Hello and welcome to Eco-Report.
For W-F-H-B, I’m Julianna Dailey
And I’m Cynthia Roberts

Later in the program, Environmental Correspondent Zyro Roze asks green business consultant and Indiana native BRANDON PITCHER about his past work in the hemp industry and his current ECOpreneurial endeavors creating a range of sustainable health products that his company is developing from fungal extracts.

And now for your environmental reports:
The growing divide in life expectancy among Indiana counties is cause for concern. The gap between the state’s higher life expectancy counties and those on the lower end continues to widen.

—Norm Holy

This story appeared in the IndyStar in their coverage of the current legislative session. It reveals that legislators who own construction companies weren’t satisfied with the hundreds of thousand acres of wetland that were removed from protection last year. This year the same contractors are back, wanting more land.

—Norm Holy

Continuing with the previous story about the wetlands in Indiana, only one person testified on the amendment: Rick Wajda, CEO of the Indiana Builders Association, who spoke in support.

—Norm Holy

And, now this update on the wetlands amendment: IndyStar reports that legislation rolling back wetlands protections may have been dealt a fatal blow Thursday after Indiana lawmakers stripped the language out of a sewage and septic system bill for irrelevance.
—Norm Holy

And now, Zyro Roze discusses hurdles to the hemp industry in the United States and how natural ingredients for health products can replace toxic norms while incentivizing forest preservation with Brandon Pitcher of Blue Circle Mushrooms.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference on environmental issues?
Here at EcoReport we are currently looking for reporters, engineers, and segment producers. Our goal is to report facts on how we’re all affected by global climate disruption and the ongoing assaults on our air, land and water. We also celebrate ecologists, tree huggers, soil builders and an assortment of champions who actively protect and restore our natural world, particularly those who are active in south central Indiana.
All levels of experience and all ages are welcome, and we provide the training you’ll need. WFHB also offers internships.
To volunteer for Eco-Report, give us a call at (812) 323-1200, or e-mail us at: earth@wfhb.org

And now for some upcoming events:

• Cook Medical Annual Electronic Waste Recycle Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 29th, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Cook Profile Park Facility located at 500 N. Profile Parkway in Bloomington. This is your chance to get rid of your old computers, printers or any other electronic devices that no longer work.
• Sycamore Land Trust is celebrating Arbor Day with a Tree Giveaway on Saturday, April 29th, from 10 to 1 pm at Bloomingfoods, both the East and Near West locations. There will be 14 native species to select from.
• Every Wednesday from Noon to 3 pm, enjoy live music by Creekside and Friends at Spring Mill State Park in the Nature Center. Light refreshments will be available as you enjoy nature while listening to music. Take time to lift your spirits!
• A Flora Field Day is scheduled at the Monroe Lake Tailwater off Monroe Dam Road for Tuesday, May 2nd, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Work on your floral identification skills using Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide. Bug spray, hat and water bottle are recommended. Sign up at bit.ly/florafield-may2023.
• Enjoy a Full Flower Moon Hike at Brown County State Park on Friday, May 5th, from 8:30 to 10:00 pm. Join the naturalist for a guided hike on Trail 7 around Lake Ogle as you learn the history and folklore of May’s Full Flower Moon.

This week’s headlines were written by Norm Holy.

Today’s news feature was produced by Zyro Roze and edited by Kade Young.

Julianna Dailey assembled the script and was edited by Zyro Roze.

Julianna Dailey compiled our events calendar.

Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider produced and engineered today’s show.

For W-F-H-B, I’m Julianna Dailey.
And I am Cynthia Roberts
And this is EcoReport.