Season Watch Newsletter: 3/24/2023

Who's shrieking in Heidi Holtan's woods? Is spring ever going to show up? Is the maple sap running yet? We answer these questions and many more in today's Season Watch Newsletter!

FEATURE: Pre-colonization wildlife part 2

Ever wonder what creatures roamed regional forests 300 years ago?

Bill Berg, a retired Minnesota Department of Natural Resources non-game wildlife scientist, shared his insights into the wildlife occupying Minnesota before the arrival of colonial settlers. In the previous segment, Berg summarized information he found in trapping records. This episode focuses on the effects of trapping, logging and inter-species dynamics.

Listen in!

Fun fact: some beaver dams in Minnesota contain the bones of woodland bison.

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STUDENT AND LISTENER CONTRIBUTIONS

It’s another great week for phenology! This week’s observations include a mystery shriek in the woods, frozen subnivean vole tunnels and a rare Golden Eagle sighting.

Hear their voices!

JOHN LATIMER'S WEEKLY REPORT

This week, John teaches us about how birds choose when to migrate and how this year's spring progression compares to others. Plus, notes on Bald Eagles, Goldfinches and the abundance of Trumpeter Swans!

Listen to John's report!

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Can't make the workshops? Send me an email, and we'll set up a Zoom meeting!

5/21/23: Phenology in the Classroom and on the Radio. Gathering Partners Conference, Chaska MN. Register here. (Registration is open!)

SARAH'S RECOMMENDATION

It occurs to me that you (presumably) lovely people might enjoy this annotated resources list! I cooked it up for our phenology teachers, but it has something for everyone. You'll find links to my favorite outdoorsy learning-about-nature apps, printable journals for kids (or fun adults), a book list, and a list of everything in my pocket-sized 'frolicking in nature' kit (pictured above). There are also a few phenology videos and links to resources like the Native Skywatchers website! It's my dear hope that something in there will enrich your next romp through the woods (or whatever habitat you call home). With luck, I'll see you out there!

Enjoy!

Help us invest our resources efficiently! Which conservation issue matters most to you?

Access to outdoor spaces

Waste/Compost/Recycling

Indigenous Rights

Bonus fact: Beavers build to last! Scientists compared current satellite images to 150-year old maps depicting beaver ponds. Of the 64 ponds depicted on the original map, 75% were still visible, and many were active!

Go meander and take a gander!

Northern Community Radio

KAXE/KBXE

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Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.