90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

In this episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke embarks on a detailed discussion with John Dougherty, Executive Director of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Association, about the invasive copper mining initiatives threatening Arizona's sacred lands. Set against the backdrop of legal and environmental challenges, the conversation highlights the destructive potential of projects...

In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke explores the delicate balance of truth in natural environments and everyday life. With a focus on the impact of modern technology, Chris explores how misinformation, notably from AI-generated content, can distort our understanding of the natural world. He raises vital questions about the integrity of information and prompts lis...

In this compelling episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke engages in a deep conversation with Nick Graver as they explore the pressing challenges facing Joshua Trees and desert conservation efforts amid climate change and governmental policy swings. Recorded during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, this episode highlights the hurdles that scientists and conserva...

About the Guest: Andrea Hoerr is a committed environmental advocate working with Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness in Tucson, Arizona. Her work involves fighting against environmentally detrimental projects, such as huge mining operations and the development of border walls in biodiverse regions. Andrea, also known as Dre, uses her expertise as an Arizona Master Natur...

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke takes listeners into the complex worlds of wildlife policy and desert preservation. The episode features Mandy Culbertson, Communications Director at Wildlife for All, discussing the implications of state and federal-level wildlife governance on biodiversity and the environment, particular...

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke provides valuable insights into the impact of government shutdowns on national parks, especially those within desert regions. The episode opens with a beautiful recording of a hermit thrush by nature sound artist Fred Bell, setting a serene and reflective tone for discussing the challenges facing these national treasures during shutdown...

Host Chris Clarke takes listeners along on a recent journey to El Paso for the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. The trip was made possible by supporters who contributed to the Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund. Clarke shares insights and experiences from traveling over 1600 miles across the deserts of the Southwest. This episode provides a heartfelt thank you to supporters and explores the challenges facing...

Episode Summary In this eye-opening episode of *90 Miles from Needles*, host Chris Clarke welcomes back Dr. Michael E. Ketterer to explore the unsettling connections between historical nuclear testing in the Nevada Test Site and fallout in unexpected areas like eastern California. With cutting-edge mass spectrometry, Dr. Ketterer reveals how nuclear tests conducted decades ago may have risked publ...

Chris Clarke discusses the political tensions boiling over in the U.S., particularly surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Clarke offers a profound exploration into the implications of this event on the left-wing movement while criticizing the portrayal of the desert, advocating for the urgent need to protect these delicate ecosystems. As a long-time activist, Chris emphasizes the signifi...

Chris Clarke, the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast" is a seasoned storyteller, passionate environmentalist, and a desert aficionado. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the protection of desert ecosystems through his writings, activism, and this podcast. Chris's work often intersects with emotional narratives tied to family, nature, and the unique b...

Episode Summary This episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast does a racing dive into the fascinating topic of monsoonal rainstorms in the desert, focusing on their effects and significance. With detailed insights into recent rain events in Twentynine Palms, California, Chris shares the challenges and celebrations that accompany these powerful meteorological phenomena. Amid the backdrop of a...

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environme...

Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking the five-year anniversary of the Dome Fire, Clarke reflects on personal experiences and the broader ecological ramifications. The devastating event shifted his life, carving a definitive "before" and "after" in his approach to desert protection. Listen...

This episode, celebrated over several parts to accommodate in-depth discussions, features a captivating final chapter with Ruth Nolan. A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry, with themes of renewable energy impacts, wildfires, and inva...

In this chapter of the milestone hundredth episode  of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces a rich tapestry of insights from renowned desert advocate and writer Ruben Martinez. The chapter, part of a comprehensive six-part series celebrating this landmark with diverse contributors, invites listeners into a profound discussion linking deserts...

Episode Summary: In this chapter of the landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, journalist David Morales, known for his insightful "Three Sonorans" newsletter, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities behind this development and how a community united to challenge a potentially devastating project. The episode highlights how Project Blue, backed by Amazon Web Service...

In this landmark 100th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast, host Chris Clark celebrates with a treasure trove of content breaking into six segments. This episode features Cameron Mayer, contributing his passion for the desert through eloquent poetry readings. Mayer shares his profound connection to the Mojave and surrounding areas and highlights his work with Friends of the Amargosa Bas...

Episode Summary: In this chapter of the 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles podcast, host Chris Clarke welcomes the acclaimed author and environmental advocate Morgan Sjogren to the show. Broadcasting from the serene and historically rich landscapes of Bears Ears National Monument, Sjogren shares insights into her literary journey and environmental activism, reflecting particularly on the c...

Episode Summary: In this milestone 100th episode of the 90 Miles from Needles Podcast, host Chris Clarke celebrates a significant achievement in desert conservation and advocacy. Episode 100 marks a turning point for the show, which has engaged audiences with diverse stories about desert protection and environmental activism. The episode showcases the collective efforts that led to a significant v...

Episode Summary: In this landmark 99th episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris Clarke sets the stage for the upcoming 100th episode celebration, inviting listeners to join a special recording featuring prominent writers and activists. The episode examines the impact of a massive budget cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, exploring how this decision...

Episode Summary:  In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites listeners to explore the urgency and allure of desert destinations in his personal bucket list. As listeners, we embark on a quest across arid landscapes, inspired by the tragic recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, which burnt down due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Pep...

About the Guest:  Kevin Emmerich is the co-founder of Basin and Range Watch, an organization dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of desert habitats in Nevada and California. With a professional background deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, Kevin has been instrumental in opposing unnecessary desert land conversions for large-scale renewable energy projects. Basin an...

Episode Summary: Chris Clarke unravels the intertwined issues of border politics and desert protection. This episode highlights the human cost of migration through some of the harshest terrains on earth, the Sonoran Desert, while advocating for more humane approaches to immigration and border policies. With a deep dive into recent statistics and personal stories, Clarke paints a moving picture of...

Notable Quotes: • "Mark your calendars. Fridays are now Desert Protection Days." • "We could not do this without you." • "Desert advocacy is important, but so is work-life balance." • "The goal is to give me my weekends back so that I can spend time with my family." • "Thanks again for listening and for being part of this journey." Become a desert defender!: https://90mile...

Episode Summary: In this riveting episode, host Chris Clarke covers the urgent issue threatening millions of acres of public land in the United States. Buried in what Chris calls the "Bloated Billionaire Bailout," a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee targets up to 3 million acres of public lands for sale. These lands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, spa...