By Renee Dunn

OSWEGO, N.Y– Autumn is considered by some people as one of the most beautiful times of the year because of leaves changing, and the peak of Fall is here in Oswego. Strong leaf colors are being expected for several sections of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Oswego counties this week.

According to I Love NY.com, the Thousand Islands-Seaway region of New York, which includes Oswego County, will experience 80 to nearly 100 percent leaf color change this week. This means that oak, maple, and sweetgum trees will be bright shades of red, yellow and orange while fewer areas of muted green, orange and purple remain.

For the students of SUNY Oswego, this color change of foliage brings about many opportunities to explore all of the beauty the campus has to offer. SUNY Oswego’s outdoor club takes trips in the fall to view the leaves changing colors, which peak at different times around the state.

“The adirondacks start first so we got a jump start a few weeks ago in the adirondacks to see the peak. Now it’s in the central New York region, [so we] kind of just drift with the leaves to chase the peak colors for the best hikes for our club members,” Meteorology student and co-president of SUNY Oswego’s Outdoor’s club Zach Butler said.

Rice Creek Field Station also offers opportunities to watch the change in seasons. Rice Creek has trails that are open during daylight hours that can be used for viewing the changing of the leaves in the fall. Student’s can also educate themselves on the ecosystem of Rice Creek at the field station’s wildlife exhibit.

Other areas of New York, such as Long island, are still in their midpoint of color change and are expected to reach their peak later in the month.
For more information and to view a map of peak fall foliage, visit https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map/.

Oswego, NY- For the last month there has been dramatic changes in Oswego’s weather.  The fluctuations in weather have lead to snow, rain, 60 degree weather, and various other conditions. Rumors have been spiraling around campus that this change in weather has lead to many people getting sick.  However, this rumor has been proven false.

“The reason you have a big flux in rhinoviruses like the common cold in the fall season, and in the spring season is because that’s just when it spreads the most.  That’s when those viruses peak, ” WTOP-10 Chief Meteorologist Alec Zuch said. “And then, on top of that in the winter time that’s when flu is the most common.  So it has nothing to do with temperature, it has more to do with you know, when that virus actually goes around.”

Several studies at universities across the United States have proven this statement to be true as well. Bacteria and viruses are the reasons for people’s illnesses.  The cold temperature typically makes it easier for the bacteria and viruses to survive.  Meanwhile, the warm weather lets allergens into the air more easily.  These things have made it a great environment for both allergens and bacteria to survive.  Plus, the elements Oswego has provided recently has not helped conditions either.

The Mary Walker Health Center is providing students with treatments for common cold like symptoms.  If symptoms become more serious, it is advised that students see a doctor or another medical professional as soon as possible.