Spotlight On Natural Resources

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.

Extension Educator Duane Friend brings you up to date on Christmas tree trivia.

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.