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 pressed for a pause on Rover's exploration. But Rover has responded by upping the ante. Become a de...
May 21, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 16
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 appreciation for the resilience and beauty of these ancient desert inhabitants. Become a desert def...
May 15, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 15
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 Coalition, Rezendes is a champion for environmental causes in the region. He is a strong advocate for th...
May 07, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 14
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: Archaeology Southwest Save History Project: Save History Children's activity book on cultural site preserv...
Apr 30, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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. With only 100 recurring donors supporting the podcast, he calls for more support to expand the reach an...
Apr 25, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 16, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 Endangered Species Act. The discussion highlights the worrying state of the Great Salt Lake, its decl...
Apr 03, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 tribes and activists. With stunning descriptions and heartfelt anecdotes, Clarke emphasizes the impo...
Mar 26, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke interviews Myles Traphagen, a conservationist and scientist working with The Wildlands Network. They discuss the impact of the border wall on wildlife and the environment, as well as the artificial humanitarian crisis at the US-Mexico border. Traphagen highlights the need for a more humane and constructive approach to immigration and emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecological consequences of border policies. Tune in to ...
Mar 19, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Discover the beauty and biodiversity of the Chihuahuan Desert in this episode of "90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast." Host Chris Clarke explores the challenges of conserving this vast desert, primarily located in Mexico but also extending into Texas and New Mexico. He speaks with Janae Reneaud Field, Kathia Gonzalez, and Rocio Ronquillo from El Paso's Frontera Land Alliance, who share their efforts to protect the Castner Range National Monument and educate the community about ...
Mar 06, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode, host Chris Clarke shares an excerpt from his book in progress about the Joshua tree, the signature plant of the Mojave Desert. He reflects on his experiences in the desert, the balance of nature, and the kinship of all life. With vivid descriptions of the desert landscape and personal anecdotes, Clarke explores the connection between humans and the natural world. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 27, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument with advocates Skylar Begay and Mike Quigley. They discuss the importance of protecting this pristine Sonoran Desert landscape, rich in cultural and natural history. With the threat of encroaching development and destructive recreation, the establishment of the monument would safeguard significant cultural sites and provide habitat for endangered species like the Sonoran pronghorn. Become a desert defende...
Feb 20, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a proposed city in the desert that would have a detrimental effect on the Muddy River and its endangered species. The court ruling sets a precedent for managing groundwater and surface water as a single resource, potentially affecting other areas in Nevada facing similar wate...
Feb 05, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Clarke is joined by community member Caroline Partamian, former president of the Homestead Valley Community Council Justin Merino, and Luke Basulto from the National Parks Conservation Association. They discuss the negative impacts the project would have had on wildlife, traffic, and the peaceful atmosphere of the area. Through community organizing a...
Jan 29, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 3
The Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Utility-Scale Solar energy development is shaping the future of solar in the western United States. In this episode, host Chris Clarke explores the different alternatives proposed in the draft and their potential impact on public lands. He discusses the exclusion areas, the size of land available for solar development, and the importance of considering rooftop solar as an alternative. Listeners are encouraged to comment on the draft and m...
Jan 23, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions about the desert. The first book, "The Arid Lands: History, Power, and Knowledge" by Diana K. Davis, challenges the notion that deserts are wastelands in need of development. The second book, "Peoples of a Sonoran Desert Oasis" by Jared Orsi, explores the history and culture of Quito Bacito and the impact of border policies on the oasis. The third ...
Jan 15, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 1
About The Guest(s): Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. With a focus on the Mojave Desert region, Dr. Aiello's research examines the impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change on bighorn sheep populations. Summary: Dr. Christina Aiello joins host Chris Clarke to discuss the conservation ...
Dec 25, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the threat of lithium mining, and the continuation of border policies that waive environmental laws. Chris emphasizes the need for accurate advocacy for the deserts and challenges the misconception that the desert is a defective version of other ecosystems. He introduces the Desert Advocacy Media Network and highlights the importance of support to continu...
Nov 27, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 15
About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts. Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Deserts of California." The book is part of his California Field Atlas series, which aims to explore the how of ecological systems...
Nov 08, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 14
It's been a minute since we published an episode, in part because Chris and Alicia have had complicated lives. Here's how we contend with bad news inside and out of the desert: we go to ground in the desert. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 13
We delve into the world of the saguaro cactus, exploring its cultural significance, scientific studies, and more. We talk to journalist Henry Brean of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson storyteller Audrey Scheere about different aspects of this magnificent plant, the threats it faces, and how people interact with it — for good or ill. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the saguaro! Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
Aug 26, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Chris and Alicia discuss the recent victory in delaying exploration for lithium near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. They also announce the formation of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, the podcast's new nonprofit organization home. The hosts then delve into their love for the desert plant, the Globe Mallow. They share personal stories and observations about the plant's adaptability and its role in the desert ecosystem. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See...
Jul 26, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to conduct exploratory drilling for lithium near the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. The drilling could potentially puncture the aquifer and cause catastrophic damage to the fragile ecosystem. The hosts highlight the conflict between the need for renewable energy and the preservation of biodiversity, and call for public support to pro...
Jul 11, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 10
We spend a lot of time correcting misapprehensions about the desert. But don't get the impression we think we're flawless! We've made our share of mistakes about the desert as well. In this episode, we share some of the things we once thought about the desert that are just plain wrong, on topics ranging from rainfall to rattlesnakes. And of course we do this on a hike in the Mojave Desert. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...
Jun 13, 2023•55 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of Native American Land Conservancy and Save Our Springs. Podcast episode photo by John Fowler. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 8
There are flowers to be seen in the desert, if you know where to look. Chris and Alicia de-stress while enjoying the best of the desert, and discuss how best to celebrate such effusive blooms without destroying them. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 22, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 7
We here at 90 Miles from Needles are big fans of The Border Chronicle podcast and email newsletter, and in this episode, we're republishing an episode from that podcast first aired in November in which Melissa Del Bosque talks to Texas border activist Scott Nicol about how the Biden Administration is continuing to build Trump's border wall, though it's called something else. From The Border Chronicle's description: Scott Nicol is an artist, educator and environmentalist in South Texas who has ad...
Apr 09, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The US Interior Department is rethinking the ways it has managed big corporate solar on public lands, and we have opinions. Chris pontificates based on his many years of covering public lands renewable energy as a recovering journalist, and Alicia interrupts his solarsplaining once in a while to inject some non-jargon-ridden analysis. We love solar! We want it in our backyards! And we want to protect desert habitat from industrial development. We can do both. Also: we announce a new project, a s...
Mar 19, 2023•52 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Alicia talks to a well-organized group of desert denizens who are working together to stop an inappropriate development from destroying their way of life, and the desert environment they cherish. For more information, or to tell California's San Bernardino County to insist on a full environmental review of the project, see stopwonderinn.org Extra thanks to Lucas Basulto of NPCA and Saving Slowpoke , and to the wonderful Lisa M. for reading samples from the writing of Helen Bagley. Watch this sit...
Feb 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In late 2022, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey ordered the illegal construction of sections of ineffective but ecologically disastrous border wall made out of shipping containers. Then, in response to a federal order as he prepared to leave office, he ordered that wall torn down. Protesters on the ground helped in a big way, by forcing contractors to stop work on the project. We talk to Melissa Del Bosque, co-founder of the Border Chronicle project, a podcast and email newsletter reporting on border ...
Feb 02, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 3
