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Spotlight on Natural Resources

We cover a wide range of topics that help you become an advocate for our planet.
Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast

Latest Episode

Join us as we talk with Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist, about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

Beneath the Surface: Exploring Illinois' Freshwater Mussels

Clam, Mollusk, Mussel, or Muscle? Let's unravel the mystery! Join us in this podcast episode as we delve into the captivating world of Illinois freshwater mussels. Whether you're gliding along a river or strolling by a stream, the remarkable underwater life beneath the surface may surprise you...

Tips for your home during Electrical Safety Month

Join us as we chat with Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity about tips for electrical safety month. We cover electrical safety tips for our homes and yards, as well as tips to talk about with your kids.

Should we participate in "No Mow May"? (Hint: look at the ecology)

These Illinoisians and ecology-minded podcast hosts discuss the nuances of No Mow May and why it may not be the best fit for Illinois. Erin, Amy, and Abigail talk about the true goals behind No May May and how Illinois residents can achieve those goals when considering the ecology of our...

Research Bite: University of Illinois Students Discuss Bird Collisions

Join the Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast team for a Research Bite!   Within each Research Bite segment, we delve into groundbreaking research conducted at University of Illinois, offering listeners exclusive insights into the innovative discoveries and advancements shaping the...

13 and 17 is Very Weird: Periodical Cicadas with Kacie Athey

The cicadas are emerging, times two! Join us as we explore the upcoming periodical cicada emergence in Illinois with entomologist Kacie Athey. In this episode, we discuss the 17-year and 13-year life cycle of these insects, their impact on the local ecosystem, and what Illinois residents can...

Tornado Trends

Dive into the swirling world of tornado trends in Illinois with our latest podcast episode. Join us as we explore how a tornado forms, the recent patterns of tornado occurrences in the Prairie State, and what you can do to improve your resiliency to tornado hazards.  Come away with a...

Early Spring Wildlife

Early spring is a wonderful time to view wildlife in Illinois. Woodcock, one of the earliest of the migrating birds, return to the state and start displaying to attract mates and set up territories. Mole salamanders will head to breeding pools, even when ice is still on. Crawfish frogs and...

Phenology as a Retirement Hobby

Ever think about what will captivate you in retirement? You don’t want to just sit around but you don’t want to over-commit now that you have your own time. Phenology could be a retirement hobby. Join Peggy Doty to talk about how phenology offers an activity for your mind and just enough...

The Northern Saw-whet Owl

Hiding in the thickets of our Illinois woodland habitat, the Northern Saw-whet Owl is a small and secretive owl species that migrates through our area.  During this podcast, University of Illinois Avian Lab Manager and Field Coordinator, Mike Avara, joins us to share research the...

Providing Natural and Artificial Homes for Bats

Join us this week as we chat with Dr. Joy O'Keefe about bats of Illinois and what we can do to support them. Bats are essential to a healthy ecosystem, as they eat insects that are pests to trees, crops, and us. Most bats use trees as their daytime roosts during spring, summer, and fall. If...

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