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Backyard Almanac
Backyard Almanac: Nature’s Weekly Rhythms with Larry WeberEvery Friday morning at 8:20am, Backyard Almanac brings you the latest observations on the changing seasons, wildlife activity, and natural phenomena of Northern Minnesota. Hosted by Luke Moravec and featuring naturalist Larry Weber, this segment explores the rhythms of nature—from migrating birds to blooming wildflowers, shifting weather patterns to the quiet transformations happening all around us.Backyard Almanac – Fridays at 8:20am – Only on The North 103.3FM.

Backyard Almanac: Hang in there, the days are getting longer again

Leaves "hanging in there" in the winter on a young sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum).
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Leaves "hanging in there" in the winter on a young sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum).

Larry Weber notes that the days are becoming noticeably longer; by January 16th the sun will be above the horizon for more than nine hours each day. Even so, the upcoming full moon will create an abundance of light at night as it reflects off the fresh snowfall. There are lots of tracks to be seen in the snow; in addition to coyote, fox, fisher and marten tracks, Larry spotted evidence of an otter slide this week!

Take a look for a few species of deciduous trees that can retain their leaves in winter, including red oak, ironwood, and the sugar maple.

Chris Harwood is the former Production Director/Program Director of The North 103.3, and the host of Soul Village. He is also a musician, a music historian, an audio engineer, and an avid record collector.