Spotlight On Natural Resources

This week we’re joined by Dennis Bowman, Extension Digital Agriculture Specialist with Illinois Extension. Our team was fascinated by our discussion with Dennis about agrivoltaics and University of Illinois’ major research project within this field.  Discover what agrivoltaics is all about, why agricultural land is such an attractive target for solar development, and the challenges and opportunities that arise when combining agriculture and renewable energy. We'll also discuss how researchers are developing tools to empower landowners with the information they need to make informed decisions about these practices. Oh, and we find out more about farming games!  Learn more on the blog.Resources to learn more:Sustainable Co-locating Agriculture and Photovoltaic Energy Systems (SCAPES) projectSCAPES YouTubeMy Agrivoltaic Farm game app

This week we’re joined by Sarah Sellars, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Sustainable Farm and Food Systems at South Dakota State University. We’re chatting with Sarah about agricultural carbon markets and their potential as one piece of the puzzle to meeting climate goals. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more:  The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles 

Join us this week as we chat with Peggy Anesi about her career in empowering youth about climate change. By keeping it local and empowering them with realistic options for addressing climate change, we can build a citizenry that is equipped face the many challenges presented by our changing climate. 

This week we’re chatting with Elena Grossman from GTI Energy about how climate change is impacting us – our health and our communities – and what we can do about it. We’ll discuss existing health concerns that are exacerbated by climate change, leading to overall increased risk of health issues. Elena will break down how climate change affects different populations disproportionately. Then, we’ll discuss solutions that could be implemented in our communities through the built environment, social infrastructure, gray infrastructure, and systems. Learn more on the blog.

Join us as we talk with Brodie Dunn, Outreach Associate in Biodiversity and Pollinators for Illinois Extension, about how pollinators are expected to respond to climate change. Learn more on the blog. Resources to learn more:  If you’d like to hear more from Brodie, check out his wildlife sound ID podcast “Voice of the Wild”Pollinator-friendly garden designs can be found at https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-habitat-design/ and https://illinoispollinators.org/pollinator-plant-selector/ Pollinator-friendly rain garden designs and plant selection toolMonarch Project Rural Mowing GuidanceGuide to telling apart bees and flies that mimic bees

This week we welcome Chris Evans to the podcast. Chris is an Extension Forestry and Research Specialist with Illinois Extension based in southern Illinois. We chat about what invasive species are, how their characteristics may make them more resilient to climate change, and what we can do to help slow their spread. Learn more on the blog.Resources for learning more: iNaturalist - tool for identification and reporting EDDMapS - tool for reporting where you see invasives and looking at up to date range maps Invasive Species website from Illinois Extension

This week we chat with Michelle Wander, Emeritus Soil Scientist in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences department at University of Illinois. We go belowground to explore the importance of soil health, threats to that health, and practices to mitigate negative impacts on soil. Learn more on the blog. Helpful resources for homeowners: Soils website from Illinois ExtensionWeb Soil Survey UC Davis SoilWebs App Helpful resources for farmers: Idea Farm Network Midwest Cover Crops Council 

This week we welcome Justin Vozzo to the podcast. Justin is an Extension Forestry Specialist with Illinois Extension based in Urbana, and he shares with us what an urban forest is and how they play a role in mitigating climate change. Learn more on the Everyday Environment Blog.

Join us as we chat with Karla Griesbaum, NREE Educator with Illinois Extension, about how plants are expected to respond to climate change. While plants may experience some short-term benefits, overall increased stress is expected for plants with our changing climate. Take a listen as we discuss all things plants and climate change! Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. Resources for learning more: Explore carbon levels across the globeLearn about how plants experience heat stressClimate ready woodlands resources from University of MinnesotaIllinois Pollinator website from Illinois Extension Rainfall management website from Illinois ExtensionSign up for our Everyday Environment newsletter - go.illinois.edu/EEsubscribe

Join us as we talk with Dr. Justin Schoof about the basics of climate change and what we are already seeing happen in Illinois. Justin is the Director of the School of Earth Systems and Sustainability at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. We’ll break down climate change, discuss current trends, and talk about what it all means for the future. Learn more on the Everyday Environment blog. 

Welcome to the new Everyday Environment Podcast! Your hosts Abigail, Erin, and Amy are here to talk all about the switch from Spotlight on Natural Resources to a new podcast, Everyday Environment. But wait, there's more! No longer just a podcast, we have more learning opportunities for you, including a blog, webinars, and short videos. Take a listen to hear about our plans for this podcast, and stay tuned for the launch of our first season on August 8, all about climate change. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment. 

Join us as we talk with Sarah Zack, Pollution Prevention Extension Specialist, about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Commonly found in a wide variety of consumer products like non-stick cookware, cosmetics, and cleaners, PFAS are an emerging contaminant that has recently become newsworthy due to its widespread discovery in waterbodies across the country. In this podcast episode, we’ll learn what PFAS are, where they are found, and how they can affect our health, as well as what’s being done to combat this hazardous pollutant.

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. These unsung heroes play a vital role in purifying our aquatic ecosystems and deliver Oscar-worthy performances in their struggle for survival. Discover how they interact with other aquatic species, including their selective preferences for fish companionship. The Spotlight crew will uncover the true identity of these organisms, dive into their fascinating reproductive processes, and explore ongoing research efforts in Illinois.

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.

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 landscapes. Check out our friends at Good Growing and their blog on No Mow May

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 future of applied science.  During this episode, we hear from the student Bird Strike Survey at University of Illinois, along with advisor Dr. Benjamin Van Doren.  This group monitors bird window strikes on campus to identify buildings that pose the biggest threat to birds, in an attempt to study the reasons why those buildings are so deadly. Join us as we explore the latest research aiming to understand the fascinating intersection of bird behavior, architecture, and conservation.Learn More!Learn more about the work of the UIUC Bird Strike SurveyChicago Bird Collision MonitorsCornell University Lab of Ornithology - Why Birds Hit Windows & How You Can Prevent ItSubscribe to our Naturalist News blogQuestions?Abigail Garofalo a

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 expect during this natural event. Visit these sites to learn more about Periodical Cicadas: Community Science on Periodical CicadasCicada Safari WebsiteCheck out the Apps:Cicada Safari for Google PlayCicada Safari for Apple Learning More about Periodical Cicadas2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence with UConnPeriodical Cicadas Fact SheetCicadas from Illinois ExtensionBlog Post: The Cicadas are Coming! Periodical cicadas in Illinois in 2024

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 deeper understanding of this powerful natural phenomenon.Learn more!Tornado Trends (blog article)Is Illinois a part of a new tornado alley? (blog article)Subscribe to the All About Weather blogCheck out our Naturalist News blogQuestions?Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.eduErin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

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 spring peepers can be heard in full chorus on warm nights. Whitetail deer lose their antlers. This month on the podcast, Chris Evans joins us to discuss wildlife encounters to be had in early spring in Illinois.

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 commitment to wake up interested in this new idea. Phenology is a meeting of people and the wild living things around them, and you can schedule your meeting any time you like.Books referenced:The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne & A Garden Kalendar by Gilbert WhiteSand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (and definitely look into Nina Leopold)The Nature of Oaks: The rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Tree by Doug TallamySound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova BaileyThe Geese of Beaver Bog by Bernd HeinrichCommunity Science Projects:Citizenscience.govBudburstSounds of Nature Project