Changing Climate Alters Fall Foliage in Western North Carolina
This coverage is also made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.
Each October, the High Country and Blue Ridge Mountains come alive with the vibrant hues of fall foliage, attracting both locals and tourists. The predictable timing of these colors, however, is being disrupted by climate change, according to Howard Neufeld, a retired leaf expert from Appalachian State University, also known as “the fall color guy.”
Neufeld explains, “Temperature is the big deal,” highlighting how September and October temperatures, especially those in September, significantly influence the timing of peak fall colors. He observed that this past September was unusually warm, with temperatures 4 to 5 degrees above average, potentially delaying the peak leaf colors by about eight to 10 days for each degree of increased temperature.
This shift in timing is causing concern for Western North Carolina’s economy, heavily reliant on the influx of autumn visitors drawn by the leaf season. Kyle McCurry from Explore Asheville notes that spending by these visitors supports the local economy, contributing $2.6 billion annually and sustaining over 25,000 jobs, which account for one in every seven jobs in the county.
McCurry mentions that fall tourism also generates over $900 million in local income and $215 million in state and local taxes. To keep tourists informed of peak viewing times, McCurry collaborates with Neufeld for weekly updates on the Explore Asheville website.
Despite these challenges, Neufeld remains optimistic about this year’s foliage. The Blue Ridge Mountains’ extensive forest cover has helped moderate temperature increases compared to other regions, which may result in a promising display, particularly at higher elevations like the Grandfather Mountain Ranger District. Recent rainfall and cooler air could further enhance the colors in the coming weeks.
