90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Episode Summary: Immerse yourself in the world of desert city conservation with Chris Clarke and Parker Lloyd as they explore the compelling intersection of urban planning, environmental justice, and community engagement at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai. This episode takes you to the unassuming yet transformative space in South Salt Lake, offering a vision for greener cities through restoration p...

Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles, host Chris Clarke looks into the intricate issues surrounding Bears Ears National Monument with guest Davina Smith, a Diné activist and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. The episode's introduction grapples with the political turmoil surrounding federal land designations and their impact on indigenous rights and envi...

Chris discusses the intersection of environmental activism and political challenges with activist and investigative journalist David Helvarg. The discussion revisits Helvarg's prescient 1994 book, "The War Against the Greens," exploring the evolution of anti-environmental movements from the Wise Use agenda to current political dynamics. They examine threats to democracy, public lands, and global e...

About the Host: Chris Clarke is the host of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." With an extensive background in environmental journalism, Clarke has covered renewable energy developments in California's deserts for KCET, a public television station in Los Angeles. His work is driven by a passionate commitment to environmental conservation and protection, bringing to light the c...

Episode Summary : Join host Chris Clarke in this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles" as he delves into the crucial humanitarian efforts of Laurie Cantillo and Humane Borders. As the border challenges unfold, Laurie discusses her organization's mission to provide life-saving water stations in the desert for migrants facing extreme peril during their journey to the United States. Th...

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke sits down with Teal Lehto, a passionate water rights activist also known on social media as Western Water Girl. Teal shares insights into her work on public lands protection, the challenges posed by current legislative threats to environment-focused organizations, and the critical issues facing the Colorado Riv...

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke is joined by author Barret Baumgart. The conversation centers around Baumgart's book "Yuck," which explores the peculiar and iconic Joshua Tree. From its historical misunderstandings and numerous failed attempts to capitalize on the plant, to its symbolic resistance against co...

About the Host: Chris Clarke is an environmental advocate and the knowledgeable host of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast. He is committed to desert protection and conservation, bringing decades of experience and insights into environmental issues, policy discussions, and activism. Known for drawing attention to critical environmental concerns, including endangered species and responsible land u...

About the Guest:  Josh Jackson is a passionate author and explorer of public lands, focusing specifically on the often-overlooked Bureau of Land Management (BLM) territories in California. He is the mastermind behind the "Forgotten Lands Project," where he explores and highlights the beauty and significance of BLM lands throughout the West. His forthcoming book, "The Enduring: A Journey into...

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke looks into three astonishing science facts about deserts that challenge traditional views of these arid landscapes. From the surprising biological interactions involving desert tortoises and ticks to the hidden carbon-sequestering prowess of desert soils, the episode showcases desert ecosy...

Chris Clarke explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with desert protection, highlighting how Trump's attacks on DEI harm not just people but also the ecosystems and communities inhabiting deserts. He delves into historical and contemporary issues, from indigenous genocide to border wall impacts, underscoring the importance of inclusive environmental advocacy. Clarke al...

About the Guest:  Caroline Tracey is a distinguished writer focusing on topics related to art, literature, environment, and migration in the U.S., the Southwest, Mexico, and borderland regions. Caroline contributes to the Border Chronicle, among other reputable publications such as N1, The Nation, and The Guardian. Not only does she have expertise in English, but she is also trilingual, profi...

Join host Chris Clarke for an insightful discussion with journalist Kyle Paoletta about his book "American Oasis: Finding the Future in the Cities of the Southwest." Explore surprising histories and contemporary challenges of cities like Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and El Paso, and their role in shaping the desert Southwest. The episode examines urbanization, civil rights movements, and the cultural i...

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and triumphs in desert conservation efforts. The episode captures the essence of grassroots advocacy, community solidarity, and the ongoing struggle to protect unique desert landscapes from economic exploitation. Chris shares inspiring stories of dedicat...

About the Guest Kristen Brengel serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). With extensive experience in advocacy and policy, Kristen has been a pivotal voice in the conservation and protection of national parks across the United States. Her work involves lobbying on Capitol Hill, engaging with international media, and championi...

This week, Chris shifts focus to recommending several podcasts that align with the mission of desert protection and conservation. Marissa Ortega Welch’s “How Wild” challenges conventional perceptions of wilderness by exploring cultural narratives that shape our understanding of solitude in nature. With Emily Guerin’s investigative series, "California City," listeners uncove...

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris provides listeners with an update on the state of the podcast. Despite a minor setback due to illness, Chris emphasizes the importance of authentic desert protection content while previewing future episodes. The upcoming "Other Podcasts" episode (actual title to be determined) promises to feature recommendations on influential podcasts like "The Bo...

Episode Summary: In this extensive episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke dives into the controversial Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating Station project in the Mojave Desert. He examines the ecological impacts of this large-scale solar project, highlighting the tension between renewable energy and biodiversity preservation. Chris discusses the unforeseen consequences on local wildli...

About the Guest:  Mason Voehl is the Executive Director of the Amargosa Conservancy, which works to protect and celebrate the valuable ecosystems within the Amargosa Basin. Voehl's work includes a special focus on groundwater management near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.  Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke...

In this first episode of Season Four, we look at: Wildfires and Power Infrastructure: Power lines and climate change are making wildfires worse, so it's time to think about smaller, local power setups. Chuckwalla National Monument: Creating this monument is a big step in keeping sensitive ecosystems safe from the impacts of climate change. Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor: This amazing set of...

Explore the vital efforts in desert conservation with the return of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Season four kicks off on January 14th. We explore the profound impact the desert has on global environmental health. Join the journey to save the desert and uncover why these landscapes are essential to our world. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/dona...

Join Chris Clarke as he discusses apparent collusion between Nevada's BLM staff and energy companies with journalist Jimmy Tobias. In this enlightening episode, explore the controversy surrounding the development of Greenlink transmission lines and their potential environmental impact. Discover how renewable energy initiatives are reshaping Nevada and the tensions arising from these changes. Learn...

The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broader ecological advocacy. For those invested in its fate, the desert isn't just a geographic location—it's an integral part of their identity, a family to defend. And as challenges of development and conservation persist, this community remains s...

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke delivers an impassioned reflection on the results of the recent election. He traces the roots of today's situation to the Reagan administration and beyond, while discussing the challenges the progressive movement faces in countering conservative policies. Highlighting the importance of gra...

Join host Chris Clarke as he delves into the poignant tale of Hope, a Mexican wolf, with Greta Anderson from Western Watersheds Project. Discover the politics behind wolf recovery north of Interstate 40, and the broader implications for conservation policy. Anderson highlights the need for policy changes to support the natural dispersion of wolves. This episode underscores the vital work involved...