90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges and successes in desert plant conservation in Nevada. Discover the plight of Tiehm's buckwheat threatened by a lithium-boron mining project and the promising steps toward protection for the Tecopa bird's beak. Navigate the complexities of environmenta...

In this special Election Day 2024 episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris sheds light on the crucial role of civic engagement in the ongoing struggle to protect North America’s deserts. Released strategically on a day when decisions hold power over environmental policies, this episode emphasizes the dual efforts needed both in voting and ongoing advocacy to drive the change they wish to see in e...

About the Guest(s): Chris Clarke is the host of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." He brings a wealth of knowledge about wildlife and conservation topics, particularly relating to the American Southwest's deserts. Rick LoBello is the Education and Conservation Curator at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, with previous experience as a park ranger at Big Bend National P...

Juniper Harrower Juniper Harrower is an artist and ecologist currently serving as an art professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Born in Palm Springs and raised in the high desert, Harrower has a profound connection with desert ecology. Her work is deeply intertwined with Joshua tree ecosystems, blending art with scientific inquiry to explore the impact of climate change on desert habitats....

About the Guest : Ben Goldfarb is an award-winning environmental journalist and prolific author known for his focus on the intersection of human activity and wildlife. His works, including Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet , explore groundbreaking ecological concepts and have been recognized by outlets such as the New York Times . Goldfarb's influential book Eager: Th...

About the Guest: Kyle Roerink is the Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network. Roerink has been a pivotal figure in advocating for sustainable water management across the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. His organization has played a significant role in addressing critical issues related to water rights, environmental protection, and the ecological impact of industry and urban deve...

About the Guest: Dr. Michael E. Ketterer is a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Northern Arizona University. With extensive expertise in analytical chemistry and environmental analysis of radionuclides such as uranium and plutonium, Dr. Ketterer has dedicated his recent research to studying hazardous contamination from historical nuclear activities. He collaborates with various organizations to u...

Chris Clarke delves into the controversial final programmatic environmental impact statement for the western Solar Plan, revealing the potential ecological damage from vast solar developments across 11 states. Despite personal support and advocacy for solar power, Clarke critiques the plan's sprawling approach and highlights a more sustainable alternative that might surprise you. The episode empha...

Public lands in Utah take center stage as Governor Spencer Cox announces a lawsuit aiming to shift control of those lands from federal to state hands. Chris Clarke explores the implications with Jonathan Thompson, a long-time public lands journalist. They dissect the motivations behind the lawsuit, potential impacts on conservation and recreation, and the significance of the proposed change for im...

The rise of renewable energy projects, particularly solar farms, in desert regions has sparked concern regarding their impact on native wildlife, including the desert tortoises. Solar panels cover vast tracts of land to capture sunlight efficiently, which can lead to habitat loss for the tortoises. They can be displaced from their native habitats, or their genetic connectivity can be disrupted. Mo...

In this heartfelt episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke shares an evocative reading from his book, "Walking with Zeke," reflecting on meaningful experiences with his previous dog Zeke. This story reveals the depth of his connection to his pets and nature, illustrating the profound impact these relationships have on his life and work. The touching narrative about camping under the m...

Chris chats with Lucas Basulto, president of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, from a swelteringly hot living room about snakes in the desert. They trade snake stories, discuss common misconceptions about these reptiles, and stress the ecological importance of preserving their habitats. From Lucas' childhood snake-collecting antics to how to handle snake bites and the issue of road mortality, thi...

Under Chevron, agencies interpreted often vague language in laws passed by Congress. Supreme Court’s move now reallocates these decisions to the courts. We explain what this means. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We take him to task. We often hear that sacrificing natural landscapes is a necessary evil for renewable energy. But as Rebecca Wisent says, “...the conversation now is almost entirely about ways to handle climate change without changing how we live.” W...

About the Guest(s): Mitch Miller: Mitch Miller is a seasoned landscape photographer based in Joshua Tree, California. With a career that started in 1981, Mitch has a unique affection for capturing night sky images. His extensive knowledge of Joshua Tree National Park and a deep connection to the desert landscape informs his artistic pursuits. Mitch's work reflects a profound appreciation for the i...

Surviving and thriving in desert heat require a combination of knowledge, preparation, and vigilance. Understanding the immediate dangers, recognizing early symptoms of heat injuries, and taking practical precautions can help ensure safety for everyone venturing into these extreme conditions. By sharing these insights, we can better equip ourselves and our communities to handle the increasing temp...

Daniel Leivas, Southern Paiute-Chemehuevi from Lake Havasu, shares his journey of reviving ancestral agricultural practices on the Chemehuevi Nation's traditional farm. He narrates how his family transformed the land into a thriving ecosystem. Exploring connections between the land, water, and spirit, Leivas recounts battles with wildlife, environmental conservation efforts, and cultural preservat...

In this episode we welcome back Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy for an engaging and informative update on the situation surrounding Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the threat of lithium mining explorations by Rover Critical Minerals. As environmental defenders, the Conservancy alongside partners like the Center for Biological Diversity and the Nature Conservancy has successfully...

Discover the ancient plants of the desert in this episode of 90 Miles from Needles. From the 11,700-year-old King Clone creosote bush to the surprisingly long lifespans of cholla cacti and Mojave yuccas, host Chris Clarke explores the remarkable longevity of these desert plants. Learn how scientists determine the age of these plants through historic photographs and longitudinal studies. Gain a new...

About our Guest: Jon Rezendes is an influential conservationist with a dedication to the preservation and rewilding of the Chihuahuan Desert region, particularly in El Paso, Texas. His military background brought him to El Paso, where he found a second home amid the natural beauty of the desert landscape. As the Vice President of the Frontera Land Alliance and a board member of the Texas Lobo Coal...

In this revealing episode, we delve into the clandestine underworld of archaeological site looting and cultural vandalism in the Southwest. Our esteemed guests, Shannon Cowell and Dustin Whiting of Archaeology Southwest, shine a light on the often-underreported plundering of ancestral lands and the complex web of issues surrounding heritage justice. Resources: Archaeology Southwest Website: Archae...

In this 50th episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke reflects on the importance of protecting the desert and the need for more desert activists. He discusses the challenges faced by the desert, including resource extraction and the loss of news media coverage. Clarke emphasizes the role of the podcast in providing information and inspiring listeners to become committed activists. Wit...

In this episode host Chris Clarke shares his recent visit to the Amargosa Basin, highlighting the stunning wildflower bloom and the importance of supporting local communities. He also presents three captivating desert stories, including the self-awareness of bursage plants, the connection between humans and coyotes, and the deceptive allure of desert magic. Become a desert defender!: https://90mil...

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," the Desert Protection podcast, we journey with the host to the shores of the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake and the steps of the Utah State Capitol. We delve into the urgent efforts led by advocates and scientists to save the critical ecosystem of the lake and protect species like the Wilson's Phalarope through the E...

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke reflects on the significance of the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. He shares personal stories of his deep connection to the desert landscape and the transformative power it holds. The episode also includes excerpts from the ceremony celebrating the monument's designation and the efforts of local...