90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Chris Clarke
  • 4.9 (41)
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90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast
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Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

  1. S3E36: Laughing Coyotes and Saguaro Dreams: An Unlikely Desert Awakening

    5 DAYS AGO

    S3E36: Laughing Coyotes and Saguaro Dreams: An Unlikely Desert Awakening

    Chris Clarke reflects on a transformative year for the 90 Miles from Needles podcast and his deep connection to the desert. The episode covers diverse topics, from conserving lands in the U.S.-Mexico border area to the impact of legal decisions in Nevada. Clarke shares personal stories of discovering the desert, its wildlife, and its profound effect on his life. He also encourages listeners to share their experiences with desert protection.

    33 min
  2. S3E35: Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist: Creating the World We Want Together

    NOV 26

    S3E35: Reimagine, Rebuild, Resist: Creating the World We Want Together

    Chris discusses the implications of the recent election, emphasizing the need for grassroots activism, local engagement, and articulating a positive vision for the world we want.

    41 min
  3. S3E34: Hope the Mexican Wolf: A Tale of Survival and Loss in Northern Arizona

    NOV 19

    S3E34: Hope the Mexican Wolf: A Tale of Survival and Loss in Northern Arizona

    We turn our focus to an incredible yet tragic story of Hope, a Mexican wolf that made history in Northern Arizona.

    35 min
  4. S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation

    NOV 12

    S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation

    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 environmental protection amid rapid industrialization and learn about the vibrant ecosystems that hang in the balance. Discover how these efforts intertwine with broader themes of sustainability and environmental stewardship.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  5. S3E32: Vote, Engage, and Protect Our Desert

    NOV 5

    S3E32: Vote, Engage, and Protect Our Desert

    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.

    24 min
  6. S3E31: Return of the Lobo: Restoring Texas' Mexican Wolves

    OCT 22

    S3E31: Return of the Lobo: Restoring Texas' Mexican Wolves

    Rick LoBello, Erin Hunt, and Philip Sozanski of the Texas Lobo Coalition discuss strategies to reintroduce wolves to Texas and the ecological benefits they may bring.

    52 min
  7. S3E30: Exploring the Art and Science of Joshua Trees

    OCT 15

    S3E30: Exploring the Art and Science of Joshua Trees

    Juniper HarrowerJuniper 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. Harrower's work has been featured in academic and artistic spheres, with a focus on ecological relationships and environmental restoration. Sant KhalsaSant Khalsa is an accomplished artist and curator who has been actively engaged in environmental issues through her artwork for over four decades. A professor emerita from Cal State San Bernardino, Khalsa has contributed extensively to eco-conscious art practices. Her curatorial work, especially on the exhibition "Desert Forest:  Life with Joshua Trees," highlights her commitment to the intersection of art, environment, and activism. Chris ClarkeChris Clarke is a presenter and writer with a keen focus on environmental conservation, particularly involving desert ecology and Joshua trees. He has a history of extensive research and analysis on ecological subjects, bringing both scientific and cultural insights into discussions on plant conservation. Episode Summary: Explore the rich intersections of art, ecology, and desert life in this episode with Juniper Harrower, Sant Khalsa, and Chris Clarke. As curators and contributors to the "Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees" exhibition and book, Sant and Juniper provide in-depth insights into their journey from conception to realization of this comprehensive project. Highlighted by compelling storytelling, the episode delves into their deep-rooted connections to the desert, blending scientific research with artistic expression to illuminate the pressing environmental issues affecting Joshua trees today. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the exhibition, aiming to elevate the dialogue around Joshua Trees through a blend of factual inquiry and creative artwork. The exhibition, part of the Getty-supported PST art and science Collide, explores the rich ecological, cultural, and historical narratives surrounding Joshua Trees. Sant and Juniper share the collaborative process of engaging over 50 artists, writers, and scientists (and some contributors that fit into more than just one of these categories) to create multidimensional representations of the desert ecosystem. Key Takeaways: Integration of Art and Science: The "Desert Life with Joshua Trees" project successfully merges scientific research with artistic expression to present a comprehensive understanding of Joshua trees and their ecosystems. Curatorial Approach: Sant Khalsa emphasizes the exhibition's unique curatorial approach by highlighting its breadth and the synergy between artists who live in the Joshua Tree area. Community Involvement: Both the book and exhibition foster community engagement by raising awareness of ecological issues and promoting proactive environmental stewardship. Environmental Threats: The show underscores the urgent threats faced by Joshua Trees, including climate change, industrial development, and habitat destruction. Cultural Significance: Juniper and Sant explore the deep-rooted cultural symbolism of Joshua Trees and address historical and current challenges through art and science narratives. Resources: Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees: Inlandia Institute Museum Of Art and History: https://www.lancastermoah.org/ Juniper Harrower: Juniper's Work Sant Khalsa: Sant's Work Immerse yourself fully in the "Desert Life with Joshua Trees" exhibition and book to appreciate the intricate dance of art, science, and nature presented by Juniper Harrower and Sant Khalsa. Consider this episode a portal into deeper understanding and appreciation of desert life, with a wealth of knowledge that emphasizes sustainability,

    1h 11m
  8. S3E29: Barbed Wire and Border Walls: The Unseen Cost of Fragmented Habitats

    OCT 8

    S3E29: Barbed Wire and Border Walls: The Unseen Cost of Fragmented Habitats

    Chris Clarke engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb. The focus is on the nuanced field of road ecology and its implications on desert ecosystems.

    55 min
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Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

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