Everyday Environment Podcast

Find out the difference between bison and buffalo...Amy and Darci talk with Dr. Elizabeth Bach from The Nature Conservancy about prairie restoration at Nachusa Grasslands. From reintroducing bison to boosting biodiversity, the conversation explores how science, history, and community come together to restore Illinois’ tallgrass prairie. Resources to learn more Nachusa GrasslandsResearch by moonlight: Study shows bison alter ‘landscape of fear’ for rodents in grasslandsPlant and bird responses to bison grazing at Nachusa GrasslandsGrassland Restoration NetworkInvertebrate responses to bison grazing and prescribed fire managementShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast.

Hosts Amy Lefringhouse and Darci Webber chat with Sydney Oliveira from the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic about what to do if you find injured wildlife, how to prevent common injuries, and the vital role rehabilitation and education play in conservation. Resources to learn more University of Illinois Wildlife Medical ClinicIllinois Extension WildlifeNational Wildlife Rehabilitators AssociationWildlife Illinois - Orphaned WildlifeLicensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Map Share your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast

There are nearly 4 million miles of roadway in the U.S., allowing people to access almost anywhere, at any time, which has its benefits for people but also numerous ecological drawbacks. Learn from Kevin Rohling how roads alter the ecology of an area and affect our wildlife. Check out the Everyday Environment Blog for more information and a reference to the studies Kevin discusses in the Podcast

In this amazing episode, conservation biologist Dr. Mark Davis joins hosts Amy and Karla to explain environmental DNA (eDNA)—genetic material shed by organisms into their surroundings. This tool allows researchers to detect species in water, soil, and air without disturbing them. A fascinating look at how invisible clues in nature help protect biodiversity. Highlights: - Rediscovering the endangered salamander mussel in Illinois after 100 years using eDNA. - Detecting rare Hawaiian birds through flower samples. - eDNA enables faster, less invasive biodiversity surveys. - Limitations include short DNA lifespan and data interpretation challenges. More information Illinois Natural History Survey eDNA Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

Join Quail Forever biologist Brodie Eddington as he shares his expertise and experience with quail and the restoration of their habitat. Quail are culturally significant to Illinois , and their conservation is important for the preservation of this heritage and our Illinois ecosystems. Learn about the status of bobwhite quail populations, the culture around this species, and what Illinois organizations and residents are doing to protect this species. Resources: Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever IllinoisIDNR Quail Hunting Information

In this episode of the Everyday Environment Podcast, hosts Amy Lefringhouse and Karla Griesbaum dive into outdoor recreation trends and their connection to conservation. Curt Sinclair from Illinois 4-H discusses how outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing contribute to conservation funding through license fees and federal programs. The conversation highlights the importance of accessible outdoor spaces, youth involvement, and everyday citizens playing a role in conservation. Resources to learn more Illinois Learn to Hunt program Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Hunters Feeding Illinois program (IL Extension) Hunt Illinois I Fish Illinois Becoming an Outdoors Woman Illinois 4-H Outdoor Adventures Ebony Jewelwing damselfly profile Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

Animal Encounters are everywhere, but what do I do if encounter one? What should I expect to see at this moment? Join Joy O’Keefe, Extension Wildlife Specialist as she answers your burning questions about the wildlife we see everyday. Check out the Illinois Extension Wildlife Website to learn more about these encounters.

Join Everyday Environment for Season 3 as we explore a brand new aspect of the natural world with new hosts and new guests! Join Amy and Abigail as they welcome new hosts, Karla and Darci, and give you a preview of what to expect for the Wildlife season of Everyday Environment. From the episode: Darci's Global Academy Article Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

This week we chat with Peggy Anesi, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator for Illinois Extension in northern Illinois. Peggy brings a wealth of experience in environmental education and shares her experiences working to engage different audiences all about water. From Watershed Stewards to a Paddle and Learn program to youth educational offerings, Peggy discusses the importance of engaging communities at multiple levels to become advocates for clean water in their communities. Check out Peggy's blog on this topic here. Learn more about the Watershed Stewards program Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

In this episode of Everyday Environment, hosts Amy and Abigail explore the puzzle of water pricing with guest Margaret Schneemann, Water Resource Economics Specialist with Illinois Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. From aging infrastructure and economic planning to affordability and policy decisions, Margaret helps piece together the many factors that influence what we pay for water. Tune in for a deep dive into the hidden systems—and tough choices—behind every drop from your tap. Resources to learn more: interactive mapQuestions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

While the City of Chicago and many of its surrounding communities have access to water from Lake Michigan, the rest of Northeast Illinois relies primarily on groundwater aquifers for all its drinking water. These groundwater aquifers provide a wide range of opportunities for drinking water…as well as a variety of challenges. Tune in as we talk to Scott Kuykendall, McHenry County Water Resource Specialist, about our water resources. You'll learn all about Illinois geology, its aquifers, and what communities are doing to help protect our water supply. For additional information and graphics, check out Scott's blog! Resources to learn more: ILWaterMcHenry County Water ResourcesBoone County Helicopter 3-D Geologic MappingQuestions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

This week we chat with Kara Salazar from Purdue Extension and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant about how communities approach sustainable development around their water resources. Kara discusses the challenges of managing stormwater, green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and permeable pavements, how you can become involved in learning more about your community’s water, and how climate change is impacting water resource planning. Check out Kara's blog on this topic here. Resources: EDEN – Extension Disaster Education Network Climate Change and Sustainable Development One Water Approach to Water Resources Management Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

The history books often referred to the reversal of the Chicago River as an engineering marvel, but how did they do it? Why did they do it? and Why is it important to learn about it? Join Phil Nicodemus from Urban Rivers as he discusses the history of the Chicago River and the historical and current work done on the Chicago River to support humans and biodiversity. To read about it, check out the Everyday Environment Blog Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

Join the Everyday Environment team as we chat with Layne Knoche, Stormwater Outreach Associate, to explore the importance of rain gardens and how they help manage stormwater, support biodiversity, and improve water quality. We chat about some good design tips and ideas, the basic make-up of a rain garden and spend some extra time really diving into our obsession with native plants. Resources mentioned in the pod: CoCoRaHSRed Oak Rain GardenRed Oak Rain Garden ResourcesIllinois Groundwork Plant FinderLawn to Lake Midwest

Everybody has a part to play in protecting the valuable resource that is water. So what is the part of farmers? As producers of our food, fiber, and fuel, farmers are essential to our economy, our plates, and our way of life. Learn from Rachel Curry about the options farmers have to protect water quality and the challenges they face in doing so. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information. Resources: Check out Illinois Extension’s nutrient loss reduction website to learn more about nutrient loss. Saturated buffer video Nutrient Loss Reduction podcast Nutrient Loss Reduction blog A list of all approved agricultural conservation practices can be found on a recent University of Illinois Extension factsheet. Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

In this episode, we talk with Eliana Brown, Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist with University of Illinois Extension. Eliana explains how we can do simple things that improve lakes and rivers and why it's important to do so. This podcast complements Extension's Stormwater@Home video series. With Eliana, we define stormwater, explore the challenges and solutions of stormwater management, and discuss innovative technologies being implemented within Illinois communities. Erin and Amy both serve mostly rural landscapes so we talk about the differences between urban and rural stormwater management. As always, come away with a few tips about what you can do to manage stormwater at home. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information. Resources: Rainfall Management Lawn to Lake Midwest Illinois Groundwork (Green Stormwater Infrastructure design) Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

From the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, Illinois’ waters are incredible environmental and economic resources, supporting a diversity of plants and animals, providing drinking water for millions of people, and allowing for transportation and recreation. However, aquatic invasive species can threaten these resources. These organisms cause harm to native species and collectively costing humans millions of dollars annually in impacts and control. Join the Everyday Environment team as they chat with Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Katie O'Reilly from Illinois Indiana Sea Grant. Resources: Transport Zero Campaign Aquatic Invaders in the Marketplace Invasive Crayfish Collaborative Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

When people think about ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ in our waters, it sounds like a scary, complicated thing. But in truth, it’s not. There are a number of things in our everyday lives that can pollute our water – even medicine, clothing, and what we use to keep our homes safe and beautiful can become contaminants. In this podcast episode, we’ll discuss how to keep these everyday materials from becoming something that pollutes our water. Check out the blog post on this topic for more information. Resources: Unwantedmeds.org Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives

Illinois RiverWatch is a statewide community science (i.e. citizen science) program that trains volunteers to monitor water quality in their local streams. Learn how volunteers across the state use small water bugs, called macroinvertebrates, to look at stream health. Illinois RiverWatch:Podcast: The Science Behind Fall Color, Good Growing

Watersheds are everywhere, adjusting and reforming all the time - they are not static. Watersheds are a reflection of natural and human activities: as activities change so do watersheds as well as the waterways within them. Whatever happens upstream goes downstream. Hear from State Hydrologist and Interim Director of the Illinois State Water Survey, Laura Keefer, about how movement of water and sediment in a watershed shows we all live downstream. Learn More: Major Watersheds of Illinois mapFact SheetTask Forceleaf marcescence