Spotlight On Natural Resources

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.