Insects

sustainability myths and solutions
Biology Composting Conservation Environment Gardening Insects Local food Native plants Natural sciences soil health 

Exploring Sustainability Myths and Solutions

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:11:47 — 63.8MB)

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On Sunday’s show, we look at how to grow food sustainably. Is that permaculture? Or regenerative gardening? How about appropriate horticulture? We’ll ask Robert Kourik, author of the just-released Sustainable Food Gardens: Myths and Solutions. Then Mike and Peggy dip into the grab bag of environmental news. Also, meteorologist Rick DiMaio is back and we’ll talk about why it won’t snow in Colarado but it will in Hawaii.

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prairie uprising - Domenico D'Alessandro alternative concept 6
Biology Climate change Conservation Environment Environmental justice Gardening Holiday Insects Native plants Natural sciences 

Prairie Uprising on the Horizon

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:03:08 — 58.1MB)

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Two months ago, not many folks had ever heard of Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford, Illinois. Now, it is at the forefront of a prairie uprising. Amy Doll from Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves and Chris Benda, the Illinois Botanizer, bring us up to speed on the latest developments to save this valuable remnant prairie. Dan Kosta from Vern Goers Greenhouse in Hinsdale, Illinois, has advice on which holiday plants to buy and how to keep them healthy.

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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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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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On the Road at the Growing Place
Gardening Insects Tree Care 

On the Road at The Growing Place

Mike Nowak , , , , , , , , ,

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:03:05 — 56.2MB)

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The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki is on the road (again) after two years. Today we’re streaming live from The Growing Place in Aurora, Illinois. We’ll talk hydrangeas with Michael Massat, and Skeet from Bartlett Tree Experts will look at the trees on site and offer tree care advice.

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Butterfly Whisperer - regal fritillary
Climate change Conservation Environment Gardening Insects Monarch butterflies 

Return of the Butterfly Whisperer

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:04:35 — 59.4MB)

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Doug Taron is a PhD, Chief Curator of the Chicago Academy of Sciences at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, director of the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network and much more. But we prefer to call him The Butterfly Whisperer. At least this week. He joins us on the show to talk monarchs, regal fritillaries, insect decline, and whatever else comes up in the realm of entomology.

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