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. 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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Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time

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...

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. 

Uncovering the Winter Secrets of Whip-poor-wills, Oct. 16 at 1 PM, Online 

Often heard and rarely seen, the eastern whip-poor-will and its namesake nighttime call is an iconic Midwestern woodland bird. But like many other insect-eating birds, its numbers are declining. University of Illinois avian researchers are working to uncover the secrets of where this elusive bird goes and what it does when it leaves Illinois to overwinter in Florida, Central, and South America to better understand its full annual cycle. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike will get a better understanding of what’s happening to whip-poor-wills in our backyard and across the country. 

Presenter: Dave Edlund, Coordinator of the Midwest Eastern Whip-poor-will Project and natural resources, environmental sciences M.S. student, 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. 

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time, Aug. 21, 2025

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.

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Everyday Environment Podcast
The Mexican long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus mexicanus) has become a recent addition to the local fauna of Illinois as a response to habitat alteration and climate change. With these new species and many others comes new diseases and exposure of pathogens. Join Southern Illinois...
Everyday Environment Blog

Monitoring stream water quality with...bugs?

Many of us have streams in our neighborhoods or cities that we see regularly but often take for granted. Maybe we have a stream in our backyard, one that flows through a local park where we walk our dogs, or one we drive over every day on our way to work or school. But how often do we take time to...
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aerial view of a river running through a forested bluff

What watershed do you live in? Diving into watershed basics

When rain falls, the water doesn’t just disappear; it has to go somewhere. Some of it soaks into the ground, replenishing groundwater, while the rest flows downhill over the land’s surface. As water moves, it gathers into small rivulets, which join creeks, which then merge with larger rivers and...
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Reduce methane generation with composting

The problem with food scraps in landfillsIn the U.S., food waste is a big problem. Nationally, landfills and trash incinerators receive 167 million tons of garbage a year. Half of that is compostable and 21% is food scraps. This means that of the 19 million tons of garbage going to Illinois...
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renewable energy and climate change

Renewable energy offers benefits for our future

When I was growing up in St. Louis, crossing the Mississippi River in Alton was always my cue that we were almost home from a long road trip.  Now that I live in Illinois, I know I am nearing home when I start to see windmills across the blue skies. Even at night, their blinking red lights...
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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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