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Spotlight on Natural Resources

We cover a wide range of topics that help you become an advocate for our planet.
Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast

Latest Episode

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.

Driveway Sealants

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.

Woodpeckers in Illinois

Peggy Doty, Extension Educator in Natural Resources discusses the woodpecker's place in the ecosystem.

Disaster Preparedness

In this podcast, Illinois Extension Educator, Duane Friend talks about items that should be in your disaster preparedness kit.

Environmental Science for students

In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend talks about web sites from University of Illinois Extension that introduce students to Environmental Science.

Butterflies in Illinois

Extension Educator Jason Haupt explains the importance of plant selection for butterfly survival.

Smart Energy

In this podcast, Extension Educator Jay Solomon explains how Smart Energy will make a big difference for both energy producers and energy consumers.

Buffalo Gnats

Extension Educator Duane Friend explains about these common spring time pests. He gives life cycle and how to protect yourself and your family.

Bat Season starts in Illinois

With the arrival of insects in the early spring comes bat season. Extension Educator, Peggy Doty explains the benefits of bats in our ecosystem.

Microplastics in our Environment

Extension Specialist Sarah Zack explains the sources of microplastics and how we can make choices that will limit their damage to the environment.

New Grant for Smart Grid Education

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.

Podcast Hosts

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist Coordinator and Climate Change Specialist