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Photo by Pella Community Services Department at West Market Park in Pella

The latest fall colors report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources indicates it is peak viewing season in south central Iowa. Deep reds and oranges are in hard maple trees, with bright yellow on walnut, bitternut hickory, silver maple, and cottonwood, bronzy-gold on shagbark hickory and oaks are starting to turn and are gradients of red, tan, and purple. The Iowa DNR reports bright red on sumac and ivy along forest edges as well. Winds will be making the leaves fall this week, so the DNR encourages residents to enjoy the peak season through October 20th.