Tuesday Morning Show

Native plants grow underneath a keystone red oak in Kansas. Native plants give beneficial pollinator larvae a 'soft landing' when they fall from host trees to overwinter in the leaf litter.

Plantings under keystone trees give native pollinators a 'soft landing'

Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author, discusses how you can protect pollinators while also cutting down on your yardwork.

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.

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 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.

A dark lizard with a blue tail sits on a wooden step.

Science and Nature

Salamanders, skinks, and swallows: Summer begins in Northern MN

Pam Perry, a retired non-game wildlife biologist, stopped by to talk about skinks, salamanders, swallows and more with our staff phenologist John Latimer.

Green leaves have circular and oblong portions removed from their edges.

Science and Nature

Naturalist cred: How to recognize signs of leafcutter bees

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 9, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupines, leafcutter bees, and loon eggs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a spittlebug, yellow lady's slipper, and forest tent caterpillar.

Science and Nature

Students sign off as summer break begins

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of June 2, 2026, we enjoy reports of hummingbirds, blooming lady's slippers and an abundance of wood ticks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Chalk illustrations show a wild columbine, red oak, Scarlet Tanager, American Redstart, and painted turtle.

Science and Nature

Seeing red: Students spot a profusion of Scarlet Tanagers

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 26, 2026, we enjoy reports of nesting loons, Scarlet Tanagers, and wild strawberry flowers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A dyer's polypore grows in Lake County on Aug. 5, 2016.

Science and Nature

Fungi of the forest: How decomposers dance through the woodland web

Jonathan Schilling, a mycologist with the U of MN, discusses wood-eating fungi. The dead and dying trees series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

Chalk illustrations show a downy blue violet, Jack in the pulpit, bellwort, wild ginger, and trout lily.

Science and Nature

Who would pet a porcupette?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of May 19, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupettes, nesting loons, and a badger wandering in Little Falls. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.