Phenology Talkbacks

Tussock cottongrass seeds grow in a bog. The image shows a closeup of a cottongrass seed head, with many tiny white plumules. The background is blurry, but other seedheads are visible.

Poopers, ploppers, hitchhikers and helicopters: Kids talk seed dispersal

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 18, 2026, we enjoy reports of exploding seeds, hopping frogs and red pine cones. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A Roots and Wings Forest School student holds a frog in mid-May, 2025.

Science and Nature

When's the last time you caught a frog?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of August 11, 2026, we enjoy reports of frogs, loons, and tussock moth caterpillars. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

The Swan Nebula, as seen by the Hubble space telescope.

Science and Nature

Swan Nebula delights observers during astronomy camp

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 4, 2026, we enjoy reports of stars and snapping turtles from Long Lake Conservation Center. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Juneberry fruits ripen in Lake County on July 27, 2022. The berries range from red to deep purple.

Science and Nature

Phenology talkbacks: Juneberry season wanes and old guys spotted

Heidi Holtan

During the week of July 27, 2026, we enjoy reports of goldenrod, brown bats, great blue herons and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Two Turkey Vultures fly over Eden Prairie on May 8, 2022.

Science and Nature

Turkey Vultures soar in formation over Little Falls

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 21, 2026, we enjoy reports of Turkey Vultures, moths, and an exploding June bug. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A large brown dragonfly with prominent black and white wing markings perches on a blade of grass.

Science and Nature

Widow skimmers feast on flying insects

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 14, 2026, we enjoy reports of dragonflies, red-bellied snakes, and daddy longlegs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A brown spider with stands with two pairs of back legs held to the side of its body and the other two long pairs of legs held in font of its body, It looks a little bit like a squid.

Science and Nature

Did you know about the squid spider?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of squid spiders, tiny toads, and summer swimming. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A small bird with a yellow beak sings from an outdoor wall bracket.

Science and Nature

Determined House Wrens twist and turn outsize sticks into their nests

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 30, 2026, we enjoy reports of House Wrens, yellow irises, and red raspberries. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

An American toad hides near a corner at Glendalough State Park during the week of June 16, 2026.

Science and Nature

Summer campers explore bogs and state parks

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 23, 2026, we enjoy reports of pitcher plants, cotton grass and an American toad. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A tiny, spotted fawn lays curled up in the undergrowth.

Science and Nature

Young fawns hide in the undergrowth at Long Lake Conservation Center

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.