Shows
Everyday Environment PodcastProtecting our water supply with helicopters? How communities are tackling water challengesWhile the City of Chicago and many of its surrounding communities have access to water from Lake Michigan, the rest of Northeast Illinois relies primarily on groundwater aquifers for all its drinking water. These groundwater aquifers provide a wide range of opportunities for drinking water…as well as a variety of challenges. Tune in as we talk to Scott Kuykendall, McHenry County Water Resource Specialist, about our water resources. You'll learn all about Illinois geology, its aquifers, and what communities are doing to help protect our water supply. For additional information and graphics, check out Scott's blog!Resou...2025-05-0851 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTaking a systems-based approach to community water managementThis week we chat with Kara Salazar from Purdue Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant about how communities approach sustainable development around their water resources. Kara discusses the challenges of managing stormwater, green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and permeable pavements, how you can become involved in learning more about your community’s water, and how climate change is impacting water resource planning. Check out our blog on this topic here. Resources: EDEN – Extension Disaster Education NetworkClimate Change and Sustainable DevelopmentOne Water Approach to Water Resources ManagementQuestions? We'd love to hear from...2025-05-0133 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTaking into consideration the next 100 years: the reversal of the Chicago RiverThe history books often referred to the reversal of the Chicago River as an engineering marvel, but how did they do it? Why did they do it? and Why is it important to learn about it? Join Phil Nicodemus from Urban Rivers as he discusses the history of the Chicago River and the historical and current work done on the Chicago River to support humans and biodiversity. To read about it, check out the Everyday Environment BlogQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy...2025-04-2453 min
Everyday Environment PodcastNutrient loss in our waterways: the role of agricultureEverybody has a part to play in protecting the valuable resource that is water. So what is the part of farmers? As producers of our food, fiber, and fuel, farmers are essential to our economy, our plates, and our way of life. Learn from Rachel Curry about the options farmers have to protect water quality and the challenges they face in doing so. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information. Resources:Check out Illinois Extension’s nutrient loss reduction website to learn more about nutrient loss. Saturated buffer videoNutrient Lo...2025-04-1030 min
Everyday Environment PodcastA gauntlet for Carp: invasives species in our waterwaysFrom the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, Illinois’ waters are incredible environmental and economic resources, supporting a diversity of plants and animals, providing drinking water for millions of people, and allowing for transportation and recreation. However, aquatic invasive species can threaten these resources. These organisms cause harm to native species and collectively costing humans millions of dollars annually in impacts and control. Join the Everyday Environment team as they chat with Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Katie O'Reilly from Illinois Indiana Sea Grant. Resources: Transport Zero CampaignAquatic Invaders in the MarketplaceInvasive Crayfish Collaborative...2025-04-0346 min
Everyday Environment PodcastRain Check: Creative ways to use stormwater to your advantageIn this episode, we talk with Eliana Brown, Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist with University of Illinois Extension. Eliana explains how we can do simple things that improve lakes and rivers and why it's important to do so. This podcast complements Extension's Stormwater@Home video series. With Eliana, we define stormwater, explore the challenges and solutions of stormwater management, and discuss innovative technologies being implemented within Illinois communities. Erin and Amy both serve mostly rural landscapes so we talk about the differences between urban and rural stormwater management. As always, come away with a few tips about what you...2025-03-2753 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWhat you should know about contaminants of emerging concernWhen people think about ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ in our waters, it sounds like a scary, complicated thing. But in truth, it’s not. There are a number of things in our everyday lives that can pollute our water – even medicine, clothing, and what we use to keep our homes safe and beautiful can become contaminants. In this podcast episode, we’ll discuss how to keep these everyday materials from becoming something that pollutes our water. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Resources: Unwantedmeds.orgQuestions? We'd love to hear from y...2025-03-2036 min
Everyday Environment PodcastScience is not just for the professionals: RiverWatch and community scienceIllinois RiverWatch is a statewide community science (i.e. citizen science) program that trains volunteers to monitor water quality in their local streams. Learn how volunteers across the state use small water bugs, called macroinvertebrates, to look at stream health. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Illinois RiverWatch: Check out upcoming volunteer trainings and subscribe to their newsletter Podcast: The Science Behind Fall Color, Good Growing. Abigail mentioned this during Everyday ObservationsQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse h...2025-03-1339 min
Everyday Environment PodcastFrom raindrop to river: State Hydrologist explains watershed basicsWatersheds are everywhere, adjusting and reforming all the time - they are not static. Watersheds are a reflection of natural and human activities: as activities change so do watersheds as well as the waterways within them. Whatever happens upstream goes downstream. Hear from State Hydrologist and Interim Director of the Illinois State Water Survey, Laura Keefer, about how movement of water and sediment in a watershed shows we all live downstream. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Learn More:Major Watersheds of Illinois map (Illinois State Water Survey)Illinois State Water...2025-03-0636 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWater connects us all: a season 2 previewPreview what to expect from season two of Everyday Environment. Abigail, Erin, and Amy give listeners a peak behind the scenes of how the podcast is produced and what to expect in our upcoming season on water. Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives2025-02-2812 min
Everyday Environment PodcastGetting involved in climate work: find the solution that works for youIn the final episode of our Everyday Environment season focused on climate change, we chat with Duane Friend, Illinois Extension Climate Change Specialist to explore practical ways to get involved in climate action. Whether you're looking to make a difference in your own life or in your community, we discuss climate solutions that fit your lifestyle, share inspiring community success stories, and help you navigate conversations about climate change. We also highlight the Illinois Extension Climate Stewards course, dispel common misconceptions, and offer motivation for those ready to make a positive impact. We also invite you to read our...2024-10-2439 min
Everyday Environment PodcastCoffee grounds are green: composting reduces methane and builds up soilThis week we welcome guests Sue Gasper and Gemini Bhalsod with Illinois Extension to chat about composting and how we can use this process to divert food waste from the landfill, where it often releases greenhouse gases as it decomposes, into backyard composts that reduce the greenhouse gases released. Join us to explore how to compost, its benefits, and its challenges. Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. 2024-10-1739 min
Everyday Environment PodcastInvestigating solar energy and agriculture: agrivoltaics and climate changeThis week we’re joined by Dennis Bowman, Extension Digital Agriculture Specialist with Illinois Extension. Our team was fascinated by our discussion with Dennis about agrivoltaics and University of Illinois’ major research project within this field. Discover what agrivoltaics is all about, why agricultural land is such an attractive target for solar development, and the challenges and opportunities that arise when combining agriculture and renewable energy. We'll also discuss how researchers are developing tools to empower landowners with the information they need to make informed decisions about these practices. Oh, and we find out more about farming games! Learn more o...2024-10-0938 min
Everyday Environment PodcastExploring carbon markets as part of emissions reduction goalsThis week we’re joined by Sarah Sellars, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Sustainable Farm and Food Systems at South Dakota State University. We’re chatting with Sarah about agricultural carbon markets and their potential as one piece of the puzzle to meeting climate goals. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more: The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles 2024-10-0229 min
Everyday Environment PodcastCover crops, not mudslides: empowering youth on climate change.Join us this week as we chat with Peggy Anesi about her career in empowering youth about climate change. By keeping it local and empowering them with realistic options for addressing climate change, we can build a citizenry that is equipped face the many challenges presented by our changing climate. 2024-09-2442 min
Everyday Environment PodcastIt’s all about risk: how climate change increases our risk of health concerns and how we can adaptThis week we’re chatting with Elena Grossman from GTI Energy about how climate change is impacting us – our health and our communities – and what we can do about it. We’ll discuss existing health concerns that are exacerbated by climate change, leading to overall increased risk of health issues. Elena will break down how climate change affects different populations disproportionately. Then, we’ll discuss solutions that could be implemented in our communities through the built environment, social infrastructure, gray infrastructure, and systems. Learn more on the blog.2024-09-1942 min
Everyday Environment PodcastExploring the challenges facing pollinatorsJoin us as we talk with Brodie Dunn, Outreach Associate in Biodiversity and Pollinators for Illinois Extension, about how pollinators are expected to respond to climate change. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more: If you’d like to hear more from Brodie, check out his wildlife sound ID podcast “Voice of the Wild”Pollinator-friendly garden designs can be found at https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-habitat-design/ and https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-plant-selector/ Pollinator-friendly rain garden designs and plant selection toolMonarch Project Rural Mowing GuidanceGuide to telling apart bees and flies that mimic bees2024-09-1242 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWill invasive species be helped or hindered by climate change?This week we welcome Chris Evans to the podcast. Chris is an Extension Forestry and Research Specialist with Illinois Extension based in southern Illinois. We chat about what invasive species are, how their characteristics may make them more resilient to climate change, and what we can do to help slow their spread. Learn more on the blog.Resources for learning more: iNaturalist - tool for identification and reporting EDDMapS - tool for reporting where you see invasives and looking at up to date range maps Invasive Species website from Illinois Extension2024-09-0541 min
Everyday Environment PodcastUnderstanding soil as a systemThis week we chat with Michelle Wander, Emeritus Soil Scientist in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences department at University of Illinois. We go belowground to explore the importance of soil health, threats to that health, and practices to mitigate negative impacts on soil. Learn more on the blog. Helpful resources for homeowners: Soils website from Illinois ExtensionWeb Soil Survey UC Davis SoilWebs App Helpful resources for farmers: Idea Farm Network Midwest Cover Crops Council 2024-08-2941 min
Everyday Environment Podcast708 million tons of carbon storage: Urban Forests and climate changeThis week we welcome Justin Vozzo to the podcast. Justin is an Extension Forestry Specialist with Illinois Extension based in Urbana, and he shares with us what an urban forest is and how they play a role in mitigating climate change. Learn more on the Everyday Environment Blog.2024-08-2234 min
Everyday Environment PodcastToo Much of a Good Thing: A Plant’s Perspective on Climate ChangeJoin us as we chat with Karla Griesbaum, NREE Educator with Illinois Extension, about how plants are expected to respond to climate change. While plants may experience some short-term benefits, overall increased stress is expected for plants with our changing climate. Take a listen as we discuss all things plants and climate change! Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. Resources for learning more: Explore carbon levels across the globeLearn about how plants experience heat stressClimate ready woodlands resources from University of MinnesotaIllinois Pollinator website fr...2024-08-1439 min
Everyday Environment PodcastShifting to a Silver Lining: Climate Expert Talks Climate Change BasicsJoin us as we talk with Dr. Justin Schoof about the basics of climate change and what we are already seeing happen in Illinois. Justin is the Director of the School of Earth Systems and Sustainability at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. We’ll break down climate change, discuss current trends, and talk about what it all means for the future. Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. 2024-08-0752 min
Everyday Environment PodcastWelcome to the New Everyday Environment Podcast!Welcome to the new Everyday Environment Podcast! Your hosts Abigail, Erin, and Amy are here to talk all about the switch from Spotlight on Natural Resources to a new podcast, Everyday Environment. But wait, there's more! No longer just a podcast, we have more learning opportunities for you, including a blog, webinars, and short videos. Take a listen to hear about our plans for this podcast, and stay tuned for the launch of our first season on August 8, all about climate change. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment. 2024-07-1832 min
Everyday Environment PodcastPFAS: Understanding this Contaminant of Emerging ConcernJoin us as we talk with Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist, about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Commonly found in a wide variety of consumer products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and cleaners, PFAS are an emerging contaminant that has recently become newsworthy due to its widespread discovery in waterbodies across the country. In this podcast episode, we’ll learn what PFAS are, where they are found, and how they can affect our health, as well as what’s being done to combat this hazardous pollutant.2024-06-2029 min
Everyday Environment PodcastBeneath the Surface: Exploring Illinois' Freshwater MusselsClam, Mollusk, Mussel, or Muscle? Let's unravel the mystery! Join us in this podcast episode as we delve into the captivating world of Illinois freshwater mussels. Whether you're gliding along a river or strolling by a stream, the remarkable underwater life beneath the surface may surprise you. These unsung heroes play a vital role in purifying our aquatic ecosystems and deliver Oscar-worthy performances in their struggle for survival. Discover how they interact with other aquatic species, including their selective preferences for fish companionship. The Spotlight crew will uncover the true identity of these organisms, dive into their fascinating reproductive...2024-06-0623 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTips for your home during Electrical Safety MonthJoin us as we chat with Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity about tips for electrical safety month. We cover electrical safety tips for our homes and yards, as well as tips to talk about with your kids.2024-05-2324 min
Everyday Environment PodcastShould we participate in "No Mow May"? (Hint: look at the ecology)These Illinoisians and ecology-minded podcast hosts discuss the nuances of No Mow May and why it may not be the best fit for Illinois. Erin, Amy, and Abigail talk about the true goals behind No May May and how Illinois residents can achieve those goals when considering the ecology of our landscapes. Check out our friends at Good Growing and their blog on No Mow May2024-05-0939 min
Everyday Environment PodcastResearch Bite: University of Illinois Students Discuss Bird CollisionsJoin the Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast team for a Research Bite! Within each Research Bite segment, we delve into groundbreaking research conducted at University of Illinois, offering listeners exclusive insights into the innovative discoveries and advancements shaping the future of applied science. During this episode, we hear from the student Bird Strike Survey at University of Illinois, along with advisor Dr. Benjamin Van Doren. This group monitors bird window strikes on campus to identify buildings that pose the biggest threat to birds, in an attempt to study the reasons why those buildings are so deadly. Join us as we...2024-05-0324 min
Everyday Environment Podcast13 and 17 is Very Weird: Periodical Cicadas with Kacie AtheyThe cicadas are emerging, times two! Join us as we explore the upcoming periodical cicada emergence in Illinois with entomologist Kacie Athey. In this episode, we discuss the 17-year and 13-year life cycle of these insects, their impact on the local ecosystem, and what Illinois residents can expect during this natural event. Visit these sites to learn more about Periodical Cicadas: Community Science on Periodical CicadasCicada Safari WebsiteCheck out the Apps:Cicada Safari for Google PlayCicada Safari for Apple Learning More about Periodical Cicadas2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence with UConnPeriodical Cicadas Fac...2024-04-1721 min
Everyday Environment PodcastTornado TrendsDive into the swirling world of tornado trends in Illinois with our latest podcast episode. Join us as we explore how a tornado forms, the recent patterns of tornado occurrences in the Prairie State, and what you can do to improve your resiliency to tornado hazards. Come away with a deeper understanding of this powerful natural phenomenon.Learn more!Tornado Trends (blog article)Is Illinois a part of a new tornado alley? (blog article)Subscribe to the All About Weather blogCheck out our Naturalist News blogQuestions?Abigail Garofalo a...2024-04-0143 min
Everyday Environment PodcastEarly Spring WildlifeEarly spring is a wonderful time to view wildlife in Illinois. Woodcock, one of the earliest of the migrating birds, return to the state and start displaying to attract mates and set up territories. Mole salamanders will head to breeding pools, even when ice is still on. Crawfish frogs and spring peepers can be heard in full chorus on warm nights. Whitetail deer lose their antlers. This month on the podcast, Chris Evans joins us to discuss wildlife encounters to be had in early spring in Illinois.2024-02-2228 min
Everyday Environment PodcastPhenology as a Retirement HobbyEver think about what will captivate you in retirement? You don’t want to just sit around but you don’t want to over-commit now that you have your own time. Phenology could be a retirement hobby. Join Peggy Doty to talk about how phenology offers an activity for your mind and just enough commitment to wake up interested in this new idea. Phenology is a meeting of people and the wild living things around them, and you can schedule your meeting any time you like.Books referenced:The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne & A Ga...2024-01-3045 min
Everyday Environment PodcastThe Northern Saw-Whet OwlHiding in the thickets of our Illinois woodland habitat, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small and secretive owl species that migrates through our area. During this podcast, University of Illinois Avian Lab Manager and Field Coordinator, Mike Avara, joins us to share research the university is doing on the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Find out why these owls are so special, why they are researching these birds, and what they have discovered about these owls. Mike will also walk us through a day in the life of an owl researcher. ResourcesProject OwlnetUniversity of I...2023-12-2137 min
Everyday Environment PodcastProviding Natural and Artificial Homes for BatsJoin us this week as we chat with Dr. Joy O'Keefe about bats of Illinois and what we can do to support them. Bats are essential to a healthy ecosystem, as they eat insects that are pests to trees, crops, and us. Most bats use trees as their daytime roosts during spring, summer, and fall. If you have good places for bats to hunt for food, how do you attract them to roost on your property? Learn what makes good natural and artificial roost habitat for bats and other ways to support your local bat population.2023-11-2728 min
Everyday Environment PodcastInvasive Alert: Spotted LanternflyOn this special edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, hear from Scott Schirmer, State Plant Regulatory Official with Illinois Department of Agriculture, and Chris Evans, Forestry Extension and Research Specialist with University of Illinois Extension as we talk about Spotted Lanternfly. Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive insect that has been confirmed in Illinois for the first time in September 2023. After chatting about Spotted Lanternfly, stick around as Chris takes a deep dive into invasive species in general, including what you can do to help stop the spread. Spotted Lanternfly factsheet at go.illinois.edu/spottedlanternflyReport...2023-11-0345 min
Everyday Environment PodcastCreepy Carp and Sea Lamprey, Aquatic invasives in Lake Michigan (the Halloween episode)Join us this week as we chat with Aquatic Invasives Species Specialist Katie O'Reilly about all things aquatic invasives in Lake Michigan. We take a spooky look at what kinds of species are aquatic invaders and what we can do to combat invasive species in our waterways. Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Aquatic Invasive SpeciesChoose CopiThe Sea Lamprey from Illinois Department of Natural Resources2023-10-3037 min
Everyday Environment PodcastSeptember is National Preparedness Month: Generator Safety, Supply Kits & CO DetectorsSeptember is National Preparedness Month. Kerri Taylor joins us from Illinois Safe Electricity to teach us about how we can better prepare our homes, families, workplaces, and communities in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. Focusing on storm preparedness, we discuss in-depth how to prepare an emergency supply kit, how to choose and safely use a generator, and how to ensure we are using carbon monoxide detectors properly. We walk through a number of common scenarios and explain the proper way to respond.Links/Resources referencedready.gov/SeptemberGenerator SafetyWireless E...2023-09-2943 min