Find out the difference between bison and buffalo...Amy and Darci talk with Dr. Elizabeth Bach from The Nature Conservancy about prairie restoration at Nachusa Grasslands. From reintroducing bison to boosting biodiversity, the conversation explores how science, history, and community come together to restore Illinois’ tallgrass prairie.

Resources to learn more

• Nachusa Grasslands
• Research by moonlight: Study shows bison alter ‘landscape of fear’ for rodents in grasslands
• Plant and bird responses to bison grazing at Nachusa Grasslands
• Grassland Restoration Network
• Invertebrate responses to bison grazing and prescribed fire management (research article)

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.

Hosts Amy Lefringhouse and Darci Webber chat with Sydney Oliveira from the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic about what to do if you find injured wildlife, how to prevent common injuries, and the vital role rehabilitation and education play in conservation.

Resources to learn more

• University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic
• Illinois Extension Wildlife
• National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association
• Wildlife Illinois - Orphaned Wildlife
• Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Map

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

There are nearly 4 million miles of roadway in the U.S., allowing people to access almost anywhere, at any time, which has its benefits for people but also numerous ecological drawbacks. Learn from Kevin Rohling how roads alter the ecology of an area and affect our wildlife.

Check out the Everyday Environment Blog for more information and a reference to the studies Kevin discusses in the Podcast

In this amazing episode, conservation biologist Dr. Mark Davis joins hosts Amy and Karla to explain environmental DNA (eDNA)—genetic material shed by organisms into their surroundings. This tool allows researchers to detect species in water, soil, and air without disturbing them. A fascinating look at how invisible clues in nature help protect biodiversity.

Highlights:

- Rediscovering the endangered salamander mussel in Illinois after 100 years using eDNA.

- Detecting rare Hawaiian birds through flower samples.

- eDNA enables faster, less invasive biodiversity surveys.

- Limitations include short DNA lifespan and data interpretation challenges.

More information
Illinois Natural History Survey eDNA

Questions? We'd love to hear from you!
Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

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Check out our Blog
See the Everyday Environment Archives

Join Quail Forever biologist Brodie Eddington as he shares his expertise and experience with quail and the restoration of their habitat. Quail are culturally significant to Illinois , and their conservation is important for the preservation of this heritage and our Illinois ecosystems. Learn about the status of bobwhite quail populations, the culture around this species, and what Illinois organizations and residents are doing to protect this species.

Resources:

• Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Illinois
• IDNR Quail Hunting Information

In this episode of the Everyday Environment Podcast, hosts Amy Lefringhouse and Karla Griesbaum dive into outdoor recreation trends and their connection to conservation. Curt Sinclair from Illinois 4-H discusses how outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing contribute to conservation funding through license fees and federal programs. The conversation highlights the importance of accessible outdoor spaces, youth involvement, and everyday citizens playing a role in conservation.

Resources to learn more
Illinois Learn to Hunt program

Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR)
Hunters Feeding Illinois program (IL Extension)
Hunt Illinois
I Fish Illinois
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Illinois 4-H Outdoor Adventures
Ebony Jewelwing damselfly profile

Questions? We'd love to hear from you!
Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu, Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu, Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu

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Check out our Blog
See the Everyday Environment Archives

Animal Encounters are everywhere, but what do I do if encounter one? What should I expect to see at this moment? Join Joy O’Keefe, Extension Wildlife Specialist as she answers your burning questions about the wildlife we see everyday.

Check out the Illinois Extension Wildlife Website to learn more about these encounters.

Join Everyday Environment for Season 3 as we explore a brand new aspect of the natural world with new hosts and new guests! Join Amy and Abigail as they welcome new hosts, Karla and Darci, and give you a preview of what to expect for the Wildlife season of Everyday Environment.

From the episode:

• Darci's Global Academy Article

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 Newsletter
Check out our Blog
See the Everyday Environment Archives