North Woods Naturalist
Contributor(s):
Chel Anderson
Chel Anderson is a botanist and plant ecologist. She lives in the Hovland area and keeps close tabs on daily changes happening in the great outdoors. She shares her insights with WTIP listeners every Tuesday during the AM and PM Community Calendar programs. Subscribe to our North Woods Naturalist podcast.
Arts, cultural and history features on WTIP are made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Check out other programs and features funded in part with support from the Heritage Fund.
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Spring flowers are coming out and so are the beavers
-This is the time of year we see pussy willows along the roadsides and marsh marigolds blooming in the wetlands WTIPs Jay Andersen talks with a local phenologist about early flowers, migrating bir
Buds, birds and drumming grouse signal spring
-Catkins, tiny flowers and sweet smelling Balm of Gilead are all strong signs that spring is on the way.
Feeder birds and chasing squirrels – spring is here
Jay Andersen-Things are changing at and under the bird feeders. Some birds are arriving, some leaving, some changing color.
Familiar clues for tree tappers and wolves begin to court
-We can’t feel it, but trees give off energy that melts the snow from their bases, creating tree wells. Early spring is also time for wolf mating.
Aspen sunscreen and color changes in trees with Chel Anderson
-As spring approaches we begin to notice subtle changing colors on the hillsides and along roadways. Trees and shrubs are responding to the longer days.
In late winter the land warms, but the big lake ices up
Jay Andersen-Why does the North Shore seem warmer this winter? Temperatures in February were some of the highest in the state. If that’s the case, why is there so much ice out on Lake Superior?
In winter plants may be dormant, but their chemistry works overtime
Jay Andersen-We all know animals have various ways of dealing with winter. Some hibernate; some stay active under the snow. Much the same is true for seeds and plants.
The winter world beneath our feet
-While most of us are skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing on top of the snow, there’s a whole world of activity under our feet. This is the subnivean environment.
Hooo’s hooting? It’s owl courtship season
-If you’re out in the woods these days you may be hearing the sounds of courtship. At least two species of owl are getting romantic for the Valentine season.
Snow fleas have an important ecological function
-Now that we have some fresh snow, you might be seeing little spots of stuff that looks like pepper. If the spots jump around they’re more than likely snow fleas.
