The school year is underway and that means our weekly phenology talkback segment just got exponentially more fun. Year-round, we hear from listeners who call or email their observations of the natural world to us and we love hearing from everyone who contributes! However, when school is underway we have the sweet treat of hearing from classrooms and kids around the listening area as they report what they've been noticing.
This week was a special one as we received the first report ever from Lara Thomason's 4th grade class in Kelliher, MN! We're stoked to have them onboard and very much look forward to future reports from this group. Go Mustangs! We were excited to hear familiar voices from Northern Lights Community School in Warba, MN, Ian in Minneapolis, and August in Shevlin as well! Welcome back! The kids noticed so many things this week: bees on sunflowers, leaves turning colors, caterpillars, a chrysallis, black-eyed susans covered in bugs, sandhill cranes, a yellow spider the size of a 1/2 dollar and that's just the beginning. In addition to student reports, we also heard from Barbara in Hibbing who was perplexed by a tiny, bright green frog she found in her garden.
What are you noticing outside? We would love to hear from you whether you are in a classroom or your living room! Don't hesitate to email or give us a jingle and leave a message at 218.999.9876. You might also consider joining our KAXE-KBXE Season Watch Page on Facebook to connect with other nature-conscious folks in northern Minnesota!
If you are a teacher or someone who works with kids, we invite you to join the Phenology Network on KAXE/KBXE! John Latimer has created a curriculum spanning the whole school year and will connect with you on how to get students observing nature and sending in their phenology reports. Send an email of interest along to get you set up!
Phenology Talkbacks are made possible by the members of Northern Community Radio and a grant from the U of MN NE Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.
If you dig Phenology, support Northern Community Radio by making a donation and becoming a member today!
