Phenology Talkbacks

A red maple shows off its vibrant orange and red leaves in mid-September.

Science and Nature

Listeners report maples starting to turn and other observations

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 19, we enjoy written reports from a few listeners as we await another school year.

A captured green frog stares at the camera in Lake County on Sept. 18, 2019.

Science and Nature

The joy of holding a frog for the first time

Charlie Mitchell

During Aug. 12, 2025, we enjoy a report of a kid that held a frog for the first time and a summer update from Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Two adorable young otters sit on rocks staring at the camera. They are partially obscured by hanging grape vine leaves.

Science and Nature

Kids enjoy sightings of otter pups and raccoon kits

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 5, 2025, we enjoy reports of turtles, otters, and a family of young raccoons. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A photo of some chocolate slime mold on top of some foliage

Science and Nature

Kids name slime molds 'Gemma' and 'Pudding'

Jennifer Barr

During the week of July 29, 2025, we enjoy reports from Long Lake Conservation Center, Kathleen in Brainerd and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Upward Bound participants explore the bog at the North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids on July 11, 2025.

Science and Nature

Would you push your friend into a bog if they were being annoying?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 22, 2025, we enjoy reports from Upward Bound participants exploring a bog and many more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A kid's illustration shows a sun, clouds, blue flag iris, and a green wild tree.

Science and Nature

Bell Museum summer campers investigate bog life

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 15, 2025, we enjoy reports of groundhogs, damselflies, and adventures in the bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A healthy gray squirrel feeds at a bird feeder.

Science and Nature

Long Lake campers dub large gray squirrel 'Big Chungus'

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 8, 2025, we enjoy reports of snapping turtles, abnormally large squirrels, and oddly-named mushrooms. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A pair of Northern Flickers forage in Meadowlands on July 29, 2022.

Science and Nature

Feisty Northern Flickers face off

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 1, 2025, we hear about an interloping merganser, a woodpecker display, and much more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Life jackets hang out to dry at Long Lake Conservation Center on July 20, 2024. A tranquil lake is in the background.

Science and Nature

Kids celebrate getting outside, leaving their electronics behind

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 24, 2025, kids from St. Louis Park to Mesabi tell us why they love being outside. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A dot-tailed whiteface dragonfly sits on a plant stem near Wabasha, Minnesota on July 12, 2013. It is a mostly black dragonfly with transparent wings and a white face.

Science and Nature

Summer campers delight in dragonflies

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 17, 2025, we examine dragonflies, strawberries, and the Pennington Bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.