When moving to southwest Florida, I did not expect to see a typical fall; no colors, and no cooler weather. It is now January and many people are experiencing winter with temperatures throughout the Midwest ranging from 35° F to 0° F, and my home town in southern California a brisk 68° F; meanwhile here in Naples, Florida, the real feel today was 80° F. After hurricane Irma came through and wind stripped the needles and leaves off many of the trees, I was then SURE I wouldn’t see a fall this year, but boy was I wrong. Although this warm weather is not a typical fall characteristic, this week has also brought in some GORGEOUS colors from the Cypress and Maple trees!
Many people associate coniferous trees with evergreens such
as Slash Pine, Ponderosa Pine, or any of your go to Christmas tree species. Although
Bald Cypress trees are coniferous, they are also deciduous meaning they lose
their needles once a year - these classifications are mutually exclusive. This
year being a unique year with the Cypress losing their needles in September (a
little before they usually drop their needles), something has been signaling them
recently to just now start changing colors, and I love it!
(The same stand of cypress in November (above) and January (right)).
The reds and oranges are flowing through the cypress dome
and create a whole new feel while exploring Corkscrew. These warm colors bring a
new dynamic to the mostly green landscape we are now used to seeing here in the
swamp. What a beautiful surprise, I guess southwest Florida does experience its
own version of fall!
-Kelsie
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