Here are just a few of the shows from the last few of months.

As a November deadline loomed and the bulldozers prepared to roar to life, environmental groups fought to #SaveBellBowlPrairie next to Chicago Rockford International Airport. We talked to landscape designer Domenico D’Alessandro, who has created plans to show that carving up the prairie is unnecessary. He is joined by the Natural Land Institute’s Kerry Leigh, and Jen Kuroda of Sinnissippi Audubon. Meanwhile, the policy makers who could save the prairie remain ominously silent. UPDATE: We won. The airport agreed to change their design so that the prairie will not be destroyed. But we all need to keep a watching brief to see that all goes well. UPDATE 2: We haven’t won yet. The airport went back on their word. Keep your sleeves rolled up.

(March 21, 2021) When I write “trowels out,” it’s not about leaving them in the rain in my backyard. It’s more about sharpened, poison pens. And attitude. And passion for gardening. And killer wit. And defense of science. And feistiness. And excellent writing. Garden Rant is celebrating 15 years of being out on the precipice, with apparently no desire to back away from the edge. READ MORE.

(March 14, 2021) Julian Hoffman has written an exceptional book about the crises our natural areas and iconic species face. Called “Irreplaceable,” it chronicles his visits to the far corners of the planet in search of the ordinary people who will ultimately save our planet, if it can be saved at all. Karen Taira from the Evanston Environmental Association (EEA), previews the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. READ MORE.

Landscape designer Marie Chieppo examines why can’t we figure out what to do with horticultural plastic. Jana Kinsman from Bike a Bee and Qae-Dah Muhammad of Arthur Ashe Beach Park Advisory Council talk about raising honey bees in Chicago. Nicole Virgil returns to talk about the Right to Garden bill. She’s joined by Ari Bargil from the Institute for Justice, which is supporting her effort to grow food in her Elmhurst hoop house. Meteorologist Rick DiMaio is now an author. We’ll talk about his textbook, “Weather and Aviation I & II.”

(February 28, 2021) Lisa Hilgenberg from the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden prepares for the 2021 season with less uncertainty than in 2020. “The Plant-Based Boss” Elysabeth Alfano returns to talk about innovations in plant-based foods. READ MORE.

The One Earth Film Festival celebrates “10 Years of Inspiring Change” with a fully virtual event. Mike and Peggy welcome filmmakers Christi Cooper and Shannon Germaine. On the heels of her company’s own 10th anniversary celebration, Erlene Howard from Collective Resource Compost hopes for an uptick in food scrap collection in 2021. READ MORE.

The 2021 Wild Things Conference is back and we preview three of the more than 50 presentations that will be available starting February 19. Charlie Nardozzi talks about his new book, The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening. READ MORE.

As Chicago finally gets its share of winter weather, we welcome back ISA certified arborist M.D. Skeet (aka “Skeet”) back to the show to talk about winter care for your trees and shrubs. Speaking of winter, if you’re using salt products on your sidewalks and driveways, you’re putting your pets and your groundwater at risk. Mitch Vestal, president of PlaySafe, explains how you can prevent ice and do it safely. READ MORE.

Nicolaas Mink, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Sitka Salmon Shares, returns to the show to talk about how his company is working to sustain fish populations in our increasingly threatened oceans. Christine Esposito, project director of “Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate” joins artist Barbara Cooper and Tyrone Dobson from the Alliance for the Great Lakes to talk about the environmental and existential threats posed by our insatiable plastic production and consumption. READ MORE.

Horticulturist Ken Williams and Sarah Michehl of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County preview a three-part series about planning native gardens in your own yard, sponsored by West Cook Wild Ones. Peggy Salazar from Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF) and Nancy Loeb from Bluhm Legal Clinic at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law continue to fight the relocation of an iron recycling company in Chicago’s 10th Ward. more

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. more

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. more

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. more

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. more

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kay McKeen from SCARCE and Amy DeLorenzo from Illinois Extension explain the importance of rescuing Halloween pumpkins from landfills. Jerry Adelmann of Openlands reports on environmental issues affecting our region. Mike and Peggy welcome a couple of winners from the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards 60-Second Garden Video Challenge.

Herpetologist Grace Wu talks about the snakes of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Cassandra West previews the Forest Preserve Foundation 2020 Symposium, A conversation about Racial Equity and Access to Nature. Green Diva Meg and Green Diva Lisa talk environmental politics and make an announcement about a collaboration with The Mike Nowak Show with Peggy Malecki.

The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) annual IMPACT Conference will be virtual this year. Mike and Peggy talk to presenters Jack Pizzo of Pizzon & Associates and Kim Eierman from EcoBeneficial. The sad saga of Nicole Virgil and her fight to be able to have a hoop house in suburban Elmhurst continues. She returns to talk about the latest developments

On October 4, 2020, gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, columnist and GardenComm Hall of Famer Melinda Myers returned to the show to chat with Mike and Peggy about strategies for your fall garden. (Don’t worry. The thumbnail photo was taken when it was still legal to hug people in America.)

Every homeowner wants lawn care advice. In our opinion, every homeowner should also want practical organic lawn care tips. Alec McClennan is founder and owner of Good nature Organic Lawn Care, based in Cleveland, Ohio. He’ll explain why fall is the best time to work on your lawn. He tells you some things you probably didn’t know–like how