A Fall Walk through Everett’s Forest Park

Forest Park was still surprisingly green last week despite three months without significant rain. Taking a break from restoration work, I went for a leisurely walk and took some pictures, including the following group of ten.

Acer macrophyllum — While some plants, like this Bigleaf Maple were starting to turn, overall much of the deciduous foliage was still green.

The trail on South Ridge leads to some of the best areas in the park.

The mature conifers in Forest Park date back to 1930s work by the CCC.

Oemleria cerasiformis — Beginning in early August, the leaves of Osoberry turn yellow, then brown, one leaf at a time, throughout the dry season.

Acer circinatum — Unlike the Osoberry, all of the leaves on individual Vine Maples turn at the same time.

Rubus parviflorus — Why are some Thimbleberry plants still green while others are completely yellow and brown?

Gaultheria shallon — Salal can gradually take over sites with at least some direct sunlight.

Mahonia nervosa — A few ripe berries wait for a hungry bird in this patch of Low Oregon Grape.

I marvel at the way so many plants growing so close together can still find enough moisture to stay green throughout the long dry season.

The best areas of Forest Park remain relatively untracked and pristine.