Mike and Peggy welcome an all-star cast to the 2020 version of It's a Wonderful Slice, including horticultural expert Melinda Myers! Elysabeth Alfano returns to the show to talk about her plantbased business predictions for 2021. Joan Murray from City Grange has advice on keeping your holiday and indoor plants healthy.

It will be a difficult winter for restaurants, taverns and the associated businesses. We talk to Michael Cameron from Uncommon Ground, Michael Roper of Hopleaf, and Marty Travis from Spence Farm about how people in the food industry expect to cope. Lisa Albrecht says that funding for Illinois solar energy projects is about to run out, and what can be done about it.

Last week, the Chicago Office of Inspector General issued a scathing report concerning the City's inability to properly monitor and execute its high rise recycling program. Ald. Michele Smith from the 43rd Ward and Ald. Scott Waguespack from the 32nd Ward stop by to comment on those findings.

Andrew Rehn from Prairie Rivers Network reports on the fight to keep coal ash from leaking into the Vermillion River in central Illinois.

Niki Jabbour returns to the show to talk about her new book, "Growing Under Cover: Techniques for a More Productive, Weather-Resistant, Pest-Free Vegetable Garden." Sean Ruane from Advocates for Urban Agriculture says you have one more day to be part of AUA's "Grown in Chicago" campaign.

Chad Rigsby from Bartlett Tree Experts talks about the importance of inspecting your trees during the winter months. Jessica Chipkin from Crate Free Illinois and Tyler Lobdell of Food & Water Watch report on the progress of the Farm System Reform Act and other fights against the inhumanity of factory farms in the U.S.

Dr. Allan Armitage returns to the show to talk about the 4th edition of his book, Herbaceous Perennial Plants. Filmmaker Bob Dolgan of "Monty and Rose," and Stephanie Beilke from Audubon Great Lakes discuss the future of birds in the Midwest.

Renowned pet expert Steve Dale joins Mike and Peggy to talk about pet wellness issues. Jodie Wiederkehr from Chicago Alliance for Animals joins the conversation when it turns to inhumane puppy mills. Juanita Irizarry returns to the show to talk about the efforts of Friends of the Parks to stop a proposed Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) from being expanded at the mouth of the Calumet River.

Chris Beytes from Grower Talks explains how the pandemic might be responsible for millions of people deciding to start gardens. Tony Abruscato of Get Growing Foundation joins us from Plant Truck Chicago, which is motivating the next generation of gardeners in Chicago neighborhoods. Mac Austin reports on ways you can help get out the vote this Tuesday.

Kay McKeen from SCARCE and Amy DeLorenzo from Illinois Extension explain the importance of rescuing Halloween pumpkins from landfills. Jerry Adelmann of Openlands reports on environmental issues affecting our region. Mike and Peggy welcome a couple of winners from the Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards 60-Second Garden Video Challenge.