Dr. Allan Armitage is a renowned speaker, researcher and author, whose latest book is called Of Naked Ladies and Forget-Me-Nots. He talks to Mike and Peggy about the origin of some common plant names. Noreen Edwards Metz reports on the victory of local activists, who have so far managed to preserve a small natural area just north of Chicago. Certified arborist Skeet from Bartlett Tree Experts explains how this spring's weather has affected the health of area trees.

Kylee Baumlee is the author of a book called The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly. She talks to Mike and Peggy about the life cycle of this iconic insect, including its extraordinary annual migration; about the precipitous decline in population; and how just about anybody can participate in programs to help save the this fascinating creature.

Mike and Peggy announce the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards. Heather Holm is a horticulturist and biologist by training who has just released a book called Bees: An Identification and Native Plant Forage Guide. Brett Bloom explains what will happen at the upcoming Camp BreakDown Break Down Pachamanka, a retreat in Freeport, Illinois. Jim Kleinwachter from The Conservation Foundation and Val Kehoe from Illinois Extension talk about how Cook County residents can get involved with the Conservation at Home program. Brian Imus from the USGBC-IL previews their annual Limelight gala.

Dan Protess is the writer and producer of a new 16 part digital series on WTTW called Urban Nature. He talks to Mike and Peggy about how, in the video episodes, he and host Marcus Kronforst tour “overlooked ecosystems” in Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

Author Arthur Melville Pearson discusses his just released book, Force of Nature: George Fell, Founder of the Natural Areas Movement. South siders Tom Shepherd and Jerry Brown explain why it is so important to open up the shores of Chicago's Lake Calumet to the public. Layci Gragnani, Program Manager for Bushel and Berry™, talks about growing fruit producing shrubs in containers. Mike argues for the siting of a controversial composting operation in unincorporated Cook County.