Summer phenology

A brown spider with stands with two pairs of back legs held to the side of its body and the other two long pairs of legs held in font of its body, It looks a little bit like a squid.

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 7, 2026, we enjoy reports of squid spiders, tiny toads, and summer swimming. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A plant with large white clusters of flowers grows in a green wetland area.

Science and Nature

A wild bouquet blooms in Northern MN (but beware the water hemlock)

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 7, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on blooming wildflowers, the poisonous water hemlock and crab spiders.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A tiny jumping spider with big eyes stands on a brick patio. It is dwarfed by a single brick.

Science and Nature

Who's scared of a harmless spider? (Charlie is.)

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan discuss the harmless spiders of Minnesota, the spread of invasive yellow irises, and more.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A red raspberry dangles from the vine in Aitkin County on July 29, 2025.

Science and Nature

Red raspberries ripen, heralding beginning of July berry season

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 30, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening fruits, blooming flowers, and chipmunks calling.

A small bird with a yellow beak sings from an outdoor wall bracket.

Science and Nature

Determined House Wrens twist and turn outsize sticks into their nests

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 30, 2026, we enjoy reports of House Wrens, yellow irises, and red raspberries. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A tiny, white-petalled flower grows among moss in the Long Lake Conservation Center bog on June 15, 2024.

Science and Nature

Have you experienced the whimsy of the bog?

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan banter about bogs, holler about hummingbirds, and discuss dragonflies.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

Two large orange-and-black butterflies mate on a purple flower in Minnesota on Aug. 22, 2024.

Science and Nature

Monarch butterflies: Minnesota's unlikely martial artists

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 23, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on monarch butterfly mating, a good crop of berries ripening, and turtles nesting.

An American toad hides near a corner at Glendalough State Park during the week of June 16, 2026.

Science and Nature

Summer campers explore bogs and state parks

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 23, 2026, we enjoy reports of pitcher plants, cotton grass and an American toad. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A Blanding's turtle wanders on land near Brainerd in May 2021.

Science and Nature

A bashful Blanding's turtle eludes Belwin's careful watch

Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan

Charlie Mitchell is charmed by Blanding's turtles, delights in dragonflies, and learns about bees and wasps. Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

A tiny, spotted fawn lays curled up in the undergrowth.

Science and Nature

Young fawns hide in the undergrowth at Long Lake Conservation Center

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.