Bell Bowl Prairie Archives

Doug Tallamy on Saving Nature and Ourselves

January 22, 2022January 24, 2022 Mike Nowak Bell Bowl Prairie, Bringing Nature Home, climate change, Doug Tallamy, gardening, Mounds View Grasslands Preserve, native plants, Natural Land Institute, Peggy Malecki, sustainability, The Mike Nowak Show, The Nature of Oaks, The Prairie Enthusiasts

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Entomologist, ecologist and author Doug Tallamy returns to the show. He discusses his latest book, The Nature of Oaks and his work to create Homegrown National Park. But he will also talk with Kerry Leigh, executive director of the Natural Land Institute about the continuing threat to Bell Bowl Prairie in Rockford. On the good news front, we’ll chat with Debra Behrens from The Prairie Enthusiasts about a grant they just received to expand Mounds View Grasslands Preserve near Madison, Wisconsin.

Biology Climate change Conservation Environment Holiday Insects Native plants Natural sciences

It’s a Wonderful Slice 2021!

December 18, 2021December 20, 2021 Mike Nowak Bell Bowl Prairie, Chasing Dragonflies, Cindy Crosby, environment, gardening expert Melinda Myers, It's a Wonderful Slice, Lisa Albrecht, Mac Austin, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Mighty House Home Improvement Show, Peggy Malecki, Skeet from Bartlett Tree Experts, The Mike Nowak Show

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Mike and Peggy wrap up 2021 with their annual presentation of It’s a Wonderful Slice of It’s a Wonderful Life, featuring an all-star cast of friends of the show. Cindy Crosby talks about her book Chasing Dragonflies and why getting out into the natural world is important in winter. She is joined by Illinois Master Naturalist Mac Austin.

Climate change Environment Environmental justice Gardening

Solutions for a Planet on the Brink

November 6, 2021November 8, 2021 Mike Nowak Bell Bowl Prairie, climate change, COP26, Dr. Allan Armitage, eco-influencer, environment, gardening, GreenTown Rockford, Peggy Malecki, Sustain Rockford, sustainability, The Mike Nowak Show

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Horticulturist Allan Armitage stops by to talk about his latest book, which isn’t about gardening at all. The latest attempt to stem the tide of climate change is happening at the COP26 Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. Mike, Peggy and Rick DiMaio will attempt to make sense of the proceedings, not that anyone can. GreenTown Rockford happens next week, and we’ll preview it with Brad Roos from Sustain Rockford.

Biology Birding Conservation Environment Insects Native plants Natural sciences

Is a Parking Lot More Valuable Than a Prairie?

October 23, 2021October 27, 2021 Mike Nowak Bell Bowl Prairie, conservation, environment, McHenry County College Green Living Expo, native plants, Natural Land Institute, parking lots v prairies, Peggy Malecki, remnant prairie, rusty patched bumble bee, The Mike Nowak Show

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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.

Conservation Environment Insects Local food

Can One Bee Rescue a Valuable Remnant Prairie?

October 2, 2021October 5, 2021 Mike Nowak Bell Bowl Prairie, Bob Benenson, Chicago Rockford International Airport, endangered species, fall farmers markets, Kerry Leigh, Local Food Forum, Natural Land Institute, Peggy Malecki, remnant prairie, Robb Telfer, rusty patched bumble bee, The Mike Nowak Show

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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.