Summer phenology

A black bear's paw lies on the ground while it is anesthetized for long term radio-collared bear research near Graff during March 2024.

Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!

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.

An eastern cottontail browses on grass in Minnesota on July 25, 2020.

Science and Nature

A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.

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

Science and Nature

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

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

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.