Phenology Talkbacks

Chalk illustrationss how a bottle gentian flower, Osprey, giant water bug, shaggy mane mushroom, and inky cap mushroom.

A beaver named 'Big Tim' waddles through Long Lake campus

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 6, 2026, we enjoy reports of a strolling beaver, visits from John Latimer and migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a field cricket, fairy ring of mushrooms, grass spider, leaf miner tracks in a leaf, and a tiger salamander.

Science and Nature

A swimming snake risks meeting a famished fish

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 29, 2026, we enjoy reports of a swimming garter snakes, changing autumn colors and the fall equinox. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Furry black hair-like protrusions grow from a grey pile of dung on the forest floor.

Science and Nature

A profusion of funky fungi intrigue student phenologists

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 22, 2026, we enjoy reports of funky fungi, darting dragonflies and an abundance of migratory birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a large-leaf aster, Carolina grasshopper, Northern Flicker, and pelecinid wasp.

Science and Nature

Students spot migratory birds, dragonflies and butterflies

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 15, 2026, we enjoy reports of changing leaves and migrating birds and insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a bald-faced hornet and butter-and-eggs flower.

Science and Nature

The school year begins with a phenology report from Little Falls

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of fireflies, bald cardinals, and more from our friends in Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A garter snake flicks its tongue while being held. The background shows green, out-of-focus bracken ferns.

Science and Nature

In pursuit of a garter snake: A wild adventure with John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 1, 2026, we enjoy reports of garter snakes, frogs, and a woodchuck. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

An Aphrodite fritillary (left) and meadow fritillary sit next to each other on sandy soil. They are orange butterflies with checkered black-and-orange wings. The meadow fritillary is much smaller than the Aphrodite fritillary.

Science and Nature

Fritillaries flit around excited outdoor adventurers

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 25, 2026, we enjoy reports of butterflies, bog adventures, and low water levels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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.

Science and Nature

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.