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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

A pest that feeds on bees and honey has been found in Alaska for the first time
Alaska officials confirmed the state’s first detection of the small hive beetle at an apiary in the Copper River region, likely linked to imported bees from Mississippi. Experts warn the pest can damage bee colonies and honey, urging coordinated action by beekeepers to contain and eradicate it.
Copper River Census Area, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media

Early arrival of Swans
In Chistochina, Alaska, two swans were observed arriving unusually early, flying close to a house, highlighting a pattern of early swan arrivals in the region.
Chistochina, Alaska, United States

Shortening ice season on Chistochina River
"The river was iced over for less then 6 weeks! As opposed to 5 months of ice 2 to 3 feet thick before climate change."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Robert Busey, Crane Johnson

Flooding closes schools and shuts down sewer system in Glennallen as high waters continue to inundate Alaska communities
Officials say the floodwaters are swamping Alaska towns, tearing buildings from foundations, seeping into homes and covering roads. In Glennallen, the local utility is setting up Porta-Potties around the community, and area residents are asked to limit water usage. The state transportation department said there was water over a portion of the Glenn Highway on Monday, but the road remained open.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States
Alaska Public Media
Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks and Chris Klint, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage

Chistochina River darker then usual
"Now I have seen the current muddy at break up but usually after prolonged warming and winds. This one is about a month ahead of the game."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Katie Spellman, Wilson Justin, Crane Johnson

Fall Observations from Chistochina
"Been a cool dry fall. The snow line hit twice in late August and once in September at the 4000 foot level. We saw 22 degrees several times in September and twice in August so general frost is in town. But no ice on shore lines so the rivers and lakes are staying warm even as the chill sets in"

Man mauled by bear off Richardson Highway near Gulkana in Southcentral Alaska
The 61-year-old man was flown to an Anchorage hospital for treatment of his injuries, troopers said.
Gulkana, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Willows Starting to Bud
Early budding willows (genus *Salix*) were observed on the Chistochina Trail during temperatures of 18 above Fahrenheit. The average temperature on March 23, 2021 was 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest temperature on the day in the past twenty years.
Jimmy Evak, Wilson Justin, Katie Spellman

December temperatures finally arrive in February
"The Chistochina River froze over and went to overflow by the second of February which means we went through the New Year and January with the river running open. First time that I know of."
Wilson Justin, Chris Arp, Katie Spellman

Waiting on a North Wind
The winds have been unusual this fall. Usually a north wind is "part and parcel of the turn of the season" but so far the wind has been "sporadic without a sense of direction."

Not much for berries or fireweed
"In a summer of continuous rainfall I would presume glorious growth and tons of picking...but this did not happen. The blueberries never took off, neither did the soap berries known to us as bear berries."

Big year for some biting insects, but not mosquitoes
Mosquito populations may be down, but the gnats, no-see-ums, white sox and several other unidentified bugs were relentless.

Abundant Aphids and Defoliator Attack
Forests around Gakona saw abundant aphids and defoliation from sawflies or caterpillars.

Sparrow's Egg Lady's Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium passerinum) Arrives in the Swamp
Orchids often reproduce by sending up additional shoots from the rhizome, but can produce seeds. When they do, the seeds are lightweight and are easily blown around by the wind. The dried swamp may have provided the right nutrients and optimal environment for germination.

Boom Year for Wood Frogs (Rana sylvatica)
Above average winter precipitation may have contributed to high winter survival rates among wood frogs, which emerged during warm spring temperatures.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Joshua Ream, Brandie Radigan

Budding Willow Branches (genus Salix)
Willows are budding early, following temperature swings of 40 to approximately -32 degrees Fahrenheit between February and March.

Late Budding Alder Tree (genus Alnus)
Late budding alder tree.

Early Bees and Butterflies
The sun when direct was intense, definitely not April and not May...more like the month of June.

Lots of bees!
More bees seen enjoying sweet clover thus year than in recent years.

Not a dream: Eureka Lodge awakes to ‘very unusual’ late-spring dump of snow
The lodge at above 3,000 feet altitude on the Glenn Highway measured 6 to 8 inches of snow as of Monday morning -- and it was still falling.
Glennallen, Alaska, United States
Anchorage Daily News

Its June, but one Alaska community just got half a foot of snow
Summer slowly arrived in Alaska this month, but if you live in Glennallen, you may be having very different emotions regarding June weather.
KTUU

Growth on Rose Bush (Rosa acicularis)
Reddish growth on rosehip leaves
Gakona, Alaska, United States

Plant Health and Condition
The leaves, in general, don't look too healthy. They seem to lack vitality and are shriveled in many places.
Gino Graziano, Jessie Moan, Wilson Justin

Changing Habits/Habitat of Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)
Land Mammal

Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
A mountain lion is robbing the tribal fish wheel in Tazlina. There have been several sightings in recent years.
Tazlina, Alaska, United States

50°F in March!
Unseasonably warm in Chistochina.

Willows (Salix scouleriana) Budding Along Chistochina River
Pussy willows (Salix scouleriana) - a sign of spring in Interior Alaska.

Common Murre (Uria aalge) Stranding
Wayward Murre

Algae Bloom
Appears to be smothering all aquatic plant life.
Gakona, Alaska, United States

River Changing - Chistochina Low and Slow
Chistochina River change

Unusual Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Behavior
Majority of the red salmon went up the middle of the Klutina River and tended to weigh a pound or less.
Copper Center, Alaska, United States

Insect Die-off
5.21-15 Insect die-off - Chistochina, Alaska, USA
Chistochina, Alaska, USA

Windfall trees an obstacle
Wind fall trees an obstacle
Gakona, Alaska, United States

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