Oct 31, 2017 1 min read

1 / 4

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

Shagbark hickory nuts, shown in Washington Park Oct. 25, are consumed by humans and are a favorite with wildlife.

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

2 / 4

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

Dolores Roppelt of Houston holds a variety of nuts that were gathered at Washington Park. Nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

3 / 4

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

A black walnut, also known as Juglans Nigra, ripens on a branch in Washington Park.

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

4 / 4

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

Simon Ruhl of Washington picks fallen hickory nuts in Washington Park Oct. 17.

Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter

[expand]

close

Autumn has always been associated with the beautiful explosion of colorful foliage but leaves aren’t the only thing that’s dropping from the trees. It’s the start of the fall forage season as squirrels, deer, birds and other wild life hunt for fall nuts. Most wildlife rely heavily on nuts in the fall. Today most people go nutting the for pleasure to be out in the crisp cool air connecting with nature. Some of the most common nut-producing trees in are area are many species of hickories, oaks, black walnut and chestnuts just to name a few. Are local parks are a great place to joined wildlife in the harvest of fall nuts.