LATE SEPTEMBER RAIN RESCUES FALL COLORS

JEFFERSON CITY -- The colors in fall foliage will be bright and beautiful, thanks to rains that arrived just in time.

Bruce Palmer, forestry education coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation, says hot, dry weather in August and early September could have been bad news for those who treasure the reds and golds of autumn foliage. But rains in recent weeks saved the day.

"We got enough rain in late September to go into fall in good shape," says Palmer. "Trees may have started dropping their leaves in some areas like dry ridges and glades, but the rain we got has been enough to relieve the stress in most areas. It should be a beautiful fall in Missouri."

Palmer says fall color normally peaks around Oct. 15 in northern Missouri and the Branson area. The peak of fall color in central and southwestern Missouri usually comes around Oct. 20. The Bootheel area has the latest fall display, with colors peaking there around Oct. 25.

The Conservation Department and the Missouri Division of Tourism cosponsor a free fall color hot line to help Missourians catch the climax of the autumn display. Dialing 1-800-519-1600 gets you an update of the progress of color changes in different parts of the state so you can time your trip for best viewing. Callers also can order fall travel guides at this number.