Spotlight on Natural Resources

Filters and Humidifiers

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

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 Index

Wed, 3 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

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.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

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.

National Ground Water Awareness Week

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church, explains how Ground Water Awareness Week affects nearly everyone.

Weather Information Collection

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 00:00:00 CST

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.

Septic Systems

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 CST

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.

Rain Gardens

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 CST

In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church explains what Rain Gardens are and the basics on their construction.

Gypsy Moth

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 CST

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

Mon, 3 May 2010 00:00:00 CST

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

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

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.

Attack of the Birds

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 CST

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.

Windbreaks

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST

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

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 CST

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.

Christmas Trees as Fish Habitat

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 CST

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 selection and care

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 CST

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.

Biochar

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

This podcast talks about biochar as a soil amendment and as a potential way of sequestering carbon from the environment.

Buckthorn

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Buckthorn is a brushy plant that has become a troublesome weed species in many areas. John describes identification and control measures.

Firewood

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

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.

Composting

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 CST

In this podcast John Church, Extension Educator from the University of Illinois describes how to get started with composting for your yard and garden.

Yellow Jackets

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 00:00:00 CST

One of the most common insect pests this time of year is the Yellow Jacket. University of Illinois Natural Resources Educator, John Church, is interviewed by Bill Woessner about why they are so common this time of year and what can be done to control them.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

One way Illinois landowners can reduce their property tax bill and also benefit the environment is by putting land into the Conservation Stewardship Program. Bill Woessner talks with John Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, about this program in this podcast.

Emerald Ash Borer

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 CST

In this podcast, Bill Woessner interviews John Church, Extension Educator in Natural Resources about what to look for in Emerald Ash Borer infestations and tells you what resources are available to deal with the pest.