Providing Natural and Artificial Homes for Bats

Providing Natural and Artificial Homes for Bats

Author: Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett November 27, 2023 Duration: 28:19

Join us this week as we chat with Dr. Joy O'Keefe about bats of Illinois and what we can do to support them. Bats are essential to a healthy ecosystem, as they eat insects that are pests to trees, crops, and us. Most bats use trees as their daytime roosts during spring, summer, and fall. If you have good places for bats to hunt for food, how do you attract them to roost on your property? Learn what makes good natural and artificial roost habitat for bats and other ways to support your local bat population.


Hosted by Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, and Erin Garrett, Everyday Environment Podcast is a conversation about the natural systems that shape daily life in Illinois. It’s not just about distant wilderness; it’s about the water from your tap, the trees on your street, the birds at your feeder, and the energy powering your home. Each episode pulls on a single thread-be it soil health, local wildlife, or sustainable practices-to reveal the whole intricate web we’re a part of. You’ll hear clear explanations and practical insights that make the science of our surroundings accessible and immediately relevant. The goal is to move beyond abstract concepts and foster a tangible, deeper understanding of how these environmental connections work right outside our doors. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that equip you with knowledge about the air, land, and water in your own community, making the complexities of our shared ecosystem feel a little more familiar and a lot more connected to the choices we make every day. This podcast is one part of a broader educational effort, designed to engage curious residents who want to look a bit closer at the world around them.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Everyday Environment Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ponds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:32
If you have had any questions about what to do about your Ponds and whether or not weeds and/or algae are good for your pond listen to this episode to find out more from Duane Friend.
May Watts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:01
May Theilgaard Watts was an illinois naturalist, author, and poet who worked to develop nature themed programming and educational materials that helped people understand the world around them. You may recognize her work…
Large Predators Return...Or Are They? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:01
Large Predators returning to Illinois is becoming a more common event. Spring is right around the corner and it seems to be the time of year when these sightings happen so who are these creatures and why are they wanderi…
Planning a Native Plant Garden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
It may not seem like spring is right around the corner, but it will be here before you know it! For those gardeners who are looking to make a difference this season, consider adding native plants to your gardens.
Sizing a Home Solar System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:23
When considering adding solar panels to your home, one important step is to properly size a solar system to meet your home’s needs. We’ll cover 4 easy steps you can take yourself to estimate how large of a system you’ll…
Overwintering for Wildlife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:11
As the cold weather creeps in and winter approaches, we start preparing our house, our wardrobe, and our minds for the cold months to come. The bees, butterflies, squirrels, bats, and other Illinois wildlife have to prep…
Which Plant Makes Me Sneeze? Goldenrod vs Ragweed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:49
The end of summer is approaching and that means fall allergies will be ramping up. How many of us blame the beautiful yellow blooming plants on the roadsides for our allergies? Goldenrod gets all the blame, but ragweed i…
Invasive Plant Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:52
Description: Fall is the time to work on controlling woody invasive plants. While often associated with timber areas, woody invasive plants can be a problem along fence rows, native prairies, and even home landscapes. Jo…