Spotlight on Natural Resources

This week we chat with Peggy Anesi, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for Illinois Extension in northern Illinois. Peggy brings a wealth of experience in environmental education and shares her experiences working to engage different audiences all about water. From Watershed Stewards to a Paddle and Learn program to youth educational offerings, Peggy discusses the importance of engaging communities at multiple levels to become advocates for clean water in their communities. Check out Peggy's blog on this topic here. Learn more about the Watershed Stewards programQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

In this episode of Everyday Environment, hosts Amy and Abigail explore the puzzle of water pricing with guest Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economics Specialist with Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. From aging infrastructure and economic planning to affordability and policy decisions, Margaret helps piece together the many factors that influence what we pay for water. Tune in for a deep dive into the hidden systems—and tough choices—behind every drop from your tap. Resources to learn more:Illinois State Water Survey interactive map of public water sourcesQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

While 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!Resources to learn more:ILWater – Illinois State Geological Survey interactive map of water well locations and informationMcHenry County Water Resources divisionBoone County Helicopter 3-D Geologic Mapping news storyQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

This 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 you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

The 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 Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

Join the Everyday Environment team as we chat with Layne Knoche, Stormwater Outreach Associate, to explore the importance of rain gardens and how they help manage stormwater, support biodiversity, and improve water quality. We chat about some good design tips and ideas, the basic make-up of a rain garden and spend some extra time really diving into our obsession with native plants. Resources mentioned in the pod: CoCoRaHS community science projectRed Oak Rain GardenRed Oak Rain Garden ResourcesIllinois Groundwork Plant FinderLawn to Lake Midwest

Everybody 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 Loss Reduction podcastNutrient Loss Reduction blogA list of all approved agricultural conservation practices can be found on a recent University of Illinois Extension factsheet.Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

From 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 CollaborativeQuestions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

In 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 can do to manage stormwater at home. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information.Resources:Rainfall ManagementLawn to Lake MidwestIllinois Groundwork (Green Stormwater Infrastructure design)Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

When 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 you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

Illinois 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.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 Observations

Watersheds 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. Learn More:Major Watersheds of Illinois map (Illinois State Water Survey)Illinois State Water PlanFact SheetTask Force informationErin talks of leaf marcescence in her Everyday Observation

Preview 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 Archives

In 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 final blog reflecting on our climate change season!Learn more...Illinois Climate StewardsChicago Living CorridorsCross Community Climate Collaborative (C4)Contact us...Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.eduNever miss a blog, podcast, video, or webinar! Subscribe to Everyday Environment news

This 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. 

This 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 on the blog.Resources to learn more:Sustainable Co-locating Agriculture and Photovoltaic Energy Systems (SCAPES) projectSCAPES YouTubeMy Agrivoltaic Farm game app

This 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 

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. 

This 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.

Join 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 bees

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 Extension

This 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 

This 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.

Join 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 from Illinois Extension Rainfall management website from Illinois ExtensionSign up for our Everyday Environment newsletter - go.illinois.edu/EEsubscribe

Join 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. 

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. 

Join 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.

Clam, 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 processes, and explore ongoing research efforts in Illinois.

Join 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.

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 May

Join 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 explore the latest research aiming to understand the fascinating intersection of bird behavior, architecture, and conservation.Learn More!Learn more about the work of the UIUC Bird Strike SurveyChicago Bird Collision MonitorsCornell University Lab of Ornithology - Why Birds Hit Windows & How You Can Prevent ItSubscribe to our Naturalist News blogQuestions?Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.eduErin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

The 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 Fact SheetCicadas from Illinois ExtensionBlog Post: The Cicadas are Coming! Periodical cicadas in Illinois in 2024

Dive 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 aeg9@illinois.eduErin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

Early 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.

Ever 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 Garden Kalendar by Gilbert WhiteSand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (and definitely look into Nina Leopold)The Nature of Oaks: The rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Tree by Doug TallamySound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova BaileyThe Geese of Beaver Bog by Bernd HeinrichCommunity Science Projects:Citizenscience.govBudburstSounds of Nature Project

Hiding 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 Illinois Natural Resources & Environment Sciences Ward Laboratory - Avian Ecology, Behavior, and Conservation

Join 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.

On 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 sightings to lanternfly@illinois.edu

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 waters and what we can do to combat native species in our waterways. Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Aquatic Invasive SpeciesChoose CopiThe Sea Lamprey from Illinois Department of Natural Resources

September 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 Emergency AlertsNOAA Weather RadioIL Citizen Corps Red CrossNeighborhood WatchFire CorpsCivil Air PatrolAmerican Radio Relay League 

With high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering our waterways and making their way to the Gulf of Mexico, Illinois is taking action to address nutrient loss and hold those nutrients in place. Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback are the boots on the ground for this project in Illinois, and they join us on the podcast to take about the NLRS and what it means for farmers and the public.  Links mentioned: Lawn to LakeThe Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction PodcastThe Nutrient Loss Reduction BlogOriginal and biennial Illinois NLRS reportsNOAA's 2023 report

With droughts and drastic weather occurring in Illinois, how do we keep our landscapes resilient? Extension Stormwater Specialist, Eliana Brown, joins the podcast to discuss how we can help build healthy landscapes in this extreme weather. Links mentioned: Drought Monitor WebsiteRed Oak Rain Garden Native Plant Resources

Corn sweat - an interesting Midwest phenomenon that happens during the summer months.  Find out what corn sweat really is and how it affects our weather, wildlife and other plants. Duane Friend, Illinois Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Specialist, joins us during this episode.  Hint: An acre of corn can “sweat” up to 4,000 gallons of water in a day!Find out more about our Illinois weather phenomena through the Illinois Extension blog, All About Weather.  Latest articles:Why are we getting smoke from Canada?How much do you know about climate? Take the quiz!Has this spring in Illinois been windier than usual?

Biodiversity - such a buzzword these days. But what is biodiversity and why does everyone seem to be talking about it? Extension Educator Abigail Garofalo will break down this scientific concept and give you insights into the biodiversity crisis and what you can do about it. 

Don't count out nighttime when it comes to exploring.  Each season brings a different “night” whether it be the long winter nights with clear skies or the late sunsets in summer, there is always something to discover in nature at night.  In fact, in terms of wildlife, over 60% of our mammals are nocturnal. Extension Natural Resources Educator Amy Lefringhouse joins Erin Garrett and Abigail Garofalo to discuss nature at night. 

Spring is here, and one of the best places to enjoy the season is hiking through a forest. In spring you can find the forest floor bursting with life. Many of the spring-blooming flowers you see when out on a hike are from a group of plants called spring ephemerals. We're going to dive into what these plants are and why they're so unique today. 

Maple Syrup Season in Illinois

What is the difference between snow, sleet and freezing rain?

When people get excited about supporting wildlife on their property, they are usually referring to the ones bring us joy or whimsy or the ones that bring us some function such as pollination. But that sense of awe and wonder with nature tends to take a turn into annoyance, and even fear when we stumble upon more nuisance animals. Learn more about the less charismatic wildlife and how they serve our ecosystem.