Dry, hot summer may create lackluster fall foliage display

By Patrick Massey

One of the greatest shows in Arkansas will soon be underway — maybe.

That is, of course, the fall color change. Every autumn nature paints the mountains and valleys of the Ouachitas here in our corner of the state with in- state, typically late October.

It remains to be seen what effects the hot summer temperatures and lack of rainfall — which was scant enough to force Polk County into a burn ban — will have on the upcoming fall foliage display.

“There’s a lot of drought stress going around,” Ford said. “When drought hits, one of the tree’s survival mechanisms is to cut sap flow to its leaves, preventing moisture from evaporating from the leaves, which leads to browning and early leaf fall.”

If the dry spell is upended, the chances for color might improve slightly.

“Any moisture in the next couple of weeks could produce color in places that are marginal,” Ford said.

Speaking from Hope, he said, “Elms are just turning totally brown, and the privet has wilted completely.”

Then there are the oak trees with foliage being stripped bare by an outbreak of variable oakleaf caterpillars. Sherri Sanders, who is the county extension agent-agriculture from the U of A Division of Agriculture office in Searcy wrote on the uaex.uada.edu website, “Although outbreaks have not been uncommon throughout much of its range, it has been several years since I can remember an outbreak of this magnitude.” credible hues of gold, red and orange. Thousands of visitors travel here each fall to see the transformation.

The caterpillars begin with a deep pink or reddish color dorsal band. They tend to leave a lot of nasty “debris” behind, which stains and ruins the paint of porches and decks, gets into swimming pools, and pet water and feed bowls. They also can cause blisters if a person attempts to pick one up. Not only do they destroy the leaves, but they can eventually kill a tree.

The good news is area residents don’t have to look far to experience the fall color change — however short and dull it may be.

The Talimena National Scenic Byway offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ouachita National Forest. No doubt, both first time visitors and longtime residents of Polk County already know the Talimena National Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in the state. The road goes for 54 miles along forested mountain tops between Mena in southwest Arkansas and Talihina, Oklahoma. The drive is beautiful year-round and stands out in fall because of the color that can be seen there. In Mena, the route goes up Rich Mountain, Arkansas’ second-highest peak, and by Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

There is usually a period of a week or so when the fall foliage in a particular area is at its prime. Typically, the peak occurs around two or three weeks after color changes begin.

However, researchers with the Cooperative Extension Service say a combination of dry days and brutal highs in the 100’s earlier this summer may cause Arkansas’ fall foliage display to fizzle out in 2023.

“It’s going to be a pretty bad fall across the state,” said Vic Ford, a forester who is head of agriculture and natural resources for the Cooperative Extension Service. “A lot of trees are already turning brown.”

Arkansas is about a month away from the start of the seasonal color change. Arkansas Tourism predicts the most dramatic displays of fall foliage for our area traditionally falls between early and mid-November. That happens a little earlier in the northern half of the

By Ethan Nahté

The new Thrifty Thursday page is live on My Pulse News, specifically at https://mypulsenews. com/home/thrifty-thursday/ or visit our homepage and look for the Thrifty Thursday link below the Home page icon in the main menu.

You’ll find links to each of our Thrifty Thursday advertisers and information about what weekly deals they have to offer.

The Knights of Columbus will be campaigning for People with Intellectual Disabilities. All proceeds of this annual event go to PCDC and the Special Olympics. In return for a donation, donors get a tootsie rolls and smiles. The Knights will be visiting local Polk County businesses over the next couple weeks. Saturday, Oct. 7, they will be in front of Walmart. (Photo courtesy of the Knight of Columbus)

The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Sept. 14 to celebrate new member Rock Creek Cabins, LLC. They are located at 549 Polk Road 41 South in Mena. They offer four cabins for travelers to relax in. Find them on Facebook at Rock Creek Cabins, LLC.

The Polk County Disabled American Veterans and Auxiliary will be holding their monthly meetings on Oct. 5 at Veterans Park in Acorn beginning at 6 p.m. A potluck will be served with meetings to follow.

The Polk County Housing Authority will be closed Monday, Oct. 9, in observance of Columbus Day.

The Happiness Extension Homemakers Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Hatfield City Hall. You are invited to attend.

Dallas Valley Rural Volunteer Fire Department members, firefighters and board of directors of the would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to join us for our Annual Business Meeting and dinner, which will be held at the fire station on Old Airport Rd. (aka 229 Polk Rd 52), Saturday, Oct. 14, starting at 5 p.m. There will be a donation boot available for any non-members who wish to attend. Please join us if you can.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at The Crossing church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

Celebration of Life luncheon for the late Earl Westbrook Jr. at The Elks Lodge in Mena, 2 p.m., Oct. 14. We would love to see everyone and hear some of the stories you’d like to share. Come as you are.

Come play Pickleball! Open play Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., Aubrey D. Tapley Park, 2562 U.S. Hwy. 71, Mena. Bring your own equipment and come have fun. All levels are welcome. Unsure or interested? Come watch before purchasing equipment.

GriefShare at The Crossing in Mena meets every Thursday from 6-8 p.m. for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Polk County Democrat meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, at PaPa’s Mexican Café on Hwy. 71 South. Come early to eat and socialize. Bring a friend or tw. Any concerns or questions call Linda Johnson at (479) 234-7966.

The Polk County Social Seniors will be meeting at Stillwell Restaurant, 301 West Stillwell Ave., De Queen, at noon on Oct. 10. Come and meet new friends as well as socializing. Bring a friend or two. Need a ride? Meet at Walmart by the gas station . Leaving no later than 11 a.m. Call Linda Johnson at (956) 241-2633 with any questions?

Live Oak Baptist Church of Cove, will have a Fish Fry Fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6. Eat in, take out or delivery from Hatfield to Wickes. You may pre-order if you would like by calling (870) 387-0013. Suggested Donation $10 per plate. Each meal includes catfish nuggets, hushpuppies, dessert, drink and choice of 2 (French fries, cole slaw, baked beans, or pinto beans)

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

Jam session every Tuesday night, 6-9 p.m. at Shady Mountain Events, 428

Hwy. 375 East, Mena. No charge, everyone is welcome. All genres of music. Bring your own instrument, come watch or dance. Call (479) 234-7174 with questions.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a series on the Book of Revelation in its Adult Sunday School class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. Earl Harrell will be the presenter and will focus on the titles of Jesus as revealed in the Book of Revelation. The public is invited to attend. Classes will be in the Helen Barham Room at the church, 904 Church Avenue, Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with other beekeepers.

GriefShare at First Presbyterian Church Mena meets every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon-5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. The hours are 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:309:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

Hatfield First Baptist Church

“Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community

Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!