Skip to main content

Everyday Environment Podcast

Explore the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world with a deep dive into a variety of environmental topics with your hosts Abigail, Erin, and Amy.
Everyday Environment

Latest Episode

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.

Wild Spring Babies

It is April so could we be seeing wildlife babies soon? Are wildlife of the same species born at the same time in Illinois? (the point of this question, or one like it, is to point out the length of our state and that wildlife births could differ because of timing of “spring”) What are the first...

Landscape Water Conservation

Conserving water on your property is all reducing runoff and there are a lot of big and small ways you can do that. Learn ways you can do help improve water quality for yourself, your neighbors, and all Illinoisans.

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.

Podcast Hosts