Phenology
Bell Museum summer campers investigate bog life
During the week of July 15, 2025, we enjoy reports of groundhogs, damselflies, and adventures in the bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Deer flies really bug phenologist John Latimer
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.
Long Lake campers dub large gray squirrel 'Big Chungus'
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.
John Latimer previews a joyful July outdoors
During the Phenology Report for the week of July 1, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews the summer month ahead: fledging eagles, ripe raspberries, and more!
Feisty Northern Flickers face off
During the week of July 1, 2025, we hear about an interloping merganser, a woodpecker display, and much more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Wildflowers, housecats, and me: Heliotropic plants (and animals) of MN
During the Phenology Report for the week of June 24, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer introduces a new vocabulary word (heliotropic) and stops to smell the wild roses.
Kids celebrate getting outside, leaving their electronics behind
During the week of June 24, 2025, kids from St. Louis Park to Mesabi tell us why they love being outside. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Why do lady's slippers bloom earlier in Canada than in Minnesota?
In the phenology report for June 17, 2025, KAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses nesting turtles and how northern plants adapt to a short summer season.
Summer campers delight in dragonflies
During the week of June 17, 2025, we examine dragonflies, strawberries, and the Pennington Bog. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Warm June weather draws out vibrant birds and butterflies
Pam Perry, retired DNR biologist, stopped by on June 10, 2025, to chat with our staff phenologist, John Latimer, about the colorful and charismatic critters of June.
Spring ephemerals give way to June-blooming wildflowers
During the Phenology Report for the week of June 10, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, fruit trees, and life in the bog.
Why are young woodpeckers so loud?
During the week of June 10, 2025, we received 4 reports covering Pileated Woodpeckers, wild strawberries, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
âChasing Wildflowersâ serves as a guide for MN Wildflowers
Author Phyllis Root and photographer Kelly Povo have a new book, âChasing Wildflowers,â highlighting wildflower treasures in out-of-the-way places. They joined the âKAXE Morning Showâ to talk about the project.
Pondering the pollinators with John Latimer
During the Phenology Report for the week of June 3, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discusses wildflowers, mysterious pollinators, and early pine pollen season.
Who's that speedy little toasted marshmallow on stilts?
In the Phenology Talkbacks for the week of June 3, 2025, we hear end-of-year messages from schools and ponder unseen pollinators. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Monarchs and tiger swallowtails flutter into view in Northern MN
During the Phenology Report for the week of May 27, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer greets the seasonâs first monarchs and describes the movement of molting geese.
1918 Cloquet wildfire considered worst natural disaster in MN history
In October 1918, flames swept across northeastern Minnesota in what became the deadliest natural disaster in state history. More than 450 people died; 52,000 were displaced, and entire communities were reduced to ash.
Playing in nature pays off: End-of-year inspiration from schools
During the week of May 27, 2025, we are reminded of the importance of outdoor learning and get a look at three wandering bears. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Where are the bees? Latimer's fruit trees bloom without the buzz
During the Phenology Report for the week of May 13, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer found his fruit trees were quiet this year, without bees buzzing in the blossoms.
Roving raccoons and face-eating water bugs fascinate students
During the week of May 20, 2025, students report seeing black bear cubs, a water bug eating "the face off of a dragonfly larva", and much more. John Latimer responds.
