 26-27 Fall Festival St. Joseph

October 12 Fall Color Cruise Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Kalamazoo

October 11-12 Cranefest Bellevue

October 11-12 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 18-19 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

Also consider:

All Things Autumn from West Michigan Tourist Association

8 Ways to Celebrate Fall from Pure Michigan

Michigan Apple Festivals

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

a Fall Color Tour

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

West Michigan Tourist Association has a list of Harvest Time Festivals, a Weekly Color Report, and more Color Tours

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Running Workshops

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association Event Calendar

Outdoor Athlete has lists for Michigan running, biking and triathlon events.

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.

 

Peak Color in Kalamazoo?

This week looks like it will be close to the peak time for Fall colors in Kalamazoo, which is in line with Michigan's average fall color dates.  Some predicted a slightly longer Fall color season this year, although I'm not sure how this week's snow will affect that.

It should be a nice time for a drive through the countryside.  Pure Michigan recommends a Grand Rapids - Grand Haven - South Haven - Kalamazoo Color Tour and a New Buffalo - St. Joseph - Benton Harbor - Paw Paw Driving Tour. The West Michigan Tourist Association has a description of several recommended color tours in the region.

It should also be a great time for a walk in the woods, a ride on a bike trail, or-- if you dress warmly-- a paddle on a river or even a Fall camping trip.

The Michigan Nature Association posts on  Why do leaves change in the fall?
The US Forest Service has a page on the Science of Fall Colors.

Fall Events 2013

Cooler weather, migrating birds, and colorful leaves mark Fall in Kalamazoo.  It's a great time for a walk in the woods, a paddle down a river, or a ride on a bike trail.  Many towns in the area have festivals to celebrate the season.  Enjoy!

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 6-8  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 21 Apple Fest Coldwater

September 13-15 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 27-28 Fall Festival St. Joseph




October 5 Bangor Harvest Festival Bangor

October 5-6 Scotts Old Tyme Harvest Festival Scotts Mill County Park Scotts

October 13 Fall Color Cruise Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Kalamazoo

October 12-13 Cranefest Bellevue

October 12-13 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 19-20 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

Also consider:

All Things Autumn from West Michigan Tourist Association

8 Ways to Celebrate Fall from Pure Michigan

September Events, October Events, November Events from Pure Michigan

September events in Kalamazoo

Michigan Apple Festivals

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

a Fall Color Tour

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

West Michigan Tourist Association has a list of Harvest Time Festivals, a Weekly Color Report, and more Color Tours

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Running Workshops

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association Event Calendar

Outdoor Athlete has lists for Michigan running, biking and triathlon events.

The Department of Natural Resources has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas: September, October, November

Fall migration at the fish hatchery

The fish at Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery don't migrate, but the fish-rearing ponds do attract a variety of migrating waterfowl.  A Kalamazoo Gazette story on a bird-watching event at the hatchery sounded interesting and while I couldn't attend that event, I did visit the next weekend.

Canada Geese and Mallard Ducks live in Kalamazoo year round but many other species are only here during migration.  Buffleheads, a small diving duck with white sides and a large white headpatch, may be my favorite.  I also saw Ring-necked Ducks (although I never see the ring on their neck, but the white ring on their bill is much more visible), Northern Shovelers with their over-sized beaks, and small black Coots.  There were also a fair number of a duck I didn't recognize, with understated, almost elegant, grey plumage; these turned out to be Gadwalls.

While the trails at Wolf Lake are close to the ponds, the ponds themselves are big enough that you really need binoculars to appreciate the birds.  There is an observation deck at the largest pond, with a bench and illustrations of some of the common visitors.

Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery
34270 County Road 652
Mattawan, MI
(at the intersection of M-43 and Fish Hatchery Road)

Sandhill Crane Fall Migration

Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) have already started their migration south.  As these large birds leave their breeding grounds in Michigan and other northern states and provinces to spend the winter in Texas and northern Mexico, or Florida, they gather by the thousands in wetlands along the flyway to feed and rest.  This creates great opportunities to see impressive numbers of cranes in the next few weeks.

Several of these areas are near Kalamazoo.

The closest is the Baker Sanctuary northeast of Battle Creek.  Each year they host Cranefest, which will be October 12-13 this year.  Access is via the adjacent Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, with the best viewing in the late afternoon to just before dusk as the cranes fly overhead. 

Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area/Baker Sanctuary
22300 15 Mile Rd
Bellevue, Michigan 49021

The Haehnle Sanctuary near Jackson also features thousands of cranes each Fall.  They plan a festival on October 20, as well as tours and events throughout October.

Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary
8746 Seymour Rd
Grass Lake, MI 49259
[address is approximate.]

Jasper Pulaski in Indiana is the best-known spot for Sandhill Cranes in the region.  It's about a 2.5 hour drive southwest from Kalamazoo.  Since it is farther south, the peak migration is later, typically in mid-November.

Jasper Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area
west of US Route 421 
Medaryville  IN  47959 

Spicebush berries

Fall is the season of many nuts and berries including the eye-catching fruits of the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)  This shrub grows in partly-shady areas with moist soils.  It's widely distributed in the eastern United States and found throughout southern Michigan.

It blooms in early Spring (mid-March, this year) before the forest leaves have opened.  The flowers, while tiny, are bright enough to make an eye-catching display of yellow among the bare branches.  Later in the year, it's a host plant for the Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly.

The colorful berries (or drupes) are eaten by many different animals and a mixed flock of birds were feeding on them when I saw these.  Apparently people also consume these fruits, using them as a replacement for allspice.  People also make tea from the twigs.  In 2011, the Herb Society named Spicebush the Native Herb of the Year.

Fringed Gentian

Fringed Gentian (Gentianopsis crinita) is one of the star wildflowers of fall.  While Fringed Gentians grow in many Eastern states and provinces, they aren't particularly common anywhere.  I've only seen them in wet, sunny places.  Many years I miss them completely, but they are in bloom now and certainly worth looking for.  Gentians are often associated with calcareous soil (rich in calcium carbonate).  They are a biennial plant, living for two years.

Early Fall color in Kalamazoo

Cooler days and longer nights remind us that summer ends with the Autumn equinox this Saturday.  These changes also trigger chemical changes in deciduous tree leaves causing greens to be replaced by reds and yellows.  So far, most of the trees in Kalamazoo are still green but some early color is visible.

Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy show the brightest colors now and Red Osier Dogwood leaves are turning purple.  Silver Maples are starting to change; they're one of our earliest trees to turn red.  I did see some scattered orange leaves on other maples and oaks, but they are predominantly green.

West Michigan's Weekly Color Report indicates similar conditions across most of Michigan, although some northern areas expect peak color to be early this year.



 

Fall 2012 events

Fall in Kalamazoo can be beautiful.  Cooler weather, changing colors and harvest time.  It's generally warm enough for biking or kayaking or a walk in the woods.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 1-3 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 9-11 Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 15 Apple Fest Coldwater

September 21-23 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 29 9am Fall Birding Trip Kellogg Biological Station Augusta

October 5-7 Harvest Fest St. Joseph

October 6-7 Scotts Old Tyme Harvest Festival Scotts Mill County Park Scotts


October 7 Fall Color Cruise [pdf] Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Kalamazoo

October 13-14 Cranefest XVIII Bellevue

October 13-14 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 21-22 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

Also consider:

All Things Autumn from West Michigan Tourist Association

September Events from Pure Michigan and October Events and November Events

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

a Fall Color Tour or an Apple Tour

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

West Michigan Tourist Association has a list of Harvest Time Festivals, a Weekly Color Report, and more Color Tours

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Running Workshops

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association Event Calendar

Outdoor Athlete has lists for Michigan running, biking and triathlon events.

The Department of Natural Resources has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas: September, October, November

Best Fall Color?

Fall in Kalamazoo is always colorful. At times, I'm stopped in my tracks by a spectacular tree. But, I want a bigger picture: a whole forest of colorful trees. I haven't found anywhere that I'd consider a "best place" for fall color near Kalamazoo.

Now, there are many colorful places for an Autumn walk, drive, or float, and I'm sure there must be places with a colorful panorama, but I don't know where they are. I'm thinking of the classic Fall pictures from Vermont or New Hampshire with a hill covered with orange, red, and yellow trees.

West Michigan seems to have all the individual elements: maple trees for beautiful red & orange leaves, rolling hills to display a swath of forest, and water to reflect the colors. Yet, I can't recommend a single spot for reliable breath-taking scenary.

Perhaps, I'm just busy with Fall classes & I miss the peak beauty. Or maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. If you have a favorite spot for Fall Color in West Michigan, please add it to the comments.

Wooly Bear

Wooly bear caterpillars (Pyrrharctia isabella) are an immature stage of the Isabella Tiger Moth. Superstition has it that the width of the colored bands can predict the severity of the coming winter (more black = colder winter). Not surprisingly, there is no scientific evidence to support this.

There is, however, interesting science on how these caterpillars survive the winter. Unlike the Monarchs that migrate to avoid Michigan's cold weather, or other species that overwinter as eggs, pupae, or adults, the wooly bear hibernates as a caterpillar, producing an internal antifreeze that keeps it from freezing solid.

I've seen a lot of these guys in Kalamazoo over the last few days.

More Fall Color

Autumn continues its progress in Kalamazoo, despite the unseasonably warm weather. Silver maples seem to be at their peak (at least those growing by ponds & lakes); some have already lost their leaves but most are bright red. Sumac, Virginia Creeper, and Poison Ivy contribute more reds. There are a lot more yellow leaves-- walnuts, hickories, and ash-- than there were a couple of weeks ago. Some oaks are getting a little purple-red and the first sugar maples have started to change.

The National Arboretum has an interesting page on the science of color, which explains why day length, rather than temperature determines when leaves change.

West Michigan Weekly has updated their Fall Color Report.