Author: Mike Nowak

Is a parking lot more valuable than a prairie?
Biology Birding Conservation Environment Insects Native plants Natural sciences 

Is a Parking Lot More Valuable Than a Prairie?

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01:39 — 57.8MB)

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Time is running out for Bell Bowl Prairie at Chicago Rockford International Airport. Kerry Leigh from the Natural Land Institute, landscape designer Domenico D’Alessandro, and Jen Kuroda from Sinnissippi Audubon talk about how–and if–the prairie can be saved. Kim Hankins previews the McHenry County College Green Living Expo on November 6.

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I Know What You Did - UIC Nutrition Teaching Garden
Conservation Environment Gardening Insects Local food Monarch butterflies Plant-based diet 

I Know What You Did in the Garden this Year

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58:03 — 55.4MB)

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Mike and Peggy welcome gardeners representing three gardens that were recognized by the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards’ 2021 60-Second Garden Video Challenge. They also update the #SaveBellBowlPrairie situation. Meteorologist Rick DiMaio previews a La Nina-influence winter.

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Of Sound Mind, Learning and Feeling
Biology Environment Natural sciences 

Of Sound Mind, Learning and Feeling

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Nina Kraus, PhD, is director of the Brainvolts Lab at Northwestern University. She joins us today to discuss her decades of work exploring hearing and the brain. That research has led to her new book, “Of Sound Mind: How Our Brain Constructs a Meaningful Sonic World.”

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Can One Bee Rescue a Valuable Remnant Prairie? - Rusty patched bumble bee on bergamot plant
Conservation Environment Insects Local food 

Can One Bee Rescue a Valuable Remnant Prairie?

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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An expansion at Chicago Rockford International Airport threatens a valued prairie remnant. Thanks to the sighting of an endangered rusty patched bumble bee, the construction is on hold…for the moment. We talk to Kerry Leigh from the Natural Land Institute and naturalist/artist Robb Telfer about what this means for natural areas across the state. Bob Benenson from Local Food Forum returns to preview the remainder of the farmers market season.

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Creating New Lives for Rescued Farm Animals - Mr. President the Turkey
animal welfare Conservation Environment Environmental justice Factory farms Farming Insects Monarch butterflies Plant-based diet 

Creating New Lives for Rescued Farm Animals

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , ,

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Katie Parker from Tamerlaine Sanctuary and Preserve in New Jersey, and Erin Yanz of Erin’s Farm in Hobart, Indiana give virtual tours of the lands on which they give abused and neglected farm animals a chance for a future.

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Are You Ready for Some Illinois Fun?
Composting Conservation Environment Farming Local food Recycling 

Are You Ready for Some Illinois Fun?

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Mike and Peggy travel Illinois to talk about farming, pumpkins, chickens, music festivals and beer. Guests are Jeff Hake from FarmFED Co-op, Jennifer Murtoff of the 11th Annual Windy City Coop Tour, and Katie Troccoli, Christina Eltrevoog and Tom Gaffney from the WRWO 94.5 FM “Fresh from the Midwest” music festival.

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Melinda Myers
Clean energy Climate change Composting Environment Environmental justice Gardening Lawn Care Recycling soil health 

Melinda Myers Reveals Fall Gardening Secrets

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:03:30 — 57.5MB)

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Who could have known that autumn would follow summer? Gardening expert Melinda Myers, that’s who! She brings a wealth of fall gardening tips to the show. Katherine Tellock is launching the Guerrilla Recycling Project and she needs volunteers. Rev. Brian Sauder from Faith in Place previews their annual Green Team Summit.

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Last Chance for a Clean Energy Deal in Illinois?
Clean energy Climate change Environment Environmental justice 

Last Chance for a Clean Energy Deal in Illinois?

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:02:04 — 58.6MB)

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The Illinois General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield this week for a special session. Will they finally pass a clean energy bill for the state? Or will there be more roadblocks? J.C. Kibbey from the NRDC, Lisa Albrecht from All Bright Solar, and Dave Kraft from the Nuclear Energy Information Service discuss the prospects for real energy progress in our state.

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A Bad Week for Chicago's Parks - Amazon deliver locker
Environment Environmental justice Gardening 

A Bad Week for Chicago’s Public Parks

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:02:45 — 58.5MB)

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It was a bad week for the Chicago Park District and transparency in government. Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, reports on several pressing issues that affect the future of Chicago’s Parks. Marianne Willburn talks about her new book, “Tropical Plants and How to Love Them.”

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Tomatomania IV: Attack of the Nasty Shorts
Climate change Gardening Information from Past Shows soil health Tomatoes 

Tomatomania IV: Attack of the Nasty Shorts

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , , , ,

The tomato guys are back! Keith Mueller (aka KC Tomato) and Craig LeHoullier (author of “Epic Tomatoes”) return for Tomatomania IV: Attack of the Nasty Shorts. They talk about late season tomato issues and offer expert advice. Meteorologist Rick DiMaio also returns to report on wildfires, hurricanes and the “code red” about climate change from the IPCC.

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