Protected Lands Episodes

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 d…

Chris Clarke hosts a timely conversation with Dr. Jackie Grant, Executive Director of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, about the potential impacts of a new congressional effort to overturn the monument's management plan. The management plan's erosion could threaten Grand Staircase Escalante Nati…

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.

Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the inspiring vision of establishing a transboundary network of protected areas across the US-Mexico border with guest Rick LoBello, Education and Conservation Director at the El Paso Zoo. Chris and Rick discuss efforts to connect Big Bend National Park with ne…

Reflecting on the erosion of environmental laws, rampant industrial proposals, and the clash between ideology and science, this episode urges careful listening to the desert's fading voices. As the podcast enters its fifth year, Clarke calls for community support to continue reporting on these vita…

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…

With reduced staffing, National Parks in the American Deserts face risks of vandalism and inadequate visitor safety.

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…

Morgan Sjogren shares an evocative reading from her recent book Path of Light : A Walk Through Colliding Legacies of Glen Canyon discussing uranium mining's impact on red rock country and the broader implications for desert landscapes.

Explore the evolving debate over a budget rider proposed by Senator Mike Lee that threatens to privatize millions of acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Explore urban environmental restoration at the Nature Center at Pia Okwai in South Salt Lake, guided by Parker Lloyd from the Tracy Aviary. Discover how this innovative project offers a sanctuary for native wildlife and a community haven amid industrial sprawl.

Chris Clarke hosts a compelling discussion with Diné activist Davina Smith on the significance of the Bears Ears National Monument.

Investigative journalist David Helvarg talks to us about threats to democracy, public lands, and global environmental activism amid escalating misinformation and violence.

Episode Summary: In this episode of 90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast, host Chris Clarke engages in a compelling conversation with author Josh Jackson about the significance of BLM lands in California. Josh...

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 Mon...

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 th...

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 loca...