Spotlight on Natural Resources: Recent Episodes
Peggy Doty
With high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus entering our waterways and making their way to the Gulf of Mexico, Illinois is taking action to address nutrient loss and hold those nutrients in place. Rachel Curry and Nicole Haverback are the boots on the ground for this project in Illinois, and they join us on the podcast to take about the NLRS and what it means for farmers and the public.
Links mentioned:
Lawn to Lake
The Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Podcast
The Nutrient Loss Reduction Blog
Original and biennial Illinois NLRS reports
NOAA's 2023 report
With droughts and drastic weather occurring in Illinois, how do we keep our landscapes resilient? Extension Stormwater Specialist, Eliana Brown, joins the podcast to discuss how we can help build healthy landscapes in this extreme weather.
Links mentioned:
Drought Monitor Website
Red Oak Rain Garden Native Plant Resources
Corn sweat - an interesting Midwest phenomenon that happens during the summer months. Find out what corn sweat really is and how it affects our weather, wildlife and other plants. Duane Friend, Illinois Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Specialist, joins us during this episode. Hint: An acre of corn can “sweat” up to 4,000 gallons of water in a day!
Find out more about our Illinois weather phenomena through the Illinois Extension blog, All About Weather.
Latest articles:
Why are we getting smoke from Canada?
How much do you know about climate? Take the quiz!
Has this spring in Illinois been windier than usual?
Biodiversity - such a buzzword these days. But what is biodiversity and why does everyone seem to be talking about it? Extension Educator Abigail Garofalo will break down this scientific concept and give you insights into the biodiversity crisis and what you can do about it.
When people get excited about supporting wildlife on their property, they are usually referring to the ones bring us joy or whimsy or the ones that bring us some function such as pollination. But that sense of awe and wonder with nature tends to take a turn into annoyance, and even fear when we stumble upon more nuisance animals. Learn more about the less charismatic wildlife and how they serve our ecosystem.
Resources:
https://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/products/grassland-birds-fostering-habitats-using-rotational-grazing-p103
https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/GrasslandBirdsWorkbook.pdf
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/agricultural_practices_that_conserve_grasslands_birds_(e3190).pdf
It seems like summer just started, but now is a great time to start planning for fall landscape installations! If you’ve got trees in your backyard, consider adding soft landings around the bases of them.
If you have had any questions about what to do about your Ponds and whether or not weeds and/or algae are good for your pond listen to this episode to find out more from Duane Friend.
May Theilgaard Watts was an illinois naturalist, author, and poet who worked to develop nature themed programming and educational materials that helped people understand the world around them. You may recognize her work in the famous “Tree Finder” book used by countless naturalists and educators. Learn about this Illinoisan and the contributions she made to our understanding of the natural world.
Large Predators returning to Illinois is becoming a more common event. Spring is right around the corner and it seems to be the time of year when these sightings happen so who are these creatures and why are they wandering in and out of Illinois.
It may not seem like spring is right around the corner, but it will be here before you know it! For those gardeners who are looking to make a difference this season, consider adding native plants to your gardens.
When considering adding solar panels to your home, one important step is to properly size a solar system to meet your home’s needs. We’ll cover 4 easy steps you can take yourself to estimate how large of a system you’ll need, along with a quick cost estimate – which will give you a starting estimate before you talk to a solar installer.
As the cold weather creeps in and winter approaches, we start preparing our house, our wardrobe, and our minds for the cold months to come. The bees, butterflies, squirrels, bats, and other Illinois wildlife have to prepare for the cold winter months ahead as well. Learn how our wildlife overwinters and what you can do to support those animals (without them making a winter home in your house!).
Questions:
- What are the challenges for wildlife in the winter?
- Sometimes it’s so quiet, What are animals doing in the winter?
- How can I support wildlife in the winter?
- I don’t want my yard to look like a forest, can I still support wildlife?
- Is there cases in which I wouldn’t want to support wildlife?
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 is an allergen and the other is not – hint, it has to do with pollination!
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.
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.
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 considerations a person should have when they find what seems to be a wild baby animal in need? What is one of the most common wild species people are concerned about each spring? What are other animals often rescued when they didn’t need to be? Are there any larger animals people worry about when they find them?
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.
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 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 we can support these flying mammals.
Extension Educator Ashley Belle explains how you can help to protect our natural environment by properly disposing of unwanted medicines.
There have been scattered reports of toxic algae blooms in some small ponds in Illinois. Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about what steps can be taken to prevent these in the future and how to know if your algae is toxic.
Today’s podcast is on Wetlands, with Erin Garrett. Wetlands provide numerous invaluable ecosystem services, yet their value is often overlooked. Seen as breeding grounds for mosquitos or places to be drained, historical wetland habitat loss in Illinois is about 85%. Luckily, the value of wetlands has been recognized in recent decades and work has been done to protect them.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources. Extension Educator Jay Solomon explains how invasive plant species affect ecosystems in Illinois and what to do when you recognize those plants in your yard or on your property.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Ashley Belle explains how everyday choices have an effect on our Ecological Footprint. Everything from the places we live to the foods we eat directly impact our natural environment.
Extension Educator Erin Garrett describes how to save money on your Home Energy costs. She has tips about using energy saving thermostats and powering off equipment that isn’t actively being used.
Now is a great time of year to be thinking about how to make your yard more environmentally friendly. Extension Educator Abigale Garofalo talks about how plantings of native plants can help the look and environmental friendliness of your yard.
Extension Educator Peggy Doty talks about the types of Bluebirds in Illinois and how you can change your yard to attract and protect them.
Extension Educator Duane Friend explains preliminary results from a study on the potential for insects carrying over from a cover crop to the main crop.
In this episode of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Peggy Doty explains why wild turkeys have made a comeback in Illinois and how they fit into our ecology.
There is a lot to know about soils and in this episode Extension Educator Abigail Garofalo explains why you don't say "dirt" to a soil scientist.
In today's edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Ashley Belle explains how you can test your home for radon gas and what can be done if it is found.
Extension Educator, Jay Solomon talks about progress being made with Solar Power in Illinois and resources available for evaluating solar in your circustances.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Duane Friend explains what it takes to be involved in Master Naturalists. It is a nationwide organization that provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.
In this podcast Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Specialist for University of Illinois Extension, requests listeners take the survey located at http://go.illinois.edu/lawn.
In this podcast Extension Educator, Environmental and Energy Stewardship, Ashley Belle explains the importance of reducing our Municipal Solid Waste. She also points out some ways that we can make those reductions.
In this podcast Extension Educator in Natural Resources, Erin Medvecz explains what to look for in plants to add your landscaping this spring. Native plants are not all the same.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Allison Neubauer from University of Illinois Extension talks about early spring natural lawn care. She covers weed suppression and aeration.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Peggy Doty describes owls in Illinois and in particular the Great Horned Owl.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Eductor Duane Friend explains why Wind Chill was created and what it really tells us.
Now is a good time to invest some time and money into making your home more winter-ready. Duane Friend, Extension Educator in Natural Resources for University of Illinois Extension, explains how to take some simple steps toward energy savings.
Peggy Doty, Extension Educator in Natural Resources, explains this large white mushroom that appears this time of year.
Cougars, Bears and Wolves have all been spotted in Illinois in the last several years. Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about the sightings and a semindar that is coming up in August that will talk about the population trends for these animals.
In this podcast, Extension Educator for the University of Illinois, describes what the most common dangerous plants are in Illinois, how to identify them and how to protect yourself from them.
This podcast explains the upcoming seminar on homeowner renewable energy, like wind and solar.
In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Extension Educator Jay Solomon points out how to save energy and money around the home during the summer months.
There are many things that can be done to make our yards a more inviting place for wildlife. Extension Educator Jason Haupt explains what makes for an ideal place for wildlife right outside your door.
Keeping our lakes and waterways free of fertilizers and pesticides is the responsibility of everyone, including homeowners. Allison Neubauer, Great Lakes Outreach Associate with the Illinois-Indiana SEA Grant explains ways to have a great looking lawn while protecting the environment.
In this podcast, Extension Educator Ashley Belle describes Anaerobic Digestion and its use in methane production. Dr. Belle has extensive experience in this topic and brings insights into real life uses in Illinois.
Duane Friend, Extension Educator for the University of Illinois describes the topics in this year's Soil and Water Webinar Series. Seventeen sites across the state will play host to this timely event.
In this podcast Extension Educator Jay Solomon explains how the Christmas season is an excellent time to take stock of our energy use, and ways to save.
Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist and Visiting Scholar at Loyola University Chicago, talks about the pros and cons of Driveway Sealants and what to look for when buying.
Peggy Doty, Extension Educator in Natural Resources discusses the woodpecker's place in the ecosystem.
In this podcast, Illinois Extension Educator, Duane Friend talks about items that should be in your disaster preparedness kit.
In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about web sites from University of Illinois Extension that introduce students to Environmental Science.
Extension Educator Jason Haupt explains the importance of plant selection for butterfly survival.
In this podcast, Extension Educator Jay Solomon explains how Smart Energy will make a big difference for both energy producers and energy consumers.
Extension Educator Duane Friend explains about these common spring time pests. He gives life cycle and how to protect yourself and your family.
With the arrival of insects in the early spring comes bat season. Extension Educator, Peggy Doty explains the benefits of bats in our ecosystem.
Extension Specialist Sarah Zack explains the sources of microplastics and how we can make choices that will limit their damage to the environment.
Educators in Natural Resources and related areas are working on a new grant that will educate Illinois residents about new smart grid technologies and how to lower energy costs. Gary Letterly describes this new effort.
Bird feeding is a popular past time. Dave Shiley, Extension Educator, describes how things like feeder placement can make a difference to your bird feeding success.
Extension Educator, Duane Friend, talks about proper cleaning of gutters during the fall.
Extension Educator, Gary Letteryly talks about
- Illinois Drainage Research and Outreach Programs (I-DROP website)
- Projects currently underway
- Dudley Smith Initiative – Balancing Water Quality and Nutrient Management Goals for Intensification of Corn Systems
- Assessing Tradeoffs of Recommended BMP's to Reduce Nutrient Losses
- Other projects with an Extension outreach component dealing with "big data" to improve crop production, management, profitability and environment
Extension Educator Jason Haupt explains the benefits of using native plants in your plantings.
Peggy Doty, Extension Educator in Natural Resources, talks about Monarch Butterflies and how Illinois residents can improve habitat for them.
Extension Educator, Jay Solomon explains why invasive species can be a threat to our landscapes, and food production.
In this podcast, Educator Duane Friend talks about potential ramifications of global warming on the client in Illinois.
Jason Haupt, Extension Eductor for the University of Illinois explains in this podcast how to better control insects like mosquitos in your yard without resorting to pesticides.
Coyotes have to be one of the most misunderstood species in Illinois and the U.S. They conjure up mixed feelings of fear, anger, and for some wild beauty. Many of these feelings depend on who you are, where you live, and even what you do for a living. Coyotes get blamed for many things they do and don't do in our spaces. They none the less should get the award for best survivalist despite the human population. We have all but paved the road for the coyote's historical expansion.
Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about steps that can be taken before and after a weather disaster to keep you and your family safe.
A landowner with family roots in Christian County, Dudley Smith, Jr. recognized the long-term economic challenges facing agriculture in Illinois, and he anticipated their social impact on rural areas. Dudley Smith urged us not only to embrace technological advancements, but also to address the long-term stewardship and sustainability of agricultural practices.
In this podcast, Extension Educator Gary Letterly tells us about ongoing work of the University of Illinois Extension with the Dudley Smith Initiative.
The weather pattern Illinois is experiencing may parallel winter of 1982-1983. So it is possible our spring will also be similar. If so we may see a warmer and dryer spring planting season. Educator Friend will discuss this possibility.
Winter is near. Duane talks about the dangers of cold weather, both for people and their homes.
With the nearby New Madrid fault line, Illinois has a higher than average risk of earthquakes. In this podcast, Duane Friend, Natural Resource Educator for University of Illinois Extension talks about Illinois' history of siesmic activity and our outlook for the future.
The wet summer in 2015 can have a lasting effect on out trees. This podcast talks about recognizing these problems and what can be done about it.
2015 is the Year of the Soil. Life on earth depends on soils. Extension Educator Duane Friend discusses how soils are improved or diminished by our use of it.
In this podcast, Educator Duane Friend describes what people can expect from 2015's Midwest Compost School. This annual event will take place this year on June 2-4 in Lake County and is for mid to large scale composters.
Medical waste contaminating our ground water is a growing problem. Duane Friend, Extension Educator in Illinois, describes some of the causes and solutions to the problem.
It may be tempting to clear a pond of all weeds at once, but it could have devistating results for the fish population in a pond. Listen to this podcast for more information.
Extension Educator Duane Friend describes the importance of having your furnace regularly inspected and what you need to do to keep your furnace operating at peak efficiency.
LED Christmas lights can save a tremendous amount of energy compared to the old style bulbs. In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend explains how much money can be saved by updating your lights.
In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend describes how to recognize properly dried firewood and important safety tips for burning wood safely.
Heavy rains can contaminate well water. This podcast talks about testing and techniques for decontaminating water systems.
March 3-9, 2013 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This podcast describes the types of thunderstorms that are common in the midwest and the ones most likely to spawn tornadoes.
In this podcast, Natural Resources educator Duane Friend explains how the drought or near drought conditions of 2012 will affect planting dates and what parts of Illinois have been most affected by the rainfall shortage.
It is especially critical to check your furnace filters and humidifier this time of year. Duane explains the various types of filters and humidifiers.
Heat Indexs can help you decide what activities to plan for the day. Duane Friend explains what factors go into the heat index and what you should do with the information it gives you.
In this podcast, Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension Educator in Natural Resources talks about how the move to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs will save you time and money. Picking the correct bulb for your needs can be as easy as reading the labels on the box.
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church, explains how Ground Water Awareness Week affects nearly everyone.
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church, talks about four websites; http://www.isws.illinois.edu, www.isws.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli/, http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu and http://www.cocorahs.org that can be used to research climate information in Illinois. Church also describes an opportunity for amateurs to collect weather information and record it for other's use.
In this podcast, Educator Duane Friend explains that maintenance of septic systems is important if the people that own them want to avoid high cost repairs.
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church explains what Rain Gardens are and the basics on their construction.
Gypsy Moth can pose a threat for Oak and other tree species, but there are things that can be done to control them. John Church talks about control and the results of an outbreak.
Weed control in ponds can be accomplished through both prevention and with herbicides. Duane Friend, Extension Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, talks about what steps to take to keep your pond clean and still healthy for fish.
Winter damage to trees can come in a number of forms. This podcast describes how to prevent it and how to deal with it if you have damage to your trees.
Every spring birds "attack" windows. In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Duane Friend explains why birds have trouble with windows and what can be done about it.
Extension Educator in Natural Resources, John Chruch, explains what goes into planning a good wind break. Where to site it, what types of trees to use and how to space the trees.
Indoor Air Pollution can be a hazard to your family's health. Duane Friend tells you what to watch for, and some ways to improve the air quality in your home.
After your Christmas tree is ready for disposal, if you have a pond, Duane Friend from the University of Illinois Extension has a way to improve your fish habitat. He gives tips on placement and how to sink the tree.
Christmas tree season is nearly upon us. John Church, educator in Natural Resources for the University of Illinois Extension explains how to pick a Christmas Tree as well as how to care for it. Be sure to visit http://urbanext.illinois.edu/trees/ for even more information.
This podcast talks about biochar as a soil amendment and as a potential way of sequestering carbon from the environment.
Buckthorn is a brushy plant that has become a troublesome weed species in many areas. John describes identification and control measures.
Fall is the time when many people purchase firewood for the winter. Duane gives timely tips on terms and what to look for in firewood for your fireplace.
In this podcast John Church, Extension Educator from the University of Illinois describes how to get started with composting for your yard and garden.
One of the most common insect pests this time of year is the Yellow Jacket. University of Illinois Natural Resources Educator, John Church, is interviewed by Bill Woessner about why they are so common this time of year and what can be done to control them.
One way Illinois landowners can reduce their property tax bill and also benefit the environment is by putting land into the Conservation Stewardship Program. Bill Woessner talks with John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, about this program in this podcast.
In this podcast, Bill Woessner interviews John Church, Extension Educator in Natural Resources about what to look for in Emerald Ash Borer infestations and tells you what resources are available to deal with the pest.