Phenology

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.

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.

A grey-and-yellow songbird flies through a forest.

Science and Nature

Tweaking traditional forestry to enhance forest bird habitat

Mike Lynch, Forest Stewards Guild region director, discusses the recently completed "Forestry for Minnesota Birds" project. This is part of the "Bird Decline" series.

A hawk stands on mowed grass near a fence.

Science and Nature

August birds: Befuddled fledgling hawks and long-distance loons

Pam Perry, retired non-game wildlife biologist, stops by each month to talk about Minnesota phenology. This month covers early migrators, dopey hawks and loon families.

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.

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.

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.

KAXE volunteer, Julie Crabb, at Kick It with KAXE at Rapids Brewing on May 22, 2025.

Conversation

KAXE kept John Latimer and Julie Crabb company on their rural mail routes

Heidi Holtan

Retired rural mail carriers Julie Crabb and John Latimer reflect on how KAXE kept them company on their routes and why supporting local public radio matters now more than ever.

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.

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.

The Jenkins Creek Fire burns in St. Louis County. The fire began May 12, 2025.

Science and Nature

How does the DNR predict where forest fires will flare up?

Travis Verdegan, fire predictive services coordinator, discusses how the DNR makes forest fire decisions. The "Fire in MN forests" series is produced by Mark Jacobs.