The Urban Rivers Podcast

Libby Hill wrote the book, The Chicago River a Natural and Unnatural History, which is the go to reading on all things about the Chicago River. On this episode Libby joins Phil in a free-flowing conversation that touches on why Libby wrote the book, the history of the river’s ecosystem and recreational opportunities, and so much more! As a bonus within this episode, you’ll learn one of Phil’s favorite spots on the river that is not the Wild Mile!

Fawn Pochel is an educator. In this episode Fawn joins Brett and Phil to discuss the American Indian population in the Chicago region, not only touching on the history of American Indians in Chicago, but their current presence in the region as well. The conversation ranges from the historical importance of rivers and their current connection with Indigenous Peoples to race-based mascots.

The holiday season may be over and with that follows the taking down of holiday lights, but for Dr. Aaron Schirmer, a chronobiologist at Northeastern Illinois University, light is a year-round focus. Chronobiology is the study of how light impacts animals and how it impacts both animal and human health. Dr. Schirmer's lab focuses on circadian clocks which use things like sunlight to sync our internal and external environments, which influences our schedule throughout the day. Dr. Schirmer highlights how excess light affects animals and their health and provides some simple solutions we can undertake to limit excess light pollution at night.

Like our new intro song? It's from the title "Suit Yourself " by Charlie Otto. A big thanks to Charlie! You can find more of Charlie's music here: https://groodmusic.com/

Galen Fulford is the Managing Director for Biomatrix Water. Urban Rivers has worked closely with Biomatrix Water over the past few years, with Biomatrix Water helping us manufacture, design, and install a variety of the wetland habitats that have been added to the Wild Mile. In this episode, Phil and Galen discuss the design ideas and principles behind the floating wetland modules in the Wild Mile. They further discuss their hopes for the future when it comes to cities and their bodies of water. You can find more information on what Biomatrix Water has done and is doing at https://www.biomatrixwater.com/

Fishes? Yep it's fishes. Join this week’s conversation with Shedd Aquarium's, Research Biologist, Austin Happel as we dive into ideal fish habitat in Chicago water ways, and how humans have impacted the fish of freshwater ecosystems.

Have you heard? Bird, Bird, Bird, Bird is the word! In this episode Brett and Phil welcome on Shedd Aquarium's Conservation Stewardship Coordinator and Chicago Ornithological Society's President, Edward Warden. Edward is a lifelong Chicagoan and an expert on birds (an ornithologist). Take flight with the guys and get ready to learn about birds!