Mojave Desert Episodes

Desert biologist Tim Shields joins 90 Miles from Needles to discuss efforts to protect the Mojave Desert's tortoise population. Shields updates on using non-lethal lasers to deter ravens, major tortoise predators, and shares insights into the challenges posed by the invasive schismus grass. He reve…

Celebrating a historic milestone for the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in Death Valley, this episode uncovers the journey from historical challenges to today's collaborations with the National Park Service.

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 a…

Chris Clarke embarks on a journey to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta in El Paso, sharing insights from his travels and engaging encounters. He highlights the importance of desert protection, discussing his experiences with passionate advocates across diverse desert communities. Chris explores the sign…

Chris Clarke reflects on his first encounter with the North American deserts, sparked by a 1966 road trip with his father, James Clarke, who recently celebrated his 91st birthday. This episode revisits a previously shared piece by Chris exploring family ties, personal history, and the profound conn…

Chris Clarke and Brendan Cummings discuss the recent approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan by California's Fish and Game Commission. Brendan outlines the journey from the 2019 petition for protection to the 2023 Conservation Act, highlighting its aim to combat climate threats and ma…

Chris Clarke reflects on the fifth anniversary of the Dome Fire, which devastated over 44,000 acres of the Joshua Tree forest in the Mojave National Preserve. The episode explores themes of loss, recovery, and environmental impact, as Clarke recounts his personal connection to the area and its tran…

A distinguished voice in desert poetry and a former wildland firefighter, Ruth Nolan shares her insights into the ecological challenges and intrinsic beauty of California's deserts through her evocative poetry.

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

Chris Clarke reflects on the recent loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, urging listeners to prioritize visiting their own wish lists of desert sites before they vanish.

In this engaging episode of the "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke is joined by author Barret Baumgart. The conversation centers around Baumgart's book "Yuck," which explores the peculiar and iconic Joshua Tree. From its historical misunderstandings and numero…

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke delves into two pivotal events illuminating the current challenges and triumphs in desert conservation efforts. The episode captures the essence o...