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Episodes
Welcome to KYH2O, a podcast that takes a deep dive into the heart of Kentucky's waterways. Hosted by Extension Specialist Dr. Amanda Gumbert and produced by the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.
Episodes

Jul 1, 2019
Jul 1, 2019
37 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Russ Turpin, EcoGro
Episode 14: Riparian (Streamside) Buffers
In this episode, Amanda joins Russ Turpin from EcoGro at Clays Mill Elementary in Southland Park to learn about riparian or streamside buffers and their importance in protecting water quality.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about stream restoration?
Extension publications
- Planting a Riparian Buffer (ID-185)
- Restoring Streams (AEN-122)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
- Streambank Erosion (AEN-124)
Videos
- UK Watershed Protection and Restoration (multiple videos)
Websites
- Backyard Streams (University of Kentucky)
- Horticulture Club (University of Kentucky)

Jun 24, 2019
Jun 24, 2019
25 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Dr. Alan Fryar, Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky
Episode 13: Exploring McConnell Springs
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Alan Fryar at McConnell Springs Park in Lexington, Kentucky to discuss the unique geology and history of the springs. Learn about the importance of McConnell Springs to Lexington's history, the strong linkage between surface and ground waters in the park, and the importance of doing our part to protect water resources.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about McConnell Springs and the link between Lexington's geology, water, and history?
Extension publications
- Groundwater Quality (AEN-120)
Videos
- UK Watershed Protection and Restoration (multiple videos)
- The History of McConnell Springs (GTV3)
Websites
- McConnell Springs in Historical Perspective (University of Kentucky)
- McConnell Springs Park (LFUCG)

Jun 17, 2019
Jun 17, 2019
18 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Dr. Alan Fryar, Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky
Episode 12: Geology and Bourbon
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Alan Fryar at the Distillery District in Lexington, Kentucky to discuss geology and its importance to Kentucky's culture, particular bourbon. Learn how geology helped shape the Kentucky's bourbon industry.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about the link between Kentucky's geology, water, and bourbon?
Extension publications
- Groundwater Quality (AEN-120)
Videos
- UK Watershed Protection and Restoration (multiple videos)
Other Podcasts
Websites

Jun 10, 2019
Jun 10, 2019
20 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Richard Warner, Ph.D., Emeritus Extension Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky
Episode 15: Irrigation Tips for Homeowners
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Richard Warner at his home to discuss home irrigation systems. Learn about different types of home irrigation systems and listen to tips for conserving water while irrigating.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about land use impacts and water-related recreational opportunities in Garrard County?
Extension publications
Videos
Websites
- Homeowner's Guide to Landscape Irrigation (Irrigation Association)
Jun 3, 2019
Jun 3, 2019
12 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Eric Dawalt, Engineer, Ridgewater/EcoGro Team
Episode 10: Restoring Streams
In this episode, Amanda joins Eric Dawalt of the Ridgewater/EcoGro team at Coldstream Park about stream restoration. Learn about some of the benefits of stream restoration.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about stream restoration?
Extension publications
- Restoring Streams (AEN-122)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
- Keeping Trash Out of Streams (AEN-119)
Videos
- UK Watershed Protection and Restoration (multiple videos)
Websites
- Backyard Streams (University of Kentucky)
May 27, 2019
May 27, 2019
28 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Eric Dawalt, Engineer, Ridgewater/EcoGro Team
Episode 9: Coldstream Park Stream Restoration Project
In this episode, Amanda meets with Eric Dawalt of the Ridgewater/EcoGro team to discuss the Coldstream Park Stream Restoration project. Learn the history behind the project and gain an understanding of stream restoration.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about stream restoration?
Extension publications
- Restoring Streams (AEN-122)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
- Streambank Erosion (AEN-124)
Videos
- UK Watershed Protection and Restoration (multiple videos)
Websites
- Backyard Streams (University of Kentucky)
Photo by Russ Turpin, EcoGro

May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019
16 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Shane Tedder, Sustainability Coordinator, University of Kentucky
Episode 8: On Tap
In this episode, Carmen meets with Shane Tedder to discuss water bottles, their impacts on the environment, and what the University of Kentucky (UK) is doing to help curb their usage. Learn about the history of UK's water bottle filling station, UK's Student Sustainability Council, and creating environmentally sustainable habits.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about bottle water?
Extension publications
Videos
- The Story of Bottled Water (The Story of Stuff Project)
Websites
- Facts about Plastic Pollution (National Geographic)

Apr 29, 2019
Apr 29, 2019
18 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Steve Higgins, Ph.D., Director of Environmental Compliance, Assistant Adjunct Professor, University of Kentucky
Episode 7: Cattle Production and Water Quality
In this episode, Amanda joins Dr. Steve Higgins at Eden Shale arm in Owenton, Kentucky to learn about methods for protecting water quality while raising beef cattle. Learn about the Kentucky Ag Water Quality Act, forage production, soil compaction, and best management practices such as cisterns and tire waterers.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about cattle production practices and protecting Kentucky's waters?
Extension publications
- Rainwater Harvesting for Livestock Production Systems (AEN-135)
- Tire Tanks for Watering Livestock (AEN-133)
Videos
- Tire Tanks for Watering Livestock (University of Kentucky)
- Agriculture (UK Watershed Protection and Restoration, University of Kentucky)
Websites
- Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act (University of Kentucky)
- Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act Planning Tool (University of Kentucky)
- Eden Shale Farm (University of Kentucky and Kentucky Beef Network, LLC)

Apr 15, 2019
Apr 15, 2019
13 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Steve Price, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky
Episode 6: Snakes, Turtles, Frogs, Oh My!
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Steve Price at the Price Lab to learn about reptiles found in Kentucky. Learn about the Commonwealth's venomous and nonvenomous snakes, common misconceptions about reptiles, the ecosystem benefits they provide, and how we impact their habitats.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about Kentucky's reptiles?
Extension publications
- Friends, Not Foes (The mAGazine)
Videos
- Snakes of Kentucky (KYAfield)
- Kentucky Reptile Zoo (KET)
Websites
- Price Lab (University of Kentucky)
- Kentucky Snake Identification (University of Kentucky)
Photo credit to Jake Hutton, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky

Apr 1, 2019
Apr 1, 2019
10 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Michael Downs, Park Naturalist at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Episode 5: Searching for Salamanders
In this episode, Carmen joins Michael Downs at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary to learn about one of their most popular programs, Salamander Search.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about Raven Run and salamanders?
Extension publications
- Salamanders of Kentucky (Kentucky Woodlands Magazine)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
Videos
- A Guided Nature Experience (University of Kentucky)
Websites
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary (LFUCG)

Mar 25, 2019
Mar 25, 2019
12 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Michael Downs, Park Naturalist at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Episode 4: Exploring Raven Run
In this episode, Carmen joins Michael Downs at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary to learn about the park and its visitor programming.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about Raven Run and the benefits the park provides?
Extension publications
Videos
- A Guided Nature Experience (University of Kentucky)
Websites
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary (LFUCG)

Mar 4, 2019
Mar 4, 2019
17 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Steve Price, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky
Episode 2: Salamander Sleuths, Part 2
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Steve Price at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary to learn about salamanders found in Kentucky. Learn about the characteristics of some common Kentucky salamanders, incomplete metamorphosis, and the wide range of habitats in which these creatures are found.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about salamanders and protecting Kentucky's waters?
Extension publications
- Salamanders of Kentucky (Kentucky Woodlands Magazine)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
Videos
- Saving Hellbender Salamanders (NPR)
- Complete vs Incomplete Metamorphosis for Kids (Science Up with the Singing Zoologist)
Websites
- Price Lab (University of Kentucky)
- Salamander Identification Guide (Discover Life)
- Common Amphibians of Kentucky Photo Gallery (Murray State University)
Photo credit to Jake Hutton, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky

Feb 18, 2019
Feb 18, 2019
15 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guest: Steve Price, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky
Episode 2: Salamander Sleuths, Part 1
In this episode, Carmen joins Dr. Steve Price at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary to search for salamanders. Learn about salamanders, their habitats, and the importance of good water quality in protecting these creatures.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about salamanders and protecting Kentucky's waters?
Extension publications
- Living Along A Kentucky Stream (IP-73)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
Videos
- Saving Hellbender Salamanders (NPR)
- Reptiles of Blood River (KET)
Websites
- Price Lab (University of Kentucky)
- Salamander Identification Guide (Discover Life)
Photo credit to Jake Hutton, Forestry and Natural Resources Department, University of Kentucky

Jan 30, 2019
Jan 30, 2019
19 min
Hosts: Carmen Agouridis, Ph.D., P.E., M.P.P., Extension Associate Professor, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, University of Kentucky and Amanda Gumbert, Ph.D., Extension Specialist for Water Quality, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
Guests: Blake Newton, 4-H/Youth Extension Specialist in Entomology, and Carol Spence, Agricultural Communications Specialist
Episode 1: The Stream Life
In this episode, Carol Spence joins Blake Newton at the Dix River in Garrard County, Kentucky to sample for benthic macroinvertebrates. Learn about some of the many species living in Kentucky's waters, why they are important, and what we can do to protect them.
Episode Transcript: Click here to access the episode transcript which includes links.
Explore More: Want to learn more about benthic macroinvertebrates and protecting Kentucky's waters?
Extension publications
- Aquatic Macroinvertebrates: Biological Indicators of Stream Health (ID-228)
- 4-H Entomology: Unit II (learn about insects)
- Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide (ID-242)
Videos
- A Baby Dragonfly's Mouth Will Give You Nightmares (PBS, Deep Look)
- The 24-hour Life of the Mayfly (Nat Geo WILD)
Websites
