Heidi Holtan
/
KAXE
Spring weather arrived last week, and we're feeling the joy that comes with it!
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan (director of public affairs, self-described "KAXE old-timer") and Charlie Mitchell (phenology coordinator, radio newbie) are in complete agreement with students from Rockford Middle School: Sun is winning the war against the cold.
It's a feel-good episode, full of fun facts about KAXE, spring joy, and (as always) handy nature notes from John Latimer (staff phenologist, king of detailed record-keeping).
"Latimer noted the things like the first butterfly are something that you are going to pass you by if your mind is on groceries or what that person said to you five years ago, which is what my brain is normally going through. Phenology is going to keep you thinking with your eyes open in a way that you otherwise might not be and be more connected."
Charlie Mitchell on the impact of phenology, March 25, 2026.
Attributions
- American Robin recording by Jonathon Jongsma, XC132864. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/132864.
- Downy Woodpecker recording by Peter Mundale, XC982935. Accessible at www.xeno-canto.org/982935.
- The Rockford Middle School phenology talkback, the listener emails and texts, and John Latimer's phenology report originally aired on KAXE.
- This episode was produced by Heidi Holtan.
Love the podcast? Have you seen signs of spring? Let us know! Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Email us at seasonwatch@kaxe.org.
