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. Each fall and spring, we'll explore a new topic in detail. 

Fall 2025 - Wildlife 

The fall 2025 series explores Illinois wildlife and the birds, mammals, amphibians, and other critters we share the state with. Learn about how we encounter wildlife, the impact of roads, urban animal populations, community science projects, and so much more. Through monthly "Voices from the Field" webinars, learn about wildlife research projects from University of Illinois scientists. 

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Webinars

Tune in to monthly "Voices from the Field" webinars to learn about wildlife research projects from University of Illinois scientists. Leave with tools and information to help protect the planet for generations to enjoy. All sessions are free. 

Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time

Aug. 21 at 1PM, Online 

Box turtles are charismatic, long-lived turtles that are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems. These characteristics make them uniquely sensitive to the health of their environments and good indicators of overall ecosystem health. In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at University of Illinois has assessed the health of more than 4,000 turtles to better understand the threats to this species and create strategies to save them. Explore what they’ve learned through their research and how you can help.

Presenter: Dr. Matt Allender, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois

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Past Presentations

Looking for previous programs? Recordings are posted several weeks after the program to allow time for closed captioning. The most recent sessions are available below.

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

Everyday Environment Podcast
Join Everyday Environment for Season 3 as we explore a brand new aspect of the natural world with new hosts and new guests! Join Amy and Abigail as they welcome new hosts, Karla and...
Everyday Environment Blog

Taking Care of Water is a Community Effort

When the Everyday Environment team first looked at water as our season two topic, we brainstormed a lot of different approaches. Unlike our first season, where we covered climate change, water is an overarching part of our environment. Yes, water can be a challenge, flooding for example, but it can...
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Protecting our waterways from excess nutrients

It’s a crisp spring morning, and I’m driving by the Rock River, watching as the water reflects the newly emerging leaves. Like most others across Illinois, this river is part of a complex system that connects to the Mississippi River and ultimately flows to the ocean. Hidden beneath the river...
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picture of a street with rain drops and text overlay stormwater management

Using stormwater to your advantage

As a child, my friends and I played in a neighborhood stream, catching crawdads. What I didn’t know then was this small waterbody was mainly comprised of stormwater runoff and was connected to everything on our landscape.What is stormwater runoff?Stormwater is rain or melted snow that flows off...
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Past Series

Water Resources

In the spring of 2025, Everyday Environment did a deep dive into water in Illinois. Take a look at the full collection of climate change videos, blogs, and podcasts below.

Blogs

Podcast Episodes

Videos 

Climate Change in Illinois

In the fall of 2024, Everyday Environment explored the different facets of climate change. Take a look at the full collection of climate change videos, blogs, and podcasts below.

Blogs

Podcast Episodes

Videos

Follow the Drop: Illinois Water from Source to Tap

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Illinois is a diverse state when it comes to water resources, and where your water comes from depends on how much is available, the quality of a water source, and its contamination risk. Explore sources of drinking water in Illinois, get an...

Actions to Reduce Water Pollution

What’s in your water? Learn about common water pollutants, how your daily actions, indoor and outdoor, impact water quality, and how water is treated before returning to rivers and lakes. Simple tips to prevent pollution start with you.

This webinar was recorded on May 8, 2025. Find more...

What Illinois Residents Should Know About Climate Change

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...

Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. 

In this video you will learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community, explore how different methods of managing your lawn,...

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College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

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