Catch the Longnose Sucker Run – Pop-Up Phenology Program

Have you ever gone on a walk or joined a guided hike and thought, It would’ve been neat to be here last week when the fish were here? Nature doesn’t always follow a set schedule—but with a little flexibility, we can try to catch it at just the right moment. That’s the idea behind our Pop-up Phenology Programs. Phenology is the study of the timing of natural events—like wildflowers blooming, birds migrating, or insects emerging. Because these events are influenced by a variety of environmental factors, their timing can vary from year to year. This spring, we invite you to discover the fascinating migration of the longnose sucker. These fish play an important ecological role, and during this walk you’ll learn how researchers and community members are working to better understand their movements. To catch the migration at the right moment, we’ll schedule a guided walk on short notice when longnose suckers begin swimming up the creek to spawn. Rather than setting a date far in advance, interested participants can sign up for an alert list. When conditions are right, we’ll notify you with details about when and where to meet. Interested in discovering more about fish migration at Heins Creek Nature Preserve? Sign up below to receive an alert when the timing is right, and a guided walk is scheduled.