Spotlight on Natural Resources

We cover a wide range of topics that help you become an advocate for our planet.

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Latest Episode

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

May 9, 2024

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.

ERNEST THOMPSON SETON -Naturalist

September 21, 2021

Which Plant Makes Me Sneeze? Goldenrod vs Ragweed

August 18, 2021

The end of summer is approaching and that means fall allergies will be ramping up. How many of us blame the beautiful yellow blooming plants on the roadsides for our allergies? Goldenrod gets all the blame, but ragweed is the culprit! Learn how to identify both plants and information about why one...

Invasive Plant Management

July 22, 2021

Description: Fall is the time to work on controlling woody invasive plants. While often associated with timber areas, woody invasive plants can be a problem along fence rows, native prairies, and even home landscapes. Join us to explore why fall management provides better control.

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

June 21, 2021

A “sea” focused program in the Midwest? Join us and learn not only how Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant got its name, but also how it’s connecting people with science to strengthen and preserve ecosystems and communities in southern Lake Michigan and beyond.

Wild Spring Babies

April 9, 2021

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

February 26, 2021

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

January 28, 2021

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

November 11, 2020

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

October 19, 2020

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...