Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests

September 2026 precipitation in Muskingum County totaled 5.7 in, 2.9 in above normal against the 1901-2000 baseline of 2.9 in, ranking 10th wettest of 132 such periods on record since 1895. This marks a continuation of wet conditions that have reduced drought stress heading into fall.

Muskingum County remains free of drought designation as of the week of October 13-19, 2026, with no part of the county classified in any drought category. Following wet conditions earlier in the autumn, the county has maintained adequate water supply through October.

Mean daily high over the last 30 days at Zanesville Municipal Airport has been 71.5°F, 2.3°F above normal, and mean daily low has been 50.4°F, 4.3°F above normal. October temperatures are running warmer than the 1991-2020 baseline for these calendar days, consistent with continued above-normal warmth through autumn.

Carolina Mantis was recorded three times from September 24 to October 9, 2026 in Zanesville and New Lexington. This native predatory insect extends its activity into October, following the peak of arthropod availability in autumn.

Eastern Red-backed Salamander was recorded four times from September 24 to October 10, 2026, including three sightings on the same day at Dillon State Park. This woodland salamander's presence reflects active forest habitat with leaf litter and moisture.

Spotted Lanternfly was observed four times from September 29 to October 14, 2026 in Zanesville and Falls Township. This invasive planthopper feeds on tree of heaven and other trees, posing a pest risk to forest and agricultural systems in the Plateau.

Eastern redbud is showing colored leaves and recent fruit or seed drop, with ripe fruits observed on October 14. The species is fully entered into its autumn seed dispersal phase, with continued above-normal temperatures through mid-October favoring continued phenological progression.

Month-to-date precipitation at Altoona 3 W (10 km from the ecosystem) through October 17 is 0 in, which is 0.8 in below normal for this date. This dry October follows September 2026, when the county received 6.3 in of precipitation, 2.8 in above the 1901-2000 normal of 3.5 in.

Cambria County remains free from drought stress as of the week of October 13-19, 2026, with 0% of the county classified in abnormal dryness or worse. The absence of drought conditions has persisted through the past eight weeks.

Spotted lanternfly was recorded on 2026-10-14 in Altoona, with 12 sightings in the past month across Cambria and Blair Counties. Adult females are now laying eggs through early freezing; each mass holds 30-50 eggs adapted to survive cold. Egg masses laid now will hatch next spring, so elimination of eggs before winter is the most effective control point in the pest's lifecycle.