Spotlight on Natural Resources Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett

These Illinoisians and ecology-minded podcast hosts discuss the nuances of No Mow May and why it may not be the best fit for Illinois. Erin, Amy, and Abigail talk about the true goals behind No May May and how Illinois residents can achieve those goals when considering the ecology of our landscapes.
Check out our friends at Good Growing and their blog on No Mow May

Join the Spotlight on Natural Resources Podcast team for a Research Bite!   Within each Research Bite segment, we delve into groundbreaking research conducted at University of Illinois, offering listeners exclusive insights into the innovative discoveries and advancements shaping the future of applied science.  During this episode, we hear from the student Bird Strike Survey at University of Illinois, along with advisor Dr. Benjamin Van Doren.  This group monitors bird window strikes on campus to identify buildings that pose the biggest threat to birds, in an attempt to study the reasons why those buildings are so deadly. Join us as we explore the latest research aiming to understand the fascinating intersection of bird behavior, architecture, and conservation.
Learn More!
Learn more about the work of the UIUC Bird Strike SurveyChicago Bird Collision MonitorsCornell University Lab of Ornithology - Why Birds Hit Windows & How You Can Prevent ItSubscribe to our Naturalist News blog
Questions?Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.eduErin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

The cicadas are emerging, times two! Join us as we explore the upcoming periodical cicada emergence in Illinois with entomologist Kacie Athey. In this episode, we discuss the 17-year and 13-year life cycle of these insects, their impact on the local ecosystem, and what Illinois residents can expect during this natural event. 
Visit these sites to learn more about Periodical Cicadas: Community Science on Periodical Cicadas
Cicada Safari WebsiteCheck out the Apps:Cicada Safari for Google PlayCicada Safari for Apple 
Learning More about Periodical Cicadas
2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence with UConnPeriodical Cicadas Fact SheetCicadas from Illinois ExtensionBlog Post: The Cicadas are Coming! Periodical cicadas in Illinois in 2024

Dive into the swirling world of tornado trends in Illinois with our latest podcast episode. Join us as we explore how a tornado forms, the recent patterns of tornado occurrences in the Prairie State, and what you can do to improve your resiliency to tornado hazards.  Come away with a deeper understanding of this powerful natural phenomenon.
Learn more!Tornado Trends (blog article)Is Illinois a part of a new tornado alley? (blog article)Subscribe to the All About Weather blogCheck out our Naturalist News blog
Questions?Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.eduErin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.eduAmy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

Early spring is a wonderful time to view wildlife in Illinois. Woodcock, one of the earliest of the migrating birds, return to the state and start displaying to attract mates and set up territories. Mole salamanders will head to breeding pools, even when ice is still on. Crawfish frogs and spring peepers can be heard in full chorus on warm nights. Whitetail deer lose their antlers. This month on the podcast, Chris Evans joins us to discuss wildlife encounters to be had in early spring in Illinois.

Ever think about what will captivate you in retirement? You don’t want to just sit around but you don’t want to over-commit now that you have your own time. Phenology could be a retirement hobby. Join Peggy Doty to talk about how phenology offers an activity for your mind and just enough commitment to wake up interested in this new idea. Phenology is a meeting of people and the wild living things around them, and you can schedule your meeting any time you like.
Books referenced:
The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne & A Garden Kalendar by Gilbert WhiteSand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold (and definitely look into Nina Leopold)The Nature of Oaks: The rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Tree by Doug TallamySound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova BaileyThe Geese of Beaver Bog by Bernd HeinrichCommunity Science Projects:
Citizenscience.govBudburstSounds of Nature Project