August 11

The swamp maples in the lower valley that forms the basin of wetlands toward Moore State Park are beginning to turn. We’ve had successive cooler nights, and I suspect this has prompted their changing color, as the low areas are cooler all the more. The road that travels from Paxton toward Barre (Route 122) crosses the wetland, and on the east side the maples that border the small pond which feeds the culvert are becoming gold and auburn, and when seen against the background of the still green wild grasses and low shrubs makes a nice transition between summer and autumn.

It’s a month yet before our sugar and silver maples will make their change, but there is evidence now of the progressing season. The sugars are starting to drop their keys, and we see them collecting in the shoulders of the road. A still wind yesterday brought down dozens, winged key seeds still connected at the fruit, the pair forming a little bow tie.

Over the next few weeks, those that remain high in the tree will drop further and separate, falling to the ground in spinning helicopter fashion.