Spotlight on Natural Resources

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 White
  • Sand 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 Tallamy
  • Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
  • The Geese of Beaver Bog by Bernd Heinrich

Community Science Projects:

Creators & Guests

Host
Abigail Garofalo
As an Educator focusing on Natural Resources, Abigail Garofalo provides training and education to Cook County residents so that they can better utilize the natural benefits the environment has to offer in an urban environment. As an educator, she addresses environmental issues in the area and works on creating a culture of environmentalism through community building. Her background is in environmental outreach and interpretation through experiences with several summer camps, park districts, and the Morton Arboretum. Abigail is responsible for environmental programming in Cook County with an emphasis on conservation landscape programming and environmental education.
Host
Erin Garrett
Erin Garrett is Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Extension Educator for University of Illinois Extension in the southernmost five counties in Illinois - Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union counties. In this role, Erin develops and delivers high impact programming to local and statewide audiences to help them develop an appreciation for natural resources and to empower them to make small changes to positively impact the environment.

What is Spotlight on Natural Resources?

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.

Hosted by: Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, and Erin Garrett