Phenology in action: GES students track nature’s weekly changes

Throughout the 2024-25 school year the students at Great Expectations School have been producing a weekly phenology report with observations of wildlife, plants, weather, and more.

A transcript and an audio feature of the latest phenology report for May 9 is below.

Dax: Hi this is Dax, Ella, Felix, Franny and Giddy reporting from Great Expectations School in Grand Marais, MN, on Friday,  May 9th. We had our first thunderstorm, on April 28th. 1.7 inches of rain fell, and we had indoor recess. We have a few Ice out reports from local lakes. Lake Agnes – May 3rd, Brule Lake – May 6th, Devil Track Lake – May 3rd, Gunflint Lake – May 7th. Sag and Seagull still have a little bit of ice left. But the lakes are ready for fish opener this weekend. 

Ella: The first Loon was reported on April 27th. They mostly stayed in the Harbor in Grand Marais until the lake’s ice came out. There have been reports of grouse drumming in the woods. The first reports of Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, Pelicans and a Tree Swallow were made. The Woodcocks were getting very loud and a community member sent in a picture of a clutch of their eggs into the school. 

Felix: The spring peepers were first reported on April 28th, they went quite after that for a few cold days and starting peeping again after May 2nd. The first Dragonflies, bee and butterfly were reported over last weekend. Our first Earth worm was spotted April 29th.

Giddy: Our Otters class did a worm study this week and found no worms in our backwoods but a few in our front woods. Did you know that earthworms are Invasive Species in Cook county? Miss Rachael saw a 3-legged wolf on her drive home. And a big black bear was reported.

Franny: Lots and lots of plants are popping up. Spring Beauty flowers are blossoming, Dandelions leaves are in many places and one flower has been seen. The 4th graders pulled tansi, an invasives species, across the street from the school. Right now the leaves are really small. One student has 15 crocus and 3 Iris blooming in their yard. 

Giddy: This has been Dax, Ella, Felix, Franny and Giddy reporting from Great Expectations School. Where you can expect a great phenology report.