Carlton happenings

Last Thursday, I was invited to the Oldenburg House for a presentation on “Phenology – Document Spring” by Betsy Dugan, a practitioner of backyard phenology.

Since I had no idea what phenology meant, I looked it up on my phone. It is “the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life” (USA National Phenology Network).

I think I like Betsy Dugan’s definition better. She explained that it is the timing of nature’s calendar: the plant and animal life cycles and stages. The first phenology observation recorded was in 980 B.C. in China.

Dugan encouraged audience members to be backyard phenologists by tracking nature’s cycles and seasons with personal journals and citizen science. Although I did not start a journal, I did observe that the rabbits living under my sheds are more visible now that spring was just around the corner (the first day of spring was March 20). Each day I observe the slowly melting snow, showing more of my back yard.

If you would like to be a part of Document Spring — think art and citizen science ’bio-blitz’ — consider attending the community orientation 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 5 in Room W-122 at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. This event will bring community members, organizations, and high school and college students together to capture the emergence of spring from April 15 through May 31 through photography and journaling.

To reserve your spot, go online at http://www.oacc.us or call 218-384-4835.

The 2019 Document Spring advisory panel members are: Lisa Angelos, Jay Cooke State Manager; Betsy Dugan, phenologist; Kyle Gill, Cloquet Forestry Center Manager, U of M; Roy Hagen, natural resource management and conservation consultant; Dylan Kelly, Carlton County Extension 4-H program coordinator; Courtney Kowalczak, director, FDLTCC Environmental Institute and St. Louis River Watch; John Latimer, founder of Minnesota Phenology Network and host of KAXE radio’s “Phenology Report” program; Ryan Pennesi, Carlton County Land Management forestry and wildlife technician; Larry Weber, author, retired Marshall School biology faculty, leader of KUMD’s Backyard Almanac program.

Other Carlton Events

No school for Spring Break, March 25-29.

Carlton Daze Meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the City of Carlton office.

Father Daughter Ball at Black Bear, April 13.

Carlton High School play: “Arsenic and Old Lace,” April 12-14 at the Encore! Performing Arts Center, County Seat Theater. Call the theater at 218-878-0071 for tickets.

Prom is April 27.

Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at noon at the Four Seasons Complex. The annual banquet is scheduled for April 25 at The Public House.

Carlton VFW Post 2962, 124 Chestnut Ave.

Upcoming music: The Jane Gang on Friday, March 29; DJ and karaoke 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 and May 24; music by Karma 8-11 p.m. Friday, April 19.

Enjoy Bingo every Wednesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., and the meat raffle every Friday at

6 p.m. Proceeds from these events benefit the Post and

Confidence Learning Center.

The weekly money drawing is held 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

VFW Auxiliary meets the second Monday of the month.

VFW meeting is held the last Tuesday of the month.

Contact the Carlton VFW for more information, 218-384-3794.

Oldenburg House, 604 Chestnut Ave.

Magnolia Salon 6-9 p.m. Thursdays. Free, $5 donation suggested. Food and beverages available for purchase from Magnolia Café. Reserve seats at oacc.us.

- March 28 with Sandy Dugan, sharing the poetry of Lord Alfred Tennyson in “Sweet and Low: An Hour for Tennyson.”

- April 4 with Darlene Seelos and Jill Dalbacka of the Carlton County Historical Society, who will describe the documentation of historic barns in our area, agriculture, architecture, and history of barn quilts.

Cookin’ At The O on March 22 and 23. Jazz/blues music and dinner. Contact OldenburgHouse.com for more information and tickets.

If anyone has a special community event in Carlton or if a special person should be recognized, please contact Leola Rodd at 218-310-6065 or [email protected].