KAXE Morning Show

A flock of Snow Buntings flies up from a roadside in Itasca County. They have black and white markings, and there are about fifty birds in the flock.

Do you know what to expect in October? Latimer previews the month in nature

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 7, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the next month in nature, development of fall colors, and migratory dragonflies.

John Latimer, Michelle Martin, and about 20 elementary school students stand near a field and forest.

Science and Nature

'It’s amazing how much you see when you slow down,' students remark

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 7, 2025, we enjoy reports of giant puffball mushrooms and the season's first frost. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A plain brown mushroom cap is shown: long, white hair-like spikes grow from it in all directions.

Science and Nature

Phenology coordinator flummoxed by furry fungus

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 30, 2025, Charlie Mitchell, KAXE phenology coordinator, discusses the BirdCast website, fungi and fall colors.

A herd of woodland caribou stand in northern Ontario on July 19, 2016.

Science and Nature

Minnesota's history of the since-departed woodland caribou

Bill Berg, retired wildlife biologist, discusses the history of woodland caribou, which once roamed through northern Minnesota. The "Elk and Caribou in MN" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

The Pagami Creek Fire burned about 93,000 acres in the Boundary Waters Wilderness east of Ely.

Science and Nature

Fire in MN Forests: The role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Ben Benoit from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe discusses the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in fire mitigation. The "Fires in MN Forests" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

A Dark-eyed Junco shows off its white tail edges in flight. Its body is mostly grey, with a dark head cap and dark center of the tail.

Science and Nature

Students 'catch' birds using Merlin Bird ID app

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 30, 2025, we enjoy reports of wandering skunks, diverse fungi, and migrating birds. Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell responds.

Inside KAXE

The radio you need is not guaranteed: Today marks KAXE's first day without federal funding

Heidi Holtan

KAXE was the first rural public community licensee in the U.S. in 1976. When Congress rescinded federal funding, supporters gave over $170,000 to keep us on the air. Times are still tough, but people-powered radio marches boldly forward.

Morning sun and fall colors brighten the day in McGregor on Sept. 17, 2025.

Science and Nature

Wildflowers continue to brighten roadsides as leaves fall

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 23, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers falling leaves, migrating grosbeaks, and vibrant wildflowers.

Two black bears sit in the middle of a road in Grand Marais. Some trees in the background are bare, and others have bright yellow or orange leaves.

Science and Nature

Sleepless in September: Students spot black bears bulking up for winter

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 23, 2025, we enjoy reports of black bears, migrating insects, and skunks scrounging for grubs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A large green and blue dragonfly perches on a wooden bench.

Science and Nature

Gnat-ural predators: Migratory dragonflies hunt clouds of mating midges

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 16, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers hunting dragonflies, fall colors and phenomenal fungi.