A touching tribute to KAXE's John Latimer

By Charlie Mitchell

Published November 17, 2023 at 1:25 PM CST

KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer takes a close look while outside observing nature.

In an incredibly meaningful (and often hilarious) show of support and gratitude, the community came together on the "KAXE Morning Show" to tell Staff Phenologist John Latimer just how impactful his first 40 years of "Phenology" have been.

Throughout the week of Nov. 13-18, 2023, we are celebrating the 40-year anniversary of John Latimer’s charismatic, delightful presence on the radio.

Over these four decades, John has blessed us with weekly nature updates, engaging stories about wildlife, and an abundance of self-deprecating jokes.

Behind the design: Community college helping community radio

KAXE collaborated with North Hennepin Community College’s Graphic Design Program to create a design worthy of 40 years of phenology on KAXE with John Latimer. Oyin Omole won our nature-loving hearts with her design.

A young John Latimer rocks some sunglasses.

Phenology Report: 2,000 reports and going strong

KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer provides his weekly assessment of nature in Northern Minnesota. This is the week of Nov. 14, 2023.

Diana Magner and John Latimer stand side by side in the KAXE studio. John is holding a framed portrait of a blue jay.

Retired Hill City elementary teacher reflects on John Latimer’s influence on students

Diana Magner, a retired teacher in Hill City, remembers her time teaching phenology alongside KAXE's staff phenologist over the years.

KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer takes a break with his black Labrador retriever Mila after a hike in November 2023 along the Mississippi River behind KAXE studios in Grand Rapids.

Phenology Talkbacks: A national treasure in our backyard

Students and listeners from across the state send in their nature reports. Depending on the season, reports may cover wildflowers, wildlife, weather and other wonders.

Birder Ben Stubbs heads out for a mid-winter adventure. He is bundled up in a coat and beanie, and is holding trekking poles. He's standing on the shores of an iced-over lake.

A voice of Phenology past: 'I hope John knows how grateful we all are'

Ben Stubbs has worked with endangered species, studied birds, and is now researching minerology and geology.

KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses the natural environment in early November along the banks of the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, behind KAXE studios.

John Latimer reflects on his 40 years of Phenology

KAXE's John Latimer has spent the last four decades delivering phenology reports on the airwaves, drawn from meticulous records he keeps on the plants and animals around him.

In an incredibly meaningful (and often hilarious) show of support and gratitude, the community came together on the KAXE Morning Show Tuesday to tell John just how impactful his work has been. We heard from teachers, students, listeners and old friends — the comments, tributes, and even poems just kept coming!

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This show was special enough that we wanted to share it beyond those who could tune in live on Tuesday morning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Gov. Tim Walz even got into the mix, with his office sending a note of appreciation for John’s legacy.

“Congratulations to John Latimer and KAXE for 40 years of nature programming!” Walz stated. “John has dedicated his career to educating Minnesotans of all ages and deepening our knowledge and appreciation of the natural world around us. I’m grateful for his service to Minnesotans and congratulate him on this career achievement.”

Join us as we celebrate John at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at Klockow Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids. Attendance is free and all are welcome!

If you’d like to express your appreciation for John and his work — and I encourage you to do so! — please send your remarks to me, Charlie Mitchell, at cmitchell@kaxe.org.

You can support John and his impactful work by becoming a member.