Everyday Environment Podcast
Latest Episode
Landscape Water Conservation
Prescribed or Control Burns
The role of fire is important for many of our Midwest native plants and ecosystems. Prescribed burning is a way to reintroduce fire in landscapes in a controlled manor. Fire can early emergence of many of our native grasses and forbs. In timber, fire helps promote regeneration of oak and...
Bird Feeding
Extension Educator Peggy Doty talks about how to select a good bird food seed mix, and selecting a bird feeder. She also corrects a couple of common misconceptions about feeding birds.
Bats
Bats have been at the top of news headlines with concerns about health and safety. Learn more about these creatures with Extension’s Energy and Environmental Stewardship Educator, Abigail Garofalo, and find out why bats are important to our ecosystems, how we can stay safe around bats, and how...
Disposal of Unwanted Medicine
Extension Educator Ashley Belle explains how you can help to protect our natural environment by properly disposing of unwanted medicines.
Toxic Algae in Illinois
There have been scattered reports of toxic algae blooms in some small ponds in Illinois. Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about what steps can be taken to prevent these in the future and how to know if your algae is toxic.
The Wonderful World of Wetlands
Today’s podcast is on Wetlands, with Erin Garrett. Wetlands provide numerous invaluable ecosystem services, yet their value is often overlooked. Seen as breeding grounds for mosquitos or places to be drained, historical wetland habitat loss in Illinois is about 85%. Luckily, the value of...
Invasive Plant Species
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources. Extension Educator Jay Solomon explains how invasive plant species affect ecosystems in Illinois and what to do when you recognize those plants in your yard or on your property.
Ecological Footprint
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Ashley Belle explains how everyday choices have an effect on our Ecological Footprint. Everything from the places we live to the foods we eat directly impact our natural environment.