Enjoying Fall Foliage

The northeastern quadrant of the United States is a veritable treasure trove of scenic beauty in the early fall. Mountainous displays of brightly hued trees can be found in every state and along every highway. As with most natural environments, it is hard to rival the autumn season when it comes to dramatic displays of nature's handiwork.

One particularly amazing display of autumn splendor can be found in Schenley Park, near the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The rugged terrain of the walking trails in Schenley Park is alive with gingko trees, pin oak trees, Norway and silver maples, buckeye trees and American elm, to name but a very few, all decked out in their best and brightest array of fall colors. Squirrels dart about in a manic frenzy in an effort to prepare for the coming of the winter hibernation season with little or no concern for the humans that may cross their path. Trickling streams run freely, fed by the occasional rainy fall days.

Schenley Park boasts another outstanding feature that is not so easily found along the typical fall nature walk. Near one of the entrances to the park's numerous walking trails is Phipps Conservatory. In addition to the inspirational experience of touring the conservatory for a fee, if one so chooses, everyone is treated to the no-cost experience of viewing two superb man-made water lily ponds outside the conservatory.

The water lilies begin to bloom in mid to late August and are hardy enough to easily survive the first several milder frosts that they will undoubtedly experience. Count on seeing the jewel-toned display of colors until the early part of October. Colorful nymphaea stretch their pads across the water to offer up the delicate beauty of pink, yellow, purple or white water lilies. Dragon flies add their own unique color and can be found in abundance, landing thither and yon on every flower.

A bronze statue of Neptune stands guard over the entire aquatic garden. Ornamental grasses, hibiscus, clematis and other delightful foliage frame the two ponds. It is an ever changing scene of beauty that cannot be overstated.

The lily pond display is a wonderful bonus to a fall foliage walk in Schenley Park that is hard to equal in any other venue. Adding to the delightful feeling of crunching leaves underfoot is the rare experience of seeing the proof that some part of nature is eternally being reborn while other parts have lived out their lives. It is a message of hope that exhilarates and inspires.