Advertise on podcast: 90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

An excerpt from the host's forthcoming book on Joshua trees

Advocates propose a new national monument in west-central Arizona.

We delve into the recent victory in Nevada's Supreme Court and its implications for sustainable water management.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke discusses the 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 Marino, 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 and advocacy, they were able to successfully defeat the project. Tune in to learn more about their efforts to protect the desert landscape.

[SUMMARY]: 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 make their voices heard. Tune in to learn more about the future of solar energy in the desert.

In this episode, 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 the Quitobaquito oasis and the impact of border policies on the oasis. The third book, "Dead in Their Tracks" by John Annerino, sheds light on the human cost of imigration policy in the desert borderlands. Lastly, "Chasing Centuries" by Ron Parker uncovers ancient agave cultivars and their significance in Native American cultures. Tune in to discover a new perspective on the desert. In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clark 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 book, "Dead in Their Tracks" by John Annerino, sheds light on the human cost of crossing the desert borderlands. Lastly, "Chasing Centuries" by Ron Parker uncovers ancient agave cultivars and their significance in Native American cultures. Tune in to discover a new perspective on the desert.

[SUMMARY]: Dr. Christina Aiello, a bighorn sheep biologist, joins the Desert Protection podcast to discuss the threats facing desert bighorn sheep in the Mojave Desert. She highlights the similarities between the threats faced by bighorn sheep and desert tortoises, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and the impacts of climate change. Dr. Aiello emphasizes the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity between populations to ensure the long-term survival of the species. She also discusses the potential impacts of the proposed high-speed rail project on bighorn sheep movement and the need for wildlife crossings to mitigate habitat fragmentation.

As we approach the end of the year, Chris can't help but think about the challenges the deserts will face in 2024. Join us in protecting these precious landscapes. Donate today!

The author of the recently released field atlas The Deserts of California, Obi Kaufmann, sits down with Chris and Alicia to talk about the deserts.

When we lose parts of the desert, we need ways to keep going.

A fond look at the iconic saguaro

We delve into our love for the desert plant, the Globe Mallow. We share personal stories and observations about the plant's adaptability and its role in the desert ecosystem.