Author: Mike Nowak

Happy Not 2020!
Podcast 

Happy Not 2020! Tomatoes and Tallgrass Prairie

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:01:38 — 58.1MB)

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On the first show of Not 2020, Mike and Peggy welcome back Dr. Harry Klee from the University of Florida, who is breeding tomatoes that are prolific, ship well, and actually taste great. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Mary Mitsos from the National Forest Foundation and Mike Redmer from Midewin tell us about a year full of activities.

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It's a Wonderful Slice
Podcast 

It’s a Wonderful Slice 2020!

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:56:58 — 55.1MB)

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Mike and Peggy welcome an all-star cast to the 2020 version of It’s a Wonderful Slice, including horticultural expert Melinda Myers! Elysabeth Alfano returns to the show to talk about her plantbased business predictions for 2021. Joan Murray from City Grange has advice on keeping your holiday and indoor plants healthy.

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Uncommon Pandemic Winter
Podcast 

Uncommon Pandemic Winter

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58:51 — 56.2MB)

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It will be a difficult winter for restaurants, taverns and the associated businesses. We talk to Michael Cameron from Uncommon Ground, Michael Roper of Hopleaf, and Marty Travis from Spence Farm about how people in the food industry expect to cope. Lisa Albrecht says that funding for Illinois solar energy projects is about to run out, and what can be done about it.

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Chicago still can't recycle
Podcast 

Chicago STILL Can’t Recycle

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:37 — 24.0MB)

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Last week, the Chicago Office of Inspector General issued a scathing report concerning the City’s inability to properly monitor and execute its high rise recycling program. Ald. Michele Smith from the 43rd Ward and Ald. Scott Waguespack from the 32nd Ward stop by to comment on those findings.

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Coal Ash Threat
Podcast 

Coal Ash Threat to Our Water

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:57 — 14.5MB)

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Andrew Rehn from Prairie Rivers Network reports on the fight to keep coal ash from leaking into the Vermillion River in central Illinois.

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Growing Under Cover - Niki Jabbour
Podcast 

Growing Under Cover with Niki Jabbour

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:58:01 — 55.8MB)

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Niki Jabbour returns to the show to talk about her new book, “Growing Under Cover: Techniques for a More Productive, Weather-Resistant, Pest-Free Vegetable Garden.” Sean Ruane from Advocates for Urban Agriculture says you have one more day to be part of AUA’s “Grown in Chicago” campaign.

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Winter Tree Care
Podcast 

Winter Tree Care: Inspection, Pruning and More

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:49:31 — 51.5MB)

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Chad Rigsby from Bartlett Tree Experts talks about the importance of inspecting your trees during the winter months. Jessica Chipkin from Crate Free Illinois and Tyler Lobdell of Food & Water Watch report on the progress of the Farm System Reform Act and other fights against the inhumanity of factory farms in the U.S.

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Herbaceous Perennial Plants
Podcast 

Herbaceous Perennial Plants with Allan Armitage

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55:34 — 54.0MB)

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Dr. Allan Armitage returns to the show to talk about the 4th edition of his book, Herbaceous Perennial Plants. Filmmaker Bob Dolgan of “Monty and Rose,” and Stephanie Beilke from Audubon Great Lakes discuss the future of birds in the Midwest.

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Pet Wellness and Happiness R Us
Podcast 

Pet Wellness and Happiness R Us

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45:50 — 49.2MB)

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Renowned pet expert Steve Dale joins Mike and Peggy to talk about pet wellness issues. Jodie Wiederkehr from Chicago Alliance for Animals joins the conversation when it turns to inhumane puppy mills. Juanita Irizarry returns to the show to talk about the efforts of Friends of the Parks to stop a proposed Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) from being expanded at the mouth of the Calumet River.

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Growing Gardeners During a Pandemic
Podcast 

Growing Gardeners During a Pandemic

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55:27 — 53.7MB)

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Chris Beytes from Grower Talks explains how the pandemic might be responsible for millions of people deciding to start gardens. Tony Abruscato of Get Growing Foundation joins us from Plant Truck Chicago, which is motivating the next generation of gardeners in Chicago neighborhoods. Mac Austin reports on ways you can help get out the vote this Tuesday.

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