Phenology

A naturalist holds a handful of Isabella tiger moth caterpillars, better known as "wooly bear" caterpillars.

Beyond the wooly bear: Fuzzy fall caterpillars

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration.

A bull elk stands in the Pigeon River Country State Forest in Michigan.

Science and Nature

Elk reintroduction plan by Fond du Lac Band on track for 2027

Makenzie Henk, an elk biologist with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, discusses the reintroduction initiative and the steps underway to prepare.

chalk illustrations show a bald faced hornet and butter and eggs plant.

Science and Nature

Following big fall changes with Little Falls students

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 9, 2025, we enjoy reports of Broadwing Hawks, migrating insects, and vibrant sumacs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Many acorns develop on the branches of a bur oak near Canon Falls. Bur oak acorns have distinctively hairy-looking caps. There are about seven acorns forming amidst dark green leaves with silver backs.

Science and Nature

Oak trees provide acorn-ucopia to hungry woodland wildlife

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 2, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews September in Minnesota and speaks in defense of crane flies.

A common jewelweed sports flowers and seeds in Richfield on Sept. 3, 2024.

Science and Nature

Nature is awesome, man: Galaxy-gazing and exploding seedpods

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 2, a kid reminds us to delight in nature and astronomers observe the heavens. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Two birds with long, narrow wings with white patches soar under a cloudy sky.

Science and Nature

Now's your chance to gawk at migrating nighthawks

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 26, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers the Common Nighthawk migration and late summer wildflowers.

Lemon-green new needles sprout from a balsam fir bough.

Science and Nature

Passing the sniff test: Can you tell a spruce from a fir by smell?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Aug. 26, 2025, we hear reports of tree scents, migrating nighthawks, and native bees. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

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.