Phenology Report

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Science and Nature

How to avoid water hemlock, the most poisonous plant in North America

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for July 15, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer gives a color-coded guide to July wildflowers and discusses the dangers of water hemlock.

A macro image shows a close-up of a deer fly perched on the edge of a coffee mug. Its front legs are held up as if in a boxing position. It has vibrant green-and-brown eyes and some fuzz on its body.

Science and Nature

Deer flies really bug phenologist John Latimer

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of July 8, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer welcomes high summer and threatens the lives of encroaching deer flies.