Episodes
July 24, 2024
S3E22: Debunking Snake Misconceptions
Chris chats with Lucas Basulto, president of the Desert Advocacy Media Network, from a swelteringly hot living room about snakes in the desert. They trade snake stories, discuss common misconceptions about these reptiles, and...
July 16, 2024
S3E21: The War on Facts: Environmental Protection after Chevron
Under Chevron, agencies interpreted often vague language in laws passed by Congress. Supreme Court’s move now reallocates these decisions to the courts. We explain what this means. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfr...
June 26, 2024
S3E20: Desert Protection versus Climate Capitalism: Can we have both?
A representative of a Canadian mining firm poised to damage Ash Meadows and the Amargosa says opponents might be shills for oil and gas companies. We take him to task. We often hear that sacrificing natural landscapes is a ne...
June 18, 2024
S3E19: Oh, those dark desert skies
About the Guest(s): Mitch Miller: Mitch Miller is a seasoned landscape photographer based in Joshua Tree, California. With a career that started in 1981, Mitch has a unique affection for capturing night sky images. His extens...
June 11, 2024
S3E18: Don't Die Today! Staying Safe in Desert Heat
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...
June 4, 2024
S3E17: Submerged No More! Restoring Chemehuevi Land and Traditions
Daniel Leivas, Southern Paiute-Chemehuevi from Lake Havasu, shares his journey of reviving ancestral agricultural practices on the Chemehuevi Nation's traditional farm. He narrates how his family transformed the land into a t...
May 21, 2024
S3E16: Ash Meadows Faces New Mining Threat
In this episode we welcome back Mason Voehl from the Amargosa Conservancy for an engaging and informative update on the situation surrounding Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the threat of lithium mining explorations ...
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 exp...
May 7, 2024
S3E14: Saving El Paso's Rio Bosque Wetlands
About our Guest: Jon Rezendes is an influential conservationist with a dedication to the preservation and rewilding of the Chihuahuan Desert region, particularly in El Paso, Texas. His military background brought him to El Pa...
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...