A birch grove in October

Peak foliage has passed, and Friday was gloomy with some rain. But a birch grove always looks nice and shiny.

Shade tolerant sugar maple gets boxed in sometimes, but this one, aglow with mid-October burnt orange, lets the softwoods know who rules the neighborhood.

Trees need not be mighty in stature to enjoy treasured status on Hardwood Hermitage. This baby bur oak, growing about an inch a year for now, may be alive -- and much bigger -- in 500 years.

Lest the paper birches get jealous of another oak picture, here are more visions of our state tree.