More than Green Pines for Fall Color in Moore County, NC Says the CVB
Southern Pines, NC (PRWEB) October 02, 2014 -- While thousands of leaf peepers will head west to the NC Mountains for fall foliage, the Sandhills, specifically Moore County, will have some fall color worthy of a visit too. Whether enjoying the colors on the golf course or driving through horse country or hiking through a state park, enjoy the fall foliage just as well.
Stephen Greer, County Extension Director for Moore County, along with information from fellow NC Cooperative Extension Service directors, provides good background, insight, and predictions for fall colors throughout the towns and villages of Moore County, namely Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, Carthage, Cameron, Robbins and West End. With Moore County being part of the lower piedmont and Sandhills as determined by the clay soils in the northern half and sand in the southern half, a unique landscape opportunity comes along for this exceptional plant environment.
In the northern end, many oaks, maples, sweet gum and other hardwoods are prolific while the southern end of the county is blessed with stands of longleaf pines holding understory trees like dogwoods, small red maples and turkey oak. The strong fall color can be found along the winding roads leading to Robbins and Northwest Moore County along the Pottery Highway (Hwy. 705). To the southern end, the red colors of dogwoods, pears and the yellow poplar can be seen cascading out along the outer edges of rolling golf courses and tree lined roads.
Why will the foliage be so beautiful this season? Greer highlights, “With the summer rains, trees in the area have put on healthy limb & leaf growth. Followed by the strong growth, August was cooler than normal along with September offering warm days and cooler night temps. This leads to vibrant fall colors for all to enjoy.”
In addition, with the fall season comes the changes in length of daylight and changes in temperature. Leaves stop the food production process and the chlorophyll (the green pigment) begins to break down exposing the yellow colors of the leaf. If the cool nights/warm days and cloudy/rainy days stay away for the those critical weeks of September and early October, chemical changes in the leaves will create a wonderful mix of reds, yellows and oranges for all to enjoy.
“Fall color-related travel is big business in our state as it’s a strong motivator for travelers to get out and experience new destinations while soaking in the explosion of colors Mother Nature offers up. Moore County always has great activities, lodging, dining and golf to offer these visitors and our northern half of the county shines with its deciduous array of colors, rolling hills and unique potter shops sprinkled throughout the region, easily accessible from both I-73/74 and U.S 1,” emphasized Caleb Miles, CEO & President of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).
Stephen’s Prediction for Fall Color in the Sandhills…get cameras and hiking shoes ready!
Shoulder Color Week: Last Week of October
Peak Color Week: First Week of November
Shoulder Color Week: Second Week of November
… And cross fingers for a late frost.
Caleb Miles, CVB, http://www.homeofgolf.com, +1 910-692-3330 Ext: 234, [email protected]
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