Botany Episodes
Celebrating the astonishing diversity of desert flora, from towering Joshua trees to rare wildflowers, and the conservation challenges posed by climate change and human activity.
Nov. 12, 2024
S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation
Join host Chris Clarke and guest Dr. Naomi Fraga, Director of Conservation Programs at the California Botanic Garden, as they explore the challenges and successes in desert plant conservation in Nevada. Discover the plight o…
Oct. 15, 2024
S3E30: Exploring the Art and Science of Joshua Trees
Juniper Harrower Juniper Harrower is an artist and ecologist currently serving as an art professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. Born in Palm Springs and raised in the high desert, Harrower has a profound connection w…
May 15, 2024
S3E15: The Surprising Longevity of Desert Plants
Discover the ancient plants of the desert in this episode of 90 Miles from Needles. From the 11,700-year-old King Clone creosote bush to the surprisingly long lifespans of cholla cacti and Mojave yuccas, host Chris Clarke ex…
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 kin…
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 differ…
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 or…
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 …
Jan. 17, 2023
S2E1: Larrea tridentata a.k.a. the Humble Creosote
Welcome to Season 2! Chris and Alicia spend time communing with an 11,700-year-old creosote in the Mojave Desert, and discuss the species' importance as well as the ethics of treating millennia-old beings as disposable. King…
Nov. 28, 2022
S1E22: Season Finale! Ironwoods: the Sonoran Desert's Tree of Life. Plus thank you
The desert ironwood, Olneya tesota , is the basis of an entire ecosystem in the Sonoran desert. And this ecosystem includes people. Alicia and Chris hike in Ironwood Country and talk to the renowned Petey Mesquitey, host of …
Oct. 25, 2022
S1E20: California still doesn't know what to do about the western Joshua tree
On October 12, the California Fish and Game Commission postponed a decision yet again on whether to grant the western Joshua tree protection under the California Endangered Species Act. Chris and Alicia speak to Brendan Cumm…
Aug. 7, 2022
S1E15 What Keeps You Going plus Bristlecone Pines
With bad news all around, how do we keep up our strength and resolve to protect the places that matter? Chris and Alicia start an ongoing conversation in a couple of those places. In between, 90 Miles from Needles talks to L…
July 21, 2022
S1E14 The Bean Trees! But first, please help us
There's good news: the desert offers sweet sustenance that can be had for a little bit of work. And we mean actual food, not that metaphorical well being stuff. Though that's here too. But first, Chris offers some thoughts o…
May 8, 2022
S1E9: Saving the Western Joshua tree
Joshua trees, the iconic species of the Mojave Desert, are in serious danger of becoming extinct across most of their range... and yet the state of California is recommending against granting the trees permanent protection. …
March 2, 2022
S1E5: Where Have All The Flowers Gone?
Spring is coming, and that means that hundreds of thousands of people start thinking about visiting the desert to see the "superbloom." But even in the rare years when it happens, there's a right way and a wrong way to take…
Feb. 1, 2022
S1E3: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of Cima Dome
Cima Dome was supposed to be a place where Joshua trees were most likely to survive climate change. A climate-accentuated wildfire hit there anyway. In this episode, Chris relates how much the Cima Dome Joshua tree forest me…