Summer phenology

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.

Three gray goldenrod plants lean to the left in within tall green and brown grass.

Science and Nature

'Climbing into fall very slowly' with John Latimer

Jennifer Barr

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 19, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses acorns, the start of leaf change and other harbingers of fall.

A common jewelweed blooms in Lino Lakes, Minnesota. The flower is orange with a trumpet shape ending in a fishhook. The leaves are large, thick, and green with slight serrations.

Science and Nature

Have you seen the spring-loaded seeds of the spotted touch-me-not?

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 12, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses the exciting explosions of the spotted touch-me-not plant and more.

A hawk stands on mowed grass near a fence.

Science and Nature

August birds: Befuddled fledgling hawks and long-distance loons

Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology. This month covers early migrators, dopey hawks and loon families.

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.

The spreading dogbane plant turns yellow in anticipation of fall. Spreading dogbane is one of the first plants to turn color. Pictured is a forb with opposite-branched oval-shaped leaves. The leaves are bright yellow. The background shows many green plants, which emphasize the yellowness of the dogbane leaves.

Science and Nature

John Latimer's audit of August's outdoor ambiance

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of August 5, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers what to expect in the long golden days of August.

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.

Goldenrods bloom near Kettle River, Minnesota. They have golden sets of blooms at the top of a green stem, leafy stem. The background is a blurry, golden-tan field bordered by a green forest.

Science and Nature

Asters and goldenrods predominate in late July

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 29, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the "end of the firsts," asters and more.

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.

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

Science and Nature

Northern Minnesota enjoys a season of natural abundance

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 22, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers wild food, young eagles, and dashing damselflies.