Episodes
May 7, 2024
S3E14: Saving El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands
Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke engages with Jon Rezendes to explore the rich ecological landscape and current environmental threats facing the Chihuahuan Deser...
April 30, 2024
S3E13: Why Protecting Cultural Sites is Important
In this revealing episode, we delve into the clandestine underworld of archaeological site looting and cultural vandalism in the Southwest. Our esteemed guests, Shannon Cowell and Dustin Whiting of Archaeology Southwest, shin...
April 25, 2024
S3E12: Our 50th Episode
In this 50th episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke reflects on the importance of protecting the desert and the need for more desert activists. He discusses the challenges faced by the desert, including resourc...
April 16, 2024
S3E11: Desert Stories
In this episode host Chris Clarke shares his recent visit to the Amargosa Basin, highlighting the stunning wildflower bloom and the importance of supporting local communities. He also presents three captivating desert stories...
April 3, 2024
S3E10: Can the Wilson's Phalarope Save the Great Salt Lake?
Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode of "90 Miles from Needles," the Desert Protection podcast, we journey with the host to the shores of the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake and the steps of the Utah State Cap...
March 26, 2024
S3E9: How Avi Kwa Ame Transformed My Life
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...
March 19, 2024
S3E8: Border Wall: A Barrier to Wildlife and Humanity
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke interviews Myles Traphagen, a conservationist and scientist working with The Wildlands Network. They discuss the impact of the border wall on wildlife and the envi...
March 6, 2024
S3E7: Saving the Chihuahuan Desert with Frontera Land Alliance
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...
Feb. 27, 2024
S3E6: Joshua Trees and Family Trees
In this episode, host Chris Clarke shares an excerpt from his book in progress about the Joshua tree, the signature plant of the Mojave Desert. He reflects on his experiences in the desert, the balance of nature, and the kins...
Feb. 20, 2024
S3E5: Protecting the Great Bend of the Gila
Join host Chris Clarke as he explores the proposed Great Bend of the Gila National Monument with advocates Skylar Begay and Mike Quigley. They discuss the importance of protecting this pristine Sonoran Desert landscape, rich ...
Feb. 5, 2024
S3E4: Nevada Supreme Court Upholds Water Protections for Desert Wildlife
In this episode, host Chris Clarke speaks with Patrick Donnelly of the Center for Biological Diversity about a significant victory in the Nevada Supreme Court regarding water rights. They discuss the case of Coyote Springs, a...
Jan. 29, 2024
S3E3: The Fight Against Flamingo 640; How a Community Stood Up to Big Development
In this episode, host Chris Clarke discusses the successful fight against a proposed glamping project called Flamingo 640 in the California desert. Clarke is joined by community member Caroline Partamian, former president of ...
Jan. 23, 2024
S3E2: Biden's Plan to Turn the Desert into a Solar Energy Complex
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 alternati...
Jan. 15, 2024
S3E1: Four Books That Will Change How You See The Desert
In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke introduces four books that will challenge preconceptions about the desert. The first book, "The Arid Lands: History, Power, and Know...
Dec. 25, 2023
S2E16: Protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep from Habitat Loss and Disease
About The Guest(s): Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises...
Nov. 27, 2023
S2E15: On Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference for the Desert
Summary: Chris discusses the challenges that the deserts will face in 2024, including increased utility scale development of renewable energy, the threat of lithium mining, and the continuation of border policies that waive e...
Nov. 8, 2023
S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California
About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's...
Oct. 23, 2023
S2E13: Dealing With Loss
It's been a minute since we published an episode, in part because Chris and Alicia have had complicated lives. Here's how we contend with bad news inside and out of the desert: we go to ground in the desert. Become a desert d...
Aug. 26, 2023
S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1
We delve into the world of the saguaro cactus, exploring its cultural significance, scientific studies, and more. We talk to journalist Henry Brean of the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson storyteller Audrey Scheere about differe...
July 26, 2023
S2E11: Globemallow Binding the Desert's Wounds
Chris and Alicia discuss the recent victory in delaying exploration for lithium near Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. They also announce the formation of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, the podcast's new nonprofit org...
July 11, 2023
S2E10 Save Ash Meadows!
Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike to discuss the threat posed by a Canadian mining company's plans to conduct exploratory drilling for lithium near the Ash Meadows National Wil...
June 13, 2023
S2E9: What We Got Wrong About the Desert
We spend a lot of time correcting misapprehensions about the desert. But don't get the impression we think we're flawless! We've made our share of mistakes about the desert as well. In this episode, we share some of the thing...
May 29, 2023
S2E8: Native Activism in the Desert (Part 1)
Chris and Alicia talk to Elizabeth Paige of Native American Land Conservancy and Save Our Springs. Podcast episode photo by John Fowler. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate See omnystudio.com/list...
April 23, 2023
S2E7: Superb Loom
There are flowers to be seen in the desert, if you know where to look. Chris and Alicia de-stress while enjoying the best of the desert, and discuss how best to celebrate such effusive blooms without destroying them. Become a...