This week on John Latimer's phenology report, late summer is crazy with color across Northern Minnesota. Wild bergamot, goldenrod, asters, Joe Pye Weed and dozens of other wildflowers are blooming, while berries and seed pods remind us of the inevitable shift toward autumn.
What's blooming at your place? Record it here!
John also shares tips for telling plants apart, including the often-confused Canada and tall goldenrods. We also get observations of butterflies defending nectar, ripening chokecherries and hazelnuts, and a black bear that stopped by looking for an evening snack. John and his dog Mila were not thrilled with the visit.
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All are welcome to join the nature conversation: what have you seen this week? Let us know: email us at comments@kaxe.org or text us at 218-326-1234.
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Contributed/Three Rivers Park DistrictFor Minnesota youths, leaders in charge of combating invasive species in lakes said the work can be a career training game changer. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe annual art contest highlights the stamps’ revenue generation, supporting fisheries management, habitat and stocking efforts in Minnesota lakes. -
Emma Krab/KAXEThe University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute, or NRRI, launched a new simulator to test innovations in iron refining July 27, 2026, in Coleraine. -
Warm water temperatures across the state go along with an increasing number of fish mortality events, where a large number of fish die at once. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEPeriods of reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke are expected for the rest of the warm season as fires continue to burn in Northern Minnesota and Canada. -
Contributed/Bridget Bennett / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaAs wildfires burn, they release a mixture of toxic compounds like heavy metals, mercury and carcinogenic chemicals that form from burning organic matter.
