Phenology Talkbacks

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Upward Bound participants explore the bog at the North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids on July 11, 2025.

Science and Nature

Would you push your friend into a bog if they were being annoying?

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 22, 2025, we enjoy reports from Upward Bound participants exploring a bog and many more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A kid's illustration shows a sun, clouds, blue flag iris, and a green wild tree.

Science and Nature

Bell Museum summer campers investigate bog life

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 15, 2025, we enjoy reports of groundhogs, damselflies, and adventures in the bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A healthy gray squirrel feeds at a bird feeder.

Science and Nature

Long Lake campers dub large gray squirrel 'Big Chungus'

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of July 8, 2025, we enjoy reports of snapping turtles, abnormally large squirrels, and oddly-named mushrooms. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.