Best Insect Conservation Podcasts (2025)

First, we talk with bestselling and award-winning author Wendy Webb about writing gothic horror set around the Great Lakes. Then, historian Keiran Murphy tells us about the tragedy at Taliesin. Finally, Steve Ackerman and Jon Martin join us to talk about weather and climate issues.

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Garden Talk: Growing herbs; World-wide seed savers 1:39:20

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3d ago1:39:20

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Herb expert, Erin Presley is back to talk about growing herbs and update us on what’s happening at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Then we talk with Adam Alexander, author of The Seed Detective.

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Ep. 229 Why Leaves Change in the Fall and Which Trees Do It Best | #Good Growing 42:10

3d ago42:10

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In this episode of Good Growing, Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson dive into the science and spectacle of fall foliage. From the pigments behind the seasonal color shift to their favorite underappreciated trees (sorry, maples), the duo explores what makes autumn leaves so dazzling—and why some years are better than others. Learn the difference between c…

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Wisconsin’s 48 Hour Film Project, traveling to Australia, and a new season of ‘Wisconsin Life’ on PBS Wisconsin 1:39:03

4d ago1:39:03

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Short films made in just 48 hours get their world premieres. Then, we take a guided tour of Australia. And finally, a look at the new season of “Wisconsin Life” airing on PBS Wisconsin.

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Waterfowl conservation and hunting, Where to paddle during autumn 1:39:03

5d ago1:39:03

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We talk about duck, goose and other waterfowl hunting with Taylor Finger of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Brad Heidel from the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. Then, Darren Bush and Timothy Bauer are back to talk about the best waterways to visit in the fall.

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Seafood Industry Masterclass: Bill Gerencer, Author of Working Waterfront 52:34

5d ago52:34

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Send us a text Happy Planet Wednesday! If you have ever wanted to lift the veil on New England's mysterious working waterfront, this is the podcast for you. Our guest today is Bill Gerencer, a veteran of 40+ years on the New England Working Waterfront. Bill served as lobsterman commercial fisherman, fish buyer, salesperson, corporate trainer, fishe…

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28. Zombie Wasps, Tarantulas Hawks, Army Ants, Oh My! An Eerie Look Into the World of Desert Insects w/ Scott Heacox 1:39:18

6d ago1:39:18

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Join us in continuing this Spooky Season as we sit down with Scott Heacox to explore the truly exciting world of parasitic insects in the Coachella Valley. From wasps that turn their hosts into living nurseries to fungi that create zombie ants, Scott reveals the fascinating and sometimes horrifying survival strategies of desert insects. This spine-…

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Public radio show ‘worders,’ the cranberry industry, and an artisanal pizza chef 1:39:20

6d ago1:39:20

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“A Way with Words” show cohosts Marth Barnette and Grant Barett share their love of language. Then, we talk about Wisconsin’s cranberry growing dominance. Then, we talk to the pizza chef and owner of Flour Girl & Flame.

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The Secret Lives of Bumble Bees: Nesting and Overwintering 37:08

6d ago37:08

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We’ve all heard the familiar buzz of a bumble bee. Their fuzzy bodies fly around looking for pollen and nectar. But where do bumble bees nest? Where do they spend the winter? And how can we support this part of their lifecycle? To talk with us about this topic is Genevieve Pugesek, Xerces Endangered Species Conservation Biologist. Jenny is one of t…

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"Her Deepness" Dr Sylvia Earle & Dr Tessa Hempson: Protect the Oceans Like Your Life Depends Upon It... (Because It Does!) 40:14

7d ago40:14

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Amid the energy of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, David meets legendary marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr Sylvia A. Earle — affectionately known as “Her Deepness.” Still diving at 90, Sylvia began her career with a PhD in phycology (the study of algae) in 1966, has graced the cover of TIME magazine, authored nearly 200 scienti…

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Exploring exercise therapy for knee problems, Meet a modern-day blacksmith 1:39:03

7d ago1:39:03

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Physical therapists Lori Thein Brody and Jill Thein Nissenbaum return to talk about knee pain and how to keep your knee joints healthy. Then, we talk with James Michael Jones about the artform of blacksmithing.

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#69 Mya and the penguins (USA & Peru) 23:40

9d ago23:40

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From Peru's copper mines to penguin colonies, PhD candidate Mya Daniels-Abdulahad tracks a toxic trail that threatens an entire species. Winner of the 2025 BioOne Ambassador Award, Mya reveals how mining waste travels through ocean food chains – with iron accumulating at four times normal levels in Humboldt penguin eggs and cadmium weakening their …

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Garden Talk: The big plant migration, time to go indoors; Saving and sharing seeds 1:39:02

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Gardening expert Melinda Myers is back to help you successfully move your plants inside for the winter. And then we talk to the founders of Oshkosh Seed Savers.

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Ep 228 Should they stay or should they go: What should we do with fallen leaves? | #GoodGrowing 37:54

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The arrival of fall means vibrant colors and a whole lot of leaves on the ground. So, what should we do with all those leaves? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we discuss whether or not we should remove leaves from our landscapes, and if we do, what can we do with them? Watch us on YouTube Skip to what you want to know: 00:38 - Are lea…

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New novel by retired Milwaukee firefighter; firefighter training explained; and Wisconsin Book Festival returns 1:39:20

11d ago1:39:20

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Gregory Lee Renfro talks about his new crime novel, “Beyond the Flames.” Then, we talk to the director of firefighter training at Wisconsin’s two-year technical colleges. Then, we get a preview of the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration.

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Insect update: Creepy crawlies in the home, Fall is time for spiders to shine 1:39:04

12d ago1:39:04

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First, we talk with Phil Pellitteri, an entomologist, about the bugs that want to move into your home as the weather gets colder. Then, Rafael “Rafa” Lucas Rodríguez of UW-Milwaukee is back to talk about his spider research.

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27. Ravenous Ravens: Time To Talk Trash At The Living Desert Zoo w/ Katie Shaw 1:30:00

13d ago1:30:00

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Join us as we sit down with Katie Shaw, a social scientist with The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, to explore the fascinating intersection of human behavior and wildlife conservation. Kate shares insights into their innovative "Time to Talk Trash" conservation program, which targets the root cause of rising raven populations that threaten endang…

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Health Day: Fighting ageism, treating voice disorders, and the disease-curing potential of cell therapy 1:39:20

13d ago1:39:20

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Older Americans are often the victims of ageist attitudes. Then, a new UW department forms to improve treatment of larynx disorders. Then, we learn about possible cures for disease coming out of cell therapy research at the UW.

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Tech update: dead internet theory and data storage, Latest in cameras and photography equipment, Meet an internationally-recognized Oshkosh photographer 1:38:56

14d ago1:38:56

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Tech expert Beth D’Angelo is back to talk about the amount of bot-generated content on the internet, and what that means for our experience online. Then, Jay Ratchman from Camera Casino in Oshkosh, talks about mirrorless cameras. Finally, we hear from photojournalist Jim Koepnick about taking pictures of people and planes.…

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Garden Talk: Plant garlic – it’s easy and how to still grow greens when it gets cold 1:39:16

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Gardening expert Patti Nagai is back to talk about her favorite new vegetable crop - garlic. Then we look at ways to extend the growing season with Shawn Kuhn, the co-founder of Vitruvian Farms.

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Ep. 227 Stink Bugs, Lady Beetles & Boxelder Invasions: Fall’s Uninvited Houseguests | #GoodGrowing 40:06

17d ago40:06

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As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, many insects begin their annual migration—straight into our homes. In this episode, horticulture educators Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson explore the biology and behavior of three common fall invaders: the brown marmorated stink bug, the multicolored Asian lady beetle, and the boxelder bug. Learn how these …

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Sealing your home from drafts; a new YA book about dinosaurs and geological time 1:39:03

18d ago1:39:03

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We learn how to keep cold, outside air out of our homes this time of year. Then, we talk to the author and illustrator of a new nonfiction book about dinosaurs and geological time.

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All things apples, Update on avian flu and whooping cranes 1:39:20

19d ago1:39:20

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First, we talk with author Priyanka Kumar about her latest book “The Light Between Apple Trees.” Then, apple historian Dan Bussey is back to talk about growing apples in Wisconsin. Finally, we talk about whooping cranes and avian flu with Anne Lacy and Dr. Diana Boon of the International Crane Foundation.…

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The Comeback Kelp - Can Maine's Atlantic Sea Farms be turned around? 35:46

19d ago35:46

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Send us a text There's nothing we like more than a comeback kid. While 98% of total farm seaweed in the world comes from Asia, over the past decade, entrepreneurs in the US, Europe and Africa have been trying to change that by producing locally-grown, high-quality seaweed for their domestic markets. I've met a number of these entrepreneurs and it's…

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26. Gamifying Conservation: Outsmarting Ravens to Save the Desert Tortoise w/ Tim Shields 1:54:42

20d ago1:54:42

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Get ready for our most innovative episode yet! In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of conservation technology (CTs) with Tim Shields from Ornilogic, who is revolutionizing desert tortoise protection through creative technological solutions. Tim shares mind-blowing conservation tools, including laser guns to deter raven presence and i…

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‘Ghost ship’ found in Lake Michigan; local historical society goes pro; and a visit with humorist David Sedaris 1:39:20

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50 years of “Saturday Night Live”; Door County’s Christmas film; Fall movie preview 1:39:20

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#68 Ralph and HPAI in the Southern hemisphere (Argentina) 26:49

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Join host Dr. Cat Vendl as she follows Dr. Ralph Vanstreels tracking high pathogenicity avian influenza from South America to Antarctica. Ralph shares insights from surveying remote coastlines and documenting the virus's impact – over 600,000 wild birds and 55,000 marine mammals affected, with elephant seal populations experiencing 95% pup mortalit…

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Garden Talk: Fall flowers for monarchs and this year’s plant diseases 1:39:05

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Pollinators, especially monarch butterflies, still need food. We talk with UW Extension Outreach Specialist Bruce Spangenberg about what plants provide for these insects. And then we check in with plant disease expert Brian Hudelson to see what diseases were the most prevalent this season.

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Ep. 226 Spotted lanternfly in Illinois: Where it is and what to look for | #GoodGrowing 39:54

25d ago39:54

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Have you heard about the spotted lanternfly and wondered where it is in Illinois? Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we talk with Kelly Estes, State Agricultural Pest Survey Coordinator, about the arrival of this invasive insect. Learn about how spotted lanternfly got here and where it’s been found, what it looks like, where to look for …

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Consumer protection: Here are habits to help protect from cyber scams 1:39:20

25d ago1:39:20

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October is Cyber Security Month and our expert from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is here to help keep you safe online. Plus, we cover the latest scams involving fake landlords, PayPal and more. DATCP's Michelle Reinen join us again to talk about recent scams her department is uncovering.…

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Fall wildlife, and the impact of antibiotics pollution on frogs 1:39:05

26d ago1:39:05

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The southward migration of birds and other animals backing on weight for the winter garner attention in the fall. Then, we’ll hear about new research linking antibiotics pollution to disease in amphibians.

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The Environmental Impact of War 30:51

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Send us a text Every day we see more devastating news coming out of on the wars in Gaza and the Ukraine. We see photos of cities and towns turned into piles of rubble and people who have lost their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods. But there are other insidious ramifications of these wars that we seldom discuss. And those are the effec…

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25. Western Snake Wrangler: Saving Rattlesnakes & Shifting Perspectives in the Mojave Desert w/ Danielle Wall 1:03:45

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Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Danielle Wall, recorded live at a studio in Joshua Tree, California! In this exclusive episode, Danielle shares wild stories from her years as a snake wrangler out West, fascinating fun facts about rattlesnake behavior, and essential rescue advice that could save both human and snake lives. The intervi…

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‘Life, & Death, & Giants,’ Updates and what to expect this season at the Milwaukee Rep 1:39:20

27d ago1:39:20

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“Life, & Death, & Giants” is Ron Rindo’s latest novel, and we talk about the book with him. Set in Wisconsin, it's about an Amish-borne giant who makes an impact on every creature around him. Then, Mark Clements gives us a season preview of what’s to come at the Milwaukee Rep.

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Science literacy and weather forecasting 1:39:04

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Scientific research is as vital as ever, and it’s under ever more scrutiny. We talk about the importance of science literacy and the upcoming Wisconsin Science Festival. Then, the Weather Guys return to look back on a wet and sticky summer and a warm fall – so far.

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Garden Talk: Dividing and transplanting peonies 1:39:04

1M ago1:39:04

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They may flower in the spring but now is the time to dig up your peony plants. We talk to UW Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist Lisa Johnson about how to make sure your peonies look great next spring. We also talk about chrysanthemums.

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Ep. 225 Stormwater Solutions for Homeowners & Communities | #GoodGrowing 40:12

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In this episode of the Good Growing podcast, hosts Chris Enroth and Ken Johnson are joined by Colleen Reuter, Environmental Compliance professional at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, to explore the world of green infrastructure and stormwater management. From rain gardens and rain barrels to depaving driveways and even the surprising r…

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Chippewa Valley Book Festival to feature authors Leif Enger, Mary Catherine Starr and more 1:38:54

1M ago1:38:54

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This year marks the 26th Chippewa Valley Book Festival featuring author talks and workshops. We talk with Pam Gardow, a festival organizer, and authors Leif Enger and Mary Catherine Starr, who’ll also be at the festival.

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Home-spun stories fill new issue of ‘Our Wisconsin’ magazine 1:39:02

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What it was like to work at a toilet seat company and how a family lived off the land, largely underground. These are two of many stories included in the new issue of “Our Wisconsin” magazine. Editor Mike Beno joins us to preview the fall issue.

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24. Joshua Tree or Asparagus? A Breakdown of the Joshua Tree Conservation Act 38:20

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In this important episode, hosts Coral and Natalie discuss the history of Joshua tree conservation in Southern California and examine the groundbreaking Joshua Tree Conservation Act. They explore what it takes to protect these iconic desert trees under their own dedicated legislation, analyzing the current threats Joshua trees face from rapid solar…

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Pet care: Solving common behavior problems with a Madison-based dog trainer 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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Professional dog trainer Jorge Melara is back to share the best way to introduce a dog into the home, how to get your dog to stop chasing and more.

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What’s on the grill? 1:39:13

1M ago1:39:13

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Maybe you're looking to cook the deer venison, pheasant or pumpkins you harvested this fall. All the above can be thrown on the grill, flattop griddle on in the smoker. Even a self-proclaimed grill master could use advice and a recipe or two.

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# 67 Pat and the parrots (USA) 29:03

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Nearly one-third of all parrot species are threatened with extinction, yet most people picture these charismatic birds as noisy pets in cages rather than the complex, emotionally intelligent wild creatures they truly are. In this captivating episode, host Dr. Cat Vendl speaks with Dr. Pat Latas, a founding member of the newly founded IUCN Wild Parr…

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Garden Talk: Fall lawn maintenance and urban forestry 1:39:06

1M ago1:39:06

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Turf expert Doug Soldat is back with his annual fall lawn tutorial. We talk with him about how our humid summer affected our lawns and what to do to get ready for spring. In the last half hour we get an update about how wood is harvested in municipalities and how it is repurposed.

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Ep. 224 Fall gardening questions answered | #GoodGrowing 29:25

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Even though it’s been dry, that hasn’t stopped the garden questions from coming in. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast as we answer some of your questions, as well as some of the most common gardening questions on the internet! From watering lawns and planting bulbs and perennials to dealing with ants, black spots on maple leaves, and more!…

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Preparing wills, estate plans and other legal issues, Dane County Food Collective works to improve local food system 1:39:20

1M ago1:39:20

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We talk with attorneys Michael Riley and Emily Selner about elder law, including what to know about wills and naming someone as your power of attorney. Then, we hear about the Dane County Food Collective’s mission to better the food industry. Our guest is Evan Dannells, a founding member, chef and restaurant owner.…

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Insects not spreading disease, despite fear; solar energy options; and why farmers are planting prairies 1:39:05

1M ago1:39:05

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Wisconsin’s assassin bugs and mosquitoes could be worse. Then, a solar industry rep explains the tech and what the loss of federal tax credits could mean for customers. Then, we talk about the many benefits of prairie strips on tilled farmland.