Summer phenology

A group of winged Labor Day ants scuttles around near a crack in pavement.

Immerse yourself in nature (and, possibly, a pile of ants)

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell ponder the behavior of a wasp and discuss John Latimer's party tricks.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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.

An American toad sits on a curb. It is rotund and grumpy-looking.

Science and Nature

Transforming toads: How American toads shift hues in different environments

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Jennifer Barr and Charlie Mitchell discuss toads, marvel at kestrels, and ponder the changing seasons.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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.

A small blue and brown falcon with vibrant black and white markings and a hooked bill is shown against a blurry green and brown background.

Science and Nature

A hungry kestrel family strikes fear into the hearts of grasshoppers

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 11, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on Red-eyed Vireos, blooming flowers, and Carolina grasshoppers.

A miniscule, knobbly green plant grows from the leaf litter.

Science and Nature

Introducing the little goblin moonwort

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discover goblin ferns (also known as goblin moonworts), gaze at snapping turtles, and discuss what it means to be a naturalist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

Ripe raspberries dangle in bunches from purple stems of raspberry plants.

Science and Nature

Early August has glimpses of the autumn ahead in Northern Minnesota

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 4, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries and nuts and caterpillars turning into butterflies.

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.

A viceroy butterfly sits on a bergamot flower. It has orange and black wings like a monarch buttterfly, but has a black line going through the hind wings that monarchs lack. The flower it is sitting on is purple, and there are green leaves in the blurry background.

Science and Nature

Wild bergamot provides oasis for butterflies and hummingbirds

Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 27, 2026. Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening berries, budding flowers and a bear visitor.

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.