A landowner with family roots in Christian County, Dudley Smith, Jr. recognized the long-term economic challenges facing agriculture in Illinois, and he anticipated their social impact on rural areas. Dudley Smith urged us not only to embrace technological advancements, but also to address the long-term stewardship and sustainability of agricultural practices. In this podcast, Extension Educator Gary Letterly tells us about ongoing work of the University of Illinois Extension with the Dudley Smi...
Feb 18, 2016•13 min•Ep. 39
The weather pattern Illinois is experiencing may parallel winter of 1982-1983. So it is possible our spring will also be similar. If so we may see a warmer and dryer spring planting season. Educator Friend will discuss this possibility.
Jan 05, 2016•7 min•Ep. 38
Winter is near. Duane talks about the dangers of cold weather, both for people and their homes.
Nov 13, 2015•8 min•Ep. 37
With the nearby New Madrid fault line, Illinois has a higher than average risk of earthquakes. In this podcast, Duane Friend, Natural Resource Educator for University of Illinois Extension talks about Illinois' history of siesmic activity and our outlook for the future.
Sep 22, 2015•7 min•Ep. 36
The wet summer in 2015 can have a lasting effect on out trees. This podcast talks about recognizing these problems and what can be done about it.
Jul 13, 2015•7 min•Ep. 35
2015 is the Year of the Soil. Life on earth depends on soils. Extension Educator Duane Friend discusses how soils are improved or diminished by our use of it.
May 06, 2015•9 min•Ep. 34
In this podcast, Educator Duane Friend describes what people can expect from 2015's Midwest Compost School. This annual event will take place this year on June 2-4 in Lake County and is for mid to large scale composters.
Mar 13, 2015•6 min•Ep. 33
Extension Educator Duane Friend brings you up to date on Christmas tree trivia.
Dec 08, 2014•7 min•Ep. 32
Medical waste contaminating our ground water is a growing problem. Duane Friend, Extension Educator in Illinois, describes some of the causes and solutions to the problem.
Sep 23, 2014•8 min•Ep. 31
It may be tempting to clear a pond of all weeds at once, but it could have devistating results for the fish population in a pond. Listen to this podcast for more information.
Jul 07, 2014•6 min•Ep. 30
Extension Educator Duane Friend describes the importance of having your furnace regularly inspected and what you need to do to keep your furnace operating at peak efficiency.
Jan 31, 2014•8 min•Ep. 28
LED Christmas lights can save a tremendous amount of energy compared to the old style bulbs. In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend explains how much money can be saved by updating your lights.
Nov 26, 2013•8 min•Ep. 27
In this podcast Extension Educator Duane Friend describes how to recognize properly dried firewood and important safety tips for burning wood safely.
Sep 25, 2013•9 min•Ep. 26
Heavy rains can contaminate well water. This podcast talks about testing and techniques for decontaminating water systems.
Apr 25, 2013•7 min•Ep. 25
March 3-9, 2013 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week. This podcast describes the types of thunderstorms that are common in the midwest and the ones most likely to spawn tornadoes.
Mar 01, 2013•7 min•Ep. 24
In this podcast, Natural Resources educator Duane Friend explains how the drought or near drought conditions of 2012 will affect planting dates and what parts of Illinois have been most affected by the rainfall shortage.
Dec 05, 2012•6 min•Ep. 23
It is especially critical to check your furnace filters and humidifier this time of year. Duane explains the various types of filters and humidifiers.
Dec 13, 2011•10 min•Ep. 22
Heat Indexs can help you decide what activities to plan for the day. Duane Friend explains what factors go into the heat index and what you should do with the information it gives you.
Aug 03, 2011•10 min•Ep. 21
In this podcast, Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension Educator in Natural Resources talks about how the move to Compact Fluorescent Bulbs will save you time and money. Picking the correct bulb for your needs can be as easy as reading the labels on the box.
Apr 27, 2011•12 min•Ep. 20
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church, explains how Ground Water Awareness Week affects nearly everyone.
Mar 11, 2011•10 min•Ep. 19
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church, talks about four websites; http://www.isws.illinois.edu , www.isws.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli/ , http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu and http://www.cocorahs.org that can be used to research climate information in Illinois. Church also describes an opportunity for amateurs to collect weather information and record it for other's use....
Dec 01, 2010•12 min•Ep. 18
In this podcast, Educator Duane Friend explains that maintenance of septic systems is important if the people that own them want to avoid high cost repairs.
Nov 22, 2010•10 min•Ep. 17
In this podcast, Extension Educator John Church explains what Rain Gardens are and the basics on their construction.
Sep 13, 2010•9 min•Ep. 16
Gypsy Moth can pose a threat for Oak and other tree species, but there are things that can be done to control them. John Church talks about control and the results of an outbreak.
Jun 21, 2010•9 min•Ep. 15
Weed control in ponds can be accomplished through both prevention and with herbicides. Duane Friend, Extension Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, talks about what steps to take to keep your pond clean and still healthy for fish.
May 03, 2010•11 min•Ep. 14
Winter damage to trees can come in a number of forms. This podcast describes how to prevent it and how to deal with it if you have damage to your trees.
Mar 26, 2010•14 min•Ep. 13
Every spring birds "attack" windows. In this edition of Spotlight on Natural Resources, Duane Friend explains why birds have trouble with windows and what can be done about it.
Mar 19, 2010•7 min•Ep. 12
Extension Educator in Natural Resources, John Chruch, explains what goes into planning a good wind break. Where to site it, what types of trees to use and how to space the trees.
Jan 25, 2010•12 min•Ep. 11
Indoor Air Pollution can be a hazard to your family's health. Duane Friend tells you what to watch for, and some ways to improve the air quality in your home.
Jan 16, 2010•11 min•Ep. 10
After your Christmas tree is ready for disposal, if you have a pond, Duane Friend from the University of Illinois Extension has a way to improve your fish habitat. He gives tips on placement and how to sink the tree.
Dec 07, 2009•12 min•Ep. 9
