Phenology

Phenology
Nature Notes: Unassuming little beetle's clever (gross?) 'shield defense'

Found on sumac, these beetles have an especially interesting way of protecting their young.

Read more
sumac flea beetle
Nature Notes: 'What’s it got in its pocketses?'

Fans of The Lord of the Rings will recognize this query of Gollum, the odd underworld creature, as he pondered the riddle of Bilbo’s pocket contents. The star character of this month’s Nature Notes is also a creature of the underworld, seldom seen above ground. And like Gollum, these animals have a lead role in the world they inhabit.

Read more
Plains pocket gopher
Nature Notes: DNR Eagle Cam provides a close-up view of eagle family life

Each year in the Twin Cities, humans and other wildlife patiently wait for spring. Some years it arrives to stay, others it arrives only to beat a fast retreat. But over the last few years, one of the few constants in this transitional period in the metro has been the presence of bald eagles. As spring creeps back they take to the sky, hunting for prey, fighting over territory, and mating.

Read more
An adult bald eagle feeds its babies live on camera
Nature Notes: A murder most fowl

As dusk approaches on a cold winter night, Twin Cities residents may notice an unusual number of crows flying overhead. Each winter, they show up by the thousands to roost in metro neighborhoods. While the gatherings may seem ominous to some, they serve an important purpose for these intelligent birds.

Read more
Nature Notes: Misty mornings on the Mighty Miss

Ever wonder why there's a wintry mist on the water in the morning, but not later in the day? Even when it's still quite cold?

Read more
Mist rising from the Mississippi on a cold December dawn
Red fox: Two paws, one print

The red fox is a common yet fascinating animal in the Mississippi River valley. Winter's a great time to spot their tracks — if you know what to look for.

Read more
Red fox
'Dead man's fingers' found at Pine Bend Bluffs

FMR Lead Ecologist Karen Schik found this spooky-looking fungus deep in the oak forest ravines at Pine Bend Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area.

Read more
Dead man's finger found at Pine Bend Bluffs

Pages

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area