Phenology

John Latimer, Michelle Martin, and about 20 elementary school students stand near a field and forest.

'It’s amazing how much you see when you slow down,' students remark

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Oct. 7, 2025, we enjoy reports of giant puffball mushrooms and the season's first frost. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Stripped ash tree bark reveals tunnels created by emerald ash borers.

Science and Nature

What to do with all that dead wood? Forest mortality and wildfire risk

Jeremy Fauske from the MN DNR forestry division discusses how forest mortality influences wildfire risk. The "Fires in MN forests" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

A plain brown mushroom cap is shown: long, white hair-like spikes grow from it in all directions.

Science and Nature

Phenology coordinator flummoxed by furry fungus

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 30, 2025, Charlie Mitchell, KAXE phenology coordinator, discusses the BirdCast website, fungi and fall colors.

A herd of woodland caribou stand in northern Ontario on July 19, 2016.

Science and Nature

Minnesota's history of the since-departed woodland caribou

Bill Berg, retired wildlife biologist, discusses the history of woodland caribou, which once roamed through northern Minnesota. The "Elk and Caribou in MN" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

The Pagami Creek Fire burned about 93,000 acres in the Boundary Waters Wilderness east of Ely.

Science and Nature

Fire in MN Forests: The role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Ben Benoit from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe discusses the role of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in fire mitigation. The "Fires in MN Forests" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

A Dark-eyed Junco shows off its white tail edges in flight. Its body is mostly grey, with a dark head cap and dark center of the tail.

Science and Nature

Students 'catch' birds using Merlin Bird ID app

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 30, 2025, we enjoy reports of wandering skunks, diverse fungi, and migrating birds. Phenology Coordinator Charlie Mitchell responds.

Morning sun and fall colors brighten the day in McGregor on Sept. 17, 2025.

Science and Nature

Wildflowers continue to brighten roadsides as leaves fall

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 23, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers falling leaves, migrating grosbeaks, and vibrant wildflowers.

Two black bears sit in the middle of a road in Grand Marais. Some trees in the background are bare, and others have bright yellow or orange leaves.

Science and Nature

Sleepless in September: Students spot black bears bulking up for winter

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 23, 2025, we enjoy reports of black bears, migrating insects, and skunks scrounging for grubs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

A large green and blue dragonfly perches on a wooden bench.

Science and Nature

Gnat-ural predators: Migratory dragonflies hunt clouds of mating midges

Charlie Mitchell

During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 16, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers hunting dragonflies, fall colors and phenomenal fungi.

Science and Nature

Phenology students monitor migrating hummingbirds and pursue frogs

Charlie Mitchell

During the week of Sept. 16, 2025, we enjoy the first batch of reports from the school year. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.