Border Episodes

We talk with Russ McSpadden from the Center for Biological Diversity about the alarming destruction of ancient geoglyphs in border wall construction and the challenges faced by local wildlife and Indigenous cultures. There's also a glimmer of hope with the reappearance of a jaguar in Arizona.

Amidst a decades-long drought, Chris Clarke dives into the complexities of the Colorado River's water crisis, exploring its critical role in agriculture and urban development. Discover the historical renaming of the river and the ensuing political implications, while unraveling the intricacies of the 1922 Colorado River Compact. Chris breaks down water consumption patterns, with a spotlight on beef and dairy production as livestock feed crops consume over half of the river's resources. Learn how changes in agricultural practices and consumer choices related to beef and dairy could alleviate strain on this crucial waterway. Join the discussion on water politics, climate change, and sustainable solutions.

Chris Clarke and Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity, discuss the campaign against proposed border wall expansions in the Big Bend region of West Texas. The episode explores the wall's potential impact on communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Discover grassroots efforts uniting diverse communities in opposition to the wall, driven by shared passion for preserving the area's ecological and cultural heritage. Learn about the organized efforts to safeguard one of the last untouched stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border and the unexpected alliances forming to counteract this divisive project.

Chris Clarke discusses the challenges facing Joshua trees and desert ecosystems with conservation biologist Nick Graver. They explore how climate change, invasive species, and increased human activity threaten these iconic landscapes. Graver, a graduate student at UC Riverside, shares insights on adapting land management strategies, the role of wildfires, and the importance of collaborative action across federal and state entities. As they discuss Graver's research on Joshua tree population modeling, they highlight the critical need for continued efforts to protect the desert's biodiversity for future generations.

Join host Chris Clarke on 90 Miles from Needles as he speaks with Andrea Hoerr of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas and Great Old Broads for Wilderness. They discuss the rich biodiversity of Arizona's San Rafael Valley and the controversy surrounding new border wall construction. Listeners are invited to a rally on November 15th highlighting the area’s environmental significance. Immerse yourself in crucial discussions about protecting desert ecosystems and community-led advocacy efforts.

Rubén Martinéz, an instructor, writer, and performer from Loyola Marymount University, shares a captivating reading exploring the duality of deserts—both physical and metaphorical. This reflection ties into broader themes of human migration, spiritual discovery, and personal healing. With insights drawn from desert landscapes and varied intellectual traditions, this episode invites listeners on a journey through two realms: the borderland desert and the spiritual void,

This chapter of our 100th episode highlights the inspiring victory against the proposed lithium mining project near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

Join host Chris Clarke and guest Kevin Emmerich, Co-Founder of Basin and Range Watch, as they discuss the environmental implications of the Greenlink West transmission line projects in Nevada.

This episode highlights the human cost of migration through one of the harshest terrains on earth, the Sonoran Desert, while advocating for more humane approaches to immigration and border policies.

Chris interviews Laurie Cantillo, Chair of Humane Borders. They discuss the organization's critical work in saving lives by providing water in the Sonoran Desert, the challenges faced by migrants, and the alarming militarization of the US-Mexico border.

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 ecosystems, their intricate balance, and the sometimes unexpected roles they play. This episode provid...

We explore 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.

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 discusses the recent conservation victory concerning lithium drilling near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Ref...

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 protected lands showcases a joint effort to preserve the Southwest's unique landscapes. ...

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 environmental and desert policies. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donat...

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: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter has received critical acclaim for its insight...

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 development in the arid Southwest. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needl...

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 temperatures and enjoy the desert’s unique beauty responsibly. Become a desert defender!: https://90m...

Great Salt Lake is shrinking, threatening an ecosystem of hemispheric importance to migratory birds. Chris Clarke travels to Utah to examine efforts to protect the lake and the Wilson's phalarope, a remarkable shorebird that depends on saline wetlands during its enormous migrations. Scientists and advocates consider whether the Endangered Species Act could provide another tool for protecting both the bird and its habitat, while Utah residents gather at the State Capitol to demand action for the lake.

The U.S.–Mexico border wall doesn't divide only people. It cuts across wildlife habitat, migration routes, watersheds, and some of North America's most biologically diverse desert landscapes. Chris Clarke talks with conservation scientist Myles Traphagen of Wildlands Network about the ecological consequences of border barriers and the humanitarian crisis unfolding alongside them. They discuss wildlife movement, habitat fragmentation, border policy, and what a more humane and ecologically informed approach to the border might look like.

Arizona's Great Bend of the Gila holds an extraordinary concentration of Indigenous cultural sites, wildlife habitat, and largely intact Sonoran Desert landscape. Chris Clarke talks with advocates Skylar Begay and Mike Quigley about efforts to secure permanent protection for the region. They discuss its cultural and natural history, threats from development and destructive recreation, habitat for species including Sonoran pronghorn, and why protecting the Great Bend means recognizing a landscape shaped by thousands of years of human history.

Groundwater and surface water may have different names, but ecologically they're often the same resource. Chris Clarke talks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a major Nevada Supreme Court decision involving Coyote Springs, a proposed desert city whose groundwater pumping could damage the Muddy River and endangered wildlife. The ruling affirms Nevada's ability to consider interconnected groundwater and surface-water systems together, with potentially important consequences for water management throughout the state's arid landscapes.

Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most extraordinary desert oases on Earth, home to crystal-clear springs and species found nowhere else. This episode explores the refuge's unique ecology, the conservation challenges it faces, and why protecting desert water is vital for preserving biodiversity throughout the Southwest.

For generations, Americans have been taught that deserts are barren wastelands waiting to be developed. This episode challenges those misconceptions by exploring what science—and the desert itself—actually tells us about biodiversity, resilience, and why changing our understanding of these landscapes is essential to their protection.