Season Watch
Season Watch
KAXE
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature! NEW to the Season Watch pod - John Latimer's full phenology report!Season Watch Podcast is made possible by Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids.
Turns out Great Horned Owls can hunt Great Blue Herons
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell gripe about buckthorn, learn about hummingbirds, and consider the healing effects of forests.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
Oct 2
30 min
Mourning cloak and comma butterflies bed down for a long winter
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 29, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on overwintering butterflies, changing colors, and hummingbirds.
Sep 30
19 min
When mushrooms bleed blue
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell converse about mushrooms, angry squirrels, and go off on tangents.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Sep 25
29 min
Parasitoid wasps are a big bummer (and have one too)
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell chat about Darwin, monarch butterflies, and the decline (and hope) of birds.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
Sep 18
30 min
Hummingbirds depart as fall color begins
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 15, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer discovers Nevada flora and fauna and notes seasonal transitions in Northern MN.
Sep 15
20 min
Chickadees and chimpanzees: Two geeks gab about the joy of science
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Stella Mayerhoff geek out about primatology, evolution, and fantastic teachers.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Sep 11
38 min
What's the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck?
Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss detailed observations, the joy of pursuing a snake, and the calming sound of nature names.Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!
Sep 4
29 min
Scoping out September: A preview of early fall phenology
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 1, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer anticipates the many happenings of early fall.
Sep 2
16 min
Bear hands are better than bare hands for climbing trees, eating ants
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan enjoy learning about hungry black bears with Andy Tri, DNR bear biologist.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Aug 28
31 min
A good summer for rabbits heralds a good winter for predators
During the Phenology Report for the week of Aug. 25, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on rabbit populations, changing leaves, and wildflowers.
Aug 25
18 min
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