Everyday Environment Podcast

Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett
  • 4.9 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Everyday Environment delves into the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment. Through a variety of educational formats, including podcasts, blogs, and videos, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of these connections among the residents of Illinois. Explore more at go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment. Hosted by: Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, and Erin Garrett

  1. Protecting ag commodities, ecosystems and urban environments from invasive pests: the CAPS program with Kelly Estes

    1D AGO

    Protecting ag commodities, ecosystems and urban environments from invasive pests: the CAPS program with Kelly Estes

    During this episode of Everyday Environment, hosts Amy and Erin chat with Kelly Estes from the Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey. We learn about how the CAPS program works and surveys for invasive pests in our state. Resources IL CAPS programPest TrackerShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    42 min
  2. Tree check! Spotting invasive pests early with Tricia Bethke

    1D AGO

    Tree check! Spotting invasive pests early with Tricia Bethke

    Everyday Environment talks with Tricia Bethke, Illinois’ Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, about the growing threat of invasive pests. We explore how these pests are impacting our forests, what a “tree check” looks like, and which warning signs to watch for in your own yard and community. Learn More Invasive insectsSpotted Lanternfly reporting via email: lanterfly@illinois.eduElm zigzag sawflyShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    50 min
  3. When good plants go bad: invasives in the home landscape with Chris Enroth

    APR 16

    When good plants go bad: invasives in the home landscape with Chris Enroth

    Listen in on our chat with Chris Enroth, fellow Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator and also co-host of the Good Growing podcast, about invasives in the home landscape. We discuss the challenge of plants that are not listed on regulation lists, how to tackle invasives without getting overwhelmed, replacement species, and Chris's favorite butterfly! Learn More Management of Invasive Plants and Pests of IllinoisIllinois Pollinators websiteEight Great Replacements for Callery Pear videoAttracting wildlife with native plants blogLandscape Invasives and Native Alternatives (webinar)Share your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    47 min
  4. Looking back to move forward: using historical data to understand invasions with TJ Benson

    APR 9

    Looking back to move forward: using historical data to understand invasions with TJ Benson

    This week we welcome TJ Benson from the Illinois Natural History Survey to talk about the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP), and how data collected can teach us how invasions have changed plant and animal communities in Illinois. Share your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    37 min
  5. Wading through the data: understanding EDDMapS, a leader in invasive species mapping with Rebekah Wallace

    APR 2

    Wading through the data: understanding EDDMapS, a leader in invasive species mapping with Rebekah Wallace

    This week on Everyday Environment we chat with Rebekah Wallace out of the University of Georgia. Rebekah is the coordinator for EDDMapS, a platform used by the general public and professionals alike for invasive, pest, and biocontrol species reporting and distribution monitoring. For 20 years, this platform has worked with partners across the US and Canada to develop tools to help aggregate distribution data, educate the public on invasive species, document management efforts, anticipate spread, and more. Learn about the fascinating ways that this tool can help with invasive species management on the ground. Resources EDDMapSLearn more about Erin's everyday observation: Right outside your window blogShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    46 min
  6. Early detection in public gardens with Michelle Beloskur

    MAR 26

    Early detection in public gardens with Michelle Beloskur

    Join us as we chat with Michelle about the invasive plant early detection efforts of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network. We take a special focus on the Public Gardens as Sentinels against Invasive Plants initiative, a program focused on sharing information and creating a network to detect potential invasive species. Resources:  MIPN WebsitePrinted Resources from MIPNMIPN WebinarsEarly Detection Plant SpeciesReport sightings of Invasive PlantsPGSIP Data DashboardPGSIP Plant AlertsShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    40 min
  7. Breaking down invasive species rules & regulations with Chris Evans

    MAR 18

    Breaking down invasive species rules & regulations with Chris Evans

    In this episode of Everyday Environment, hosts Erin and Amy sit down with Chris Evans to break down how invasive species are regulated in Illinois—and why it matters to you. Illinois recently added nine species to the Illinois Exotic Weed Act, making it illegal to buy, sell, or transport them. From the Exotic Weed Act to the Noxious Weed Law, these regulations are designed to slow the spread of invasive species by limiting movement, guiding management priorities, and protecting ecosystems and economies. Tune in to learn what’s changed, how the process works, and what it means for landowners and communities. Resources IL Invasives websiteNew invasive species regulated in 2025IL Invasive Species CouncilIL Exotic Weed ActShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    48 min
  8. Words matter: how we engage others to care about invasive species with Emily Steele and Phil Anderson

    MAR 12

    Words matter: how we engage others to care about invasive species with Emily Steele and Phil Anderson

    This week we're joined by our marketing and communications manager Emily Steele! We chat with Emily about how our words matter when we talk about invasive species and how we can encourage people to manage invasive species through value-based communication and engagement approaches. We also hear from Phil Anderson, a biology professor at University of Illinois, who shares his experience using cosplay and tabletop role-playing game themes to create inclusive and effective outreach events that teach non-scientists concepts from invasion biology through roleplay activities. Resources Learn more about cosplay for science at www.cosplayforscience.comShare your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect, and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you!Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu  Subscribe to our NewsletterCheck out our BlogSee the Everyday Environment Archives

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Everyday Environment delves into the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment. Through a variety of educational formats, including podcasts, blogs, and videos, we strive to foster a deeper understanding of these connections among the residents of Illinois. Explore more at go.illinois.edu/everydayenvironment. Hosted by: Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, and Erin Garrett

Information

  • Creator
    Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2026
  • Episodes
    181
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois
  • Show Website
    Everyday Environment Podcast

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