Everyday Environment

Small changes have positive impacts on the environment.

Everyday Environment explores the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment. Through podcasts, blogs,  webinars, and videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for these connections in Illinois and beyond.

Never miss an update! Join the Everyday Environment mailing list.

Subscribe

Webinars

What Illinois Residents Should Know About Climate Change

August 8, 1 p.m. CT

Climate change is here, let's talk about it. 

Discover what climate change means for Illinois now and in the future and explore practical solutions. Learn how you can play a vital role in helping your community be healthier and more resilient to the effects of climate change. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and make a difference!

Presenter: Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist

Sign Up for the Webinar

The Everyday Environment spring and fall webinars feature a different environmental topic to encourage sustainable practices. Tune in and learn how you can do your part to protect the planet for generations to enjoy. All sessions are free. 

Looking for previous programs? Recordings are posted several weeks after the program to allow time for closed captioning.

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast

PFAS: Understanding this Contaminant of Emerging Concern

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...
Naturalist News Blog

PFAS exposure can be reduced with simple swaps and habits

What are PFAS chemicals?Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS (pronounced pea-fass) for short, are a group of more than 15,000 man-made chemicals that have recently made their way into the news for all the wrong reasons. PFAS is an incredibly useful group of chemicals sometimes added to...
Finish this story
mussel in sand substrate

If Illinois freshwater mussels could talk...

The spring rains have come, and the streams are running. Gliding over the somewhat cloudy waters of a creek in west-central Illinois, I took my kayak out to explore the changing landscape.  A few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the wild world of freshwater mussels.  So,...
Finish this story
A woman in a vest, long sleeved flannel shirt and gloves prunes a tree branch with hand clippers

Late winter tree care sets the foundation for trees to thrive

Late winter and early spring are critical transition periods for trees, making the shift from dormancy to active growth. Proper care during these seasons sets the foundation for healthy, vibrant trees throughout the year. Late-winter care along with spring practices, will help trees transition and...
Finish this story
antler on dried leaves

Look for early spring wildlife

The transition zone between winter and spring is a fascinating time to explore the wildlife of Illinois.  Here are a few of the neat opportunities for watching wildlife in early spring. Want to learn more? Check out the...
Finish this story
close up photo of insect hole on tree

Cantankerous cavities

Most cavities in a tree are caused by some type of living organism, either an animal or a pathogen of some sort. Some cavities will only be found in dead trees or a portion of a live tree with dead wood. Other cavities can be in otherwise completely healthy trees. Let’s take a look at some of the...
Finish this story

Connect with us!