Taking into consideration the next 100 years: the reversal of the Chicago River

Taking into consideration the next 100 years: the reversal of the Chicago River

Author: Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett April 24, 2025 Duration: 53:38

The history books often referred to the reversal of the Chicago River as an engineering marvel, but how did they do it? Why did they do it? and Why is it important to learn about it? Join Phil Nicodemus from Urban Rivers as he discusses the history of the Chicago River and the historical and current work done on the Chicago River to support humans and biodiversity.
To read about it, check out the Everyday Environment Blog

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


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: 50

Everyday Environment Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Nutrient loss in our waterways: the role of agriculture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Everybody has a part to play in protecting the valuable resource that is water. So what is the part of farmers? As producers of our food, fiber, and fuel, farmers are essential to our economy, our plates, and our way of…
A gauntlet for Carp: invasives species in our waterways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
From the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, Illinois’ waters are incredible environmental and economic resources, supporting a diversity of plants and animals, providing drinking water for millions of people, and allowi…
Rain Check: Creative ways to use stormwater to your advantage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:18
In this episode, we talk with Eliana Brown, Water Quality and Stormwater Specialist with University of Illinois Extension. Eliana explains how we can do simple things that improve lakes and rivers and why it's important…
What you should know about contaminants of emerging concern [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:59
When people think about ‘contaminants of emerging concern’ in our waters, it sounds like a scary, complicated thing. But in truth, it’s not. There are a number of things in our everyday lives that can pollute our water –…
From raindrop to river: State Hydrologist explains watershed basics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:22
Watersheds are everywhere, adjusting and reforming all the time - they are not static. Watersheds are a reflection of natural and human activities: as activities change so do watersheds as well as the waterways within th…
Water connects us all: a season 2 preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:11
Preview what to expect from season two of Everyday Environment. Abigail, Erin, and Amy give listeners a peak behind the scenes of how the podcast is produced and what to expect in our upcoming season on water. Subscribe…