A drive through the various phases of Reynolds Mountain Communities reveals an artistic array of fall leaf colors already beginning to show, especially at the higher elevations. Beautiful weather on the heels of a few brief overnight cold snaps has created ideal conditions for fall foliage. Locals and visitors alike are taking advantage of lower gas prices and sunny skies to visit some of their favorite green spaces.
Jesse Pope, chief naturalist from Grandfather Mountain recently wrote “Many species are starting to show off good fall color and include: Mountain Ash (brilliant red), American Ash (burgundy and yellow), many huckleberries and other Vaccinium species (bright red to burgundy), Sugar Maples, Red Maples, Yellow Buckeye, Yellow Birch, Hop Hornbeam (yellow), Pignut Hickory (yellow/brown), Red Oak (red, yellow, and brown), Chestnut Oak (yellow/rust), hobblebush (red), and Sourwood (red)” All of these species are well represented in the Reynolds Mountain Communities.
On Reynolds Mountain trees and shrubs are putting on their best fall colors, while in Reynolds Park, the wildlife is stealing the show. Turkeys, Canadian Geese, Great Blue Herons, Carolina Chickadees and Pileated Woodpeckers are among the many species busily preparing for the coming winte. Chipmunks, squirrels and groundhogs are gathering fall nuts, berries and fruits and occasionally engage in small playful skirmishes in the open fields.
Reynolds Village is experiencing a transformation of its own. As the building that will soon be home to a new Neighborhood YMCA at Woodfin nears completion, Reynolds Village has become a sculptural Mecca, playing host to RiverSculpture: 34 works of public art on display free in Reynolds Village. Weekly events at RiverSculpture during October create a festive fall atmosphere and take advantage of the backdrop of the surrounding mountains to provide an ever changing curtain of color.
In these tilt-a-whirl times of volatility and rapid change, it is comforting to know that some change is inevitable and indeed welcome. The changing of the leaves here in Asheville is much anticipated, creating a seasonal routine that ties humanity to the earth and gives cause for all to celebrate.
