Happy Labor Day, September 1, 2025

The Park office will be closed on Labor Day

Farmers' Almanac for September 2025

If you're planning for September 2025, here’s what to expect based on the Old Farmer’s Almanac:

• Generally warm and dry conditions across much of the U.S., especially in the West, Southeast, and parts of the South and Heartland.
• Cooler-than-normal temperatures expected in the Northeast, Ohio Valley, Upper Midwest, and Lower Lakes.
• Rainfall is likely below average in most places, with exceptions like parts of the Upper Midwest, Southern Alaska, and select regions in Hawaii.
• The official start of fall is September 22, with peak foliage around October 11 in New England.

Why Fall Color Changes Differ in September

1. Temperature Patterns

• Cool nights and warm, sunny days are the magic combo for brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.
• If September is warmer than usual (as the 2025 Farmers’ Almanac predicts in many regions), the color shift will be delayed—trees may stay green longer.
• If it’s cooler than normal, you’ll see an earlier and faster color change.

2. Rainfall & Moisture

• Drought → Leaves may turn brown and drop early without showing much color.
• Wet late summer → Healthy trees produce more sugars, which enhance reds and purples.
• September 2025 is forecast to be drier than usual in much of the U.S., which could dull some colors or make them short-lived.

3. Daylight Hours (Photoperiod)

• The shortening of days is the signal for trees to stop producing chlorophyll (the green pigment).
• That’s why fall color always begins in September, but the intensity depends on the weather that year.

4. Tree Species & Location

• Maples (bright reds and oranges) respond differently than oaks (brown/russet) or hickories (golden yellow).
• Higher elevations and northern latitudes change earlier—sometimes as early as mid-September.
• Lower elevations and southern regions may not peak until October or even November.

5. Stress Factors

• Insects, disease, storms, or even a hot summer can stress trees, causing uneven or patchy color.
• For 2025, if September is hot and dry, stressed trees may show less vibrant color or drop leaves faster.

So in short:

The color change looks “different” in September because of the unique mix of temperature, rainfall, daylight, and tree health that year. For 2025, the Almanac suggests a warmer/drier early fall in much of the U.S., so you might see:

• Delayed peak colors (later in September or early October)
• Shorter display period (leaves may drop sooner)
• Less vibrant reds/purples in some areas, especially if drought stress sets in.

Why Florida's Foliage Peaks Later Than Northern States

Florida's delayed and extended foliage season stems from a few key factors:

• Milder Climate & Shorter Temperature Swings
• Unlike northern states, Florida doesn't experience the sharp temperature drops (cool nights and warm days) that stimulate a rapid change in leaf pigments. Therefore, the transition to fall colors happens more gradually and starts later.
• Species & Vegetation Differences
• Florida's flora includes many evergreen species and tropical trees that don’t change color in the way maples and oaks do. This alters both the timing and the overall vibrancy of fall displays.
• Latitude & Daylight
• Being farther south, the shift in daylight hours—one of the triggers for leaf color change—is less pronounced in September and October, meaning the signal for trees to begin turning is milder and comes later.

Quick Summary

Region Typical Peak Foliage Florida November 2–11SoutheastOctober through November Northern U.S. Late September through October.

So when it comes to Florida, September isn't usually part of the foliage picture—that vibrant display usually builds in October and peaks in early November.

Attention residents of Nelson's:

Dogs are not to be tied outside, without supervision. This means that you or a member of your household is to be outside with them at all times.

Dogs should not be left outside, unattended, in a fenced area. Especially if they are constant barkers.

All fencing must be approved by management before building.

Please respect your neighbors and their peace.

Nelson’s Outdoor Resort Resident Notice

Office Hours & Contact Information

📍 Office Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

📞 Office Phone: 352-821-3474

🛠 24/7 Maintenance: 352-821-0506

Payment Reminder

• Please make rental and mortgage payments online. If you need assistance, give us a call or stop by the office, and we will get you set up.
• Money orders and cashier’s checks may be dropped in the office door slot.
• Do NOT drop cash payments in the door for your safety.



Thank you,

Kelli Anderson

Manager, Nelson’s Outdoor Resort

September’s Promise

September has always been a month of change. The summer heat begins to soften, the days grow shorter, and the first hints of autumn settle in. Farmers once called it the “harvest month,” a time when hard work finally bore fruit and families gathered to celebrate the bounty of their labor.

One old tale tells of villagers who would light lanterns in early September and place them along their fields, believing the soft glow guided good fortune into the harvest. Neighbors came together, sharing bread, cider, and laughter under the fading summer sky. For them, September wasn’t just about crops—it was about community, resilience, and gratitude.

Even today, September carries that same spirit. It’s a reminder that no matter what the year has brought so far, there is always a chance to begin again, to gather the good things we’ve sown, and to share light with those around us.

So as September arrives, think of it as more than just another month—it’s a season of promise, of fresh starts, and of quiet joys waiting to be harvested.

A Love That Weathered the Storms

James and Margaret were just twenty when they married in a small country church. They had little more than love and hope to their names, but they believed that was enough.

The first years were sweet but not without hardship. James worked long hours at the mill, and Margaret stretched every dollar to keep food on the table. There were nights when the bills sat unopened on the counter, and the weight of responsibility felt heavier than either of them expected.

Their greatest test came in their forties. James lost his job after the mill closed, and Margaret faced a serious illness soon after. Their home felt like a battlefield of worry, fear, and exhaustion. For a time, it seemed like everything they had built might crumble. They argued, cried, and wondered if faith and love could really carry them through.

But Margaret, ever the steady one, reminded James of the vows they made: for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. They leaned on each other, leaned on prayer, and leaned on their community. James took odd jobs until steady work came again, and Margaret slowly regained her strength.

By the time their golden years arrived, life looked different—slower, but sweeter. They bought a small camper and traveled the country, laughing like teenagers again. Their mornings began with coffee on the porch, and their evenings ended with prayers of gratitude.

At their 50th anniversary celebration, surrounded by children, grandchildren, and friends, James raised his glass and said, “We’ve seen storms, but storms pass. The sun always comes back. Love is not about avoiding hardships—it’s about holding on through them until the light shines again.”

Margaret squeezed his hand, her eyes shimmering with tears. They had weathered the darkest nights together, and in doing so, they had found the brightest dawns.

Their story was not perfect—but it was beautiful. And through it all, they kept the faith.

The Mystery Writer

Saltwater fishing...

Bonefish

The elusive Bonefish travel in loose schools feeding on shrimp, shellfish, crabs, and fish from the bottom and from mangrove roots. The Bonefish inhabit shallow backwater among mangroves, moving onto shallow mud flats to feed with the incoming tide, and retreating to deeper waters as the tide goes out. During the hot summer months, Bonefish will move into deeper channels adjacent to flats. Chumming with bits of shrimp up current from their favorite hangouts proves very successful, especially in very hot or cold temperatures. Bonefish are a favorite for fly anglers and are not commonly eaten. Since Bonefish feed by smell, crushing live shrimp to release more scent is a proven method to attract them. The best times to catch a Bonefish are during overcast skies, a rising tide, water less than 3 feet, and water temperature more than 70 degrees. The average size of bonefish in South Florida and the Florida Keys ranges from 6-9 pounds, and 10-12 pound bonefish are common.

Bonito (False Albacore, Little Tunny)

Bonito travel in large schools, sometimes a half mile square. Most anglers catch Bonito while fishing for Kingfish; Bonito will hit on any bait if they are in the area. This fish is fun once hooked because it puts on an aggressive, furious fight.

The Bonito is in the Tuna family and is not commonly eaten in Florida due to it's size, which is 4 to 15 pounds. You can identify the Bonito called False Albacore or Little Tunny by its spots on the belly (not visible in this picture, but there), and they do not have stripes but a wavy blue and silver pattern on their tops. This Bonito is similar to the Atlantic Bonito in structure and is often misidentified. The Atlantic Bonito is from the Mackerel family and is not palatable, whereas the Little Tunny Bonito is excellent eating because it's from the Tuna family. The bloody red meat of this Bonito must be bled in ice water for hours, and the thick blood line must be removed before cooking it like any other Tuna. For more information, visit Anglers Trash Sushi Grade Tuna.

Bonito feed on herrings, menhaden, hake, mackerels, anchovies, shrimp, and squid. Bonito is a popular bait for Billfish, Kingfish, and Sharks, used by tournament anglers who go out the day before the big day and catch Bonito offshore for live bait during their tourney

Attention RV site residents:

All RV sites are maintained and mowed by the Park maintenance team.

Please be sure to have your yards around your RVs picked up and cleared of debris. The maintenance team will not move items such as picnic tables, kids' toys, rugs, furniture, etc. And if you have pets, please pick up the animal waste daily.

Do not let your dogs out off-leash to take care of their business in your neighbor's yard, or any other yards or common areas.

All dogs when outside are to be on a leash. Do not tie your dog outside and leave them unattended.

Thank you for your cooperation.



Management

ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) and RTV/UTV (Razor-type Utility Terrain Vehicle) regulations in Ocala National Forest:

General Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Rules

• Designated Routes Only
• You must stay strictly on designated National Forest System roads and trails as shown on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Off-trail or “cross-country” travel is prohibited.
• Sensitive Areas Off-Limits
• Motorized travel is strictly forbidden in wilderness areas, scenic areas, wetlands, prairies, hiking trails, bombing ranges, and any area posted “Closed to All Vehicles.
• Trail Access Points
• Free OHV maps and MVUMs are available at the Seminole District Office (near Umatilla), Lake George District Office, or visitor centers in Pittman, Salt Springs, and Ocklawaha.
• Prohibited Maneuvers

Creating new trails, performing donuts, cutting o riding off-designated route is strictly prohibited.

Parking & Use

• Parked vehicles must not block roads, gates, or fire lanes. Florida
• No night riding—trails close at Recreation.gov
• Alcohol is prohibited in day-use areas.

Vehicle Requirements

• Spark Arrestors Required
• All motorcycles and ATVs must be equipped with a Forest Service–approved spark arrestor.
• Quiet Mufflers
• A quiet muffler is also required for motorcycles and ATVs.
• Noise Limit
• The trail system enforces a maximum noise level—commonly 96 dB.
• Width Restrictions
• Maximum width is generally capped at 65 inches on most trails; some trails may restrict widths to 50

Permits & Fees

• OHV Trail Pass is required to ride, and can be purchased in advance via recreation.gov or the app—cash payments on-site are no longer accepted.
• Unlicensed (street-legal) vehicles, such as dual sport bikes that also ride on state roads, can use mixed-use trails and numbered roads without the OHV pass—but need a pass for ATV/motorcycle-only trails.
• Unlicensed vehicles are not permitted on improved (forest-numbered) roads unless they carry a valid permit, and enforcement is strict.

Safety & Rider Requirements

• Children (6 to 15 years old) must:
• Be supervised by an adult,
• Complete a Florida-approved OHV safety course,
• Wear helmet, goggles, and boots.Recreation.gov
• Riding double (carrying a second passenger) is only allowed if the vehicle is designed for more than one passenger. Aftermarket seats for extra passengers are not permitted.Recreation.gov
• Avoidance of environmental damage is stressed—riders are encouraged to maintain tread depth under 1 inch to minimize soil disturbance and trail wear.

Trail Systems (ATV/UTV-Friendly)

Ocala National Forest features several OHV trail systems that accommodate ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and motorcyclists:

• Ocala North OHV Trail System – ~125 miles across six loops
• Wandering Wiregrass Trail – ~17 miles
• Ocala Centennial OHV Trail System – includes the “Centennial” (~42 mi) and “Scrub jay” (~20 mi) trails, Wikipedia
• Ocala Centennial specifically enforces a 20 mph speed limit, requires a permit, and allows unlicensed vehicles under 65 inches / Marion County, Florida
• Some forest roads (e.g., Longleaf Trail) are open to licensed SUVs/4×4 vehicles.

Attention Rental Unit Residents:

Pest services are scheduled the 3rd full week of every month, for rental units. Homeowners may contact the office if they would like to have Joe spray for pests and discuss a schedule and payment.

September 15th through the 19th.

The Nelson's staff wishes everyone a safe and happy month of September. See you in October, get ready for Halloween!

Nelson's Outdoor Resort-352-821-3474

Nelson's After Hours- 352-460-1446

Nelson's 24/7 maintenance- 352-821-0506

Kelli's Email- manager@nelsonsoutdoorresort.com