Climate change has been happening in the desert for some time now. While consensus isn't complete, most experts agree that more warming will make the desert hotter and drier. But at the same time, while individual monsoon thunderstorms will get less frequent, they may become more destructive. 90 Miles from Needles visits Jan Emming, owner of Desert Sense Nursery in Yucca, AZ, who has been paying attention to the changes in his local weather for 22 years now.

Climate change has been happening in the desert for some time now. While consensus isn't complete, most experts agree that more warming will make the desert hotter and drier. But at the same time, while individual monsoon thunderstorms will get less frequent, they may become more destructive. 90 Miles from Needles visits Jan Emming, owner of Desert Sense Nursery in Yucca, AZ, who has been paying attention to the changes in his local weather for 22 years now.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

Vital info on protecting our irrepaceable deserts

90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

Join host Chris Clarke and guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice.

S1E12: What's Happening to the Monsoon?

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 by Rover Critical Minerals. As environmental defenders, the Conservancy alongside partners like the Center for Biological Diversity and the Nature Conservancy has successfully pressed for a pause on Rover's exploration. But Rover has responded by upping the ante.

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

S3E16: Ash Meadows Faces New Mining Threat

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 explores the remarkable longevity of these desert plants. Learn how scientists determine the age of these plants through historic photographs and longitudinal studies. Gain a new appreciation for the resilience and beauty of these ancient desert inhabitants.

There are tens of thousands of plants more than a millennium old growing in the deserts of North America.

S3E15: The Surprising Longevity of Desert Plants

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 Paso, where he found a second home amid the natural beauty of the desert landscape. As the Vice President of the Frontera Land Alliance and a board member of the Texas Lobo Coalition, Rezendes is a champion for environmental causes in the region. He is a strong advocate for the protection of the Rio Bosque wetland, a critical riparian habitat threatened by development proposals.

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 Desert, particularly the battle over the Rio Bosque wetlands in El Paso. The conversation provides an in-depth look at the socio-political challenges and the community's fight to prevent detrimental changes.

Jon Rezendes passionately discusses the significance of protecting the delicate Rio Bosque wetlands against proposed infrastructure projects such as a disruptive highway. The area, crucial for migratory birds and local flora and fauna, faces the pressure of urban sprawl and industrial traffic which could irrevocably damage this unique ecosystem. Supported by the local community and organizations, Rezendes highlights the urgent need for advocacy and action to sustain this natural gem. He envisions a future where rewilding efforts expand, forever changing the local desert into a cradle of biodiversity that could one day welcome apex predators like the Mexican wolf back into the region.

Key Takeaways:
The Rio Bosque wetlands near El Paso are a vital habitat for over 260 bird species and numerous other animals, yet they are currently endangered by various threats, including proposed highway projects.
Jon Rezendes advocates for realistic and sustainable alternatives to alleviate traffic that don't damage vital ecosystems, such as improving the existing rail transit system.
Defenders of the wetland are rallying against Texas DOT's proposal for highway construction, gathering community support through petitions and local agency involvement.
The vision for the Rio Grande Valley is one of expanded rewilding, potentially re-establishing apex predators like the Mexican wolf and removing barriers such as the border wall for ecological restoration.
It's critical for the conservation community and influencers beyond Texas to support the efforts to protect and rewild the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems.

Notable Quotes:
"We intend to shine enough light on this situation to make sure that we're elevating the voices of the people in Socorro that don't want their home to be turned into an unrecognizable industrial wasteland."
"El Paso is small in terms of our influence, but we are mighty in terms of our grassroots efforts."
"We are not going to let this happen. This is absolutely backwards, and we will do anything in our power to prevent a highway through our wetland."
"Nothing would make me happier to know that wolves are running up and down the Rio Grande Valley again, passing between Mexico and the United States."
"Rio Bosque is fighting for survival amid Texas' broader environmental narrative, where prosperous future melds with respect for the land and vibrant riparian forests."

Resources:
Follow Friends of the Rio Bosque on Instagram:@friendsriobosquewetlands
Comment on the Border East highway before May 14  (Even if you're not a Texan).
Texas Lobo Coalition: Texas Lobo Coalition

As we delve into the rich tapestry of environmental activism and the future of the Chihuahuan Desert, we invite listeners to experience the full episode as Jon Rezendes shares his urgent advocacy call for Rio Bosque wetlands. Tune in and join this engaging conversation that may very well shape the natural legacy of Texas and beyond. Stay connected for more episodes from "90 Miles from Needles" that continue to enlighten and inspire.

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 Paso, where he found a second home amid the natural beauty of the desert landscape. As the Vice President of the Frontera Land Alliance and a board member of the Texas Lobo Coalition, Rezendes is a champion for environmental causes in the region. He is a strong advocate for the protection of the Rio Bosque wetland, a critical riparian habitat threatened by development proposals.
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 Desert, particularly the battle over the Rio Bosque wetlands in El Paso. The conversation provides an in-depth look at the socio-political challenges and the community's fight to prevent detrimental changes.
Jon Rezendes passionately discusses the significance of protecting the delicate Rio Bosque wetlands against proposed infrastructure projects such as a disruptive highway. The area, crucial for migratory birds and local flora and fauna, faces the pressure of urban sprawl and industrial traffic which could irrevocably damage this unique ecosystem. Supported by the local community and organizations, Rezendes highlights the urgent need for advocacy and action to sustain this natural gem. He envisions a future where rewilding efforts expand, forever changing the local desert into a cradle of biodiversity that could one day welcome apex predators like the Mexican wolf back into the region.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The Rio Bosque wetlands near El Paso are a vital habitat for over 260 bird species and numerous other animals, yet they are currently endangered by various threats, including proposed highway projects.</li>
<li>Jon Rezendes advocates for realistic and sustainable alternatives to alleviate traffic that don't damage vital ecosystems, such as improving the existing rail transit system.</li>
<li>Defenders of the wetland are rallying against Texas DOT's proposal for highway construction, gathering community support through petitions and local agency involvement.</li>
<li>The vision for the Rio Grande Valley is one of expanded rewilding, potentially re-establishing apex predators like the Mexican wolf and removing barriers such as the border wall for ecological restoration.</li>
<li>It's critical for the conservation community and influencers beyond Texas to support the efforts to protect and rewild the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"We intend to shine enough light on this situation to make sure that we're elevating the voices of the people in Socorro that don't want their home to be turned into an unrecognizable industrial wasteland."</li>
<li>"El Paso is small in terms of our influence, but we are mighty in terms of our grassroots efforts."</li>
<li>"We are not going to let this happen. This is absolutely backwards, and we will do anything in our power to prevent a highway through our wetland."</li>
<li>"Nothing would make me happier to know that wolves are running up and down the Rio Grande Valley again, passing between Mexico and the United States."</li>
<li>"Rio Bosque is fighting for survival amid Texas' broader environmental narrative, where prosperous future melds with respect for the land and vibrant riparian forests."</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Follow Friends of the Rio Bosque on Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/friendsriobosquewetlands/">@friendsriobosquewetlands</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings/el-paso/2024/border-highway-east-corridor-study-050124.html">Comment on the Border East highway before May 14 </a> (Even if you're not a Texan).</li>
<li>Texas Lobo Coalition: <a href="https://www.texaslobo.org/">Texas Lobo Coalition</a></li>
</ul>
As we delve into the rich tapestry of environmental activism and the future of the Chihuahuan Desert, we invite listeners to experience the full episode as Jon Rezendes shares his urgent advocacy call for Rio Bosque wetlands. Tune in and join this engaging conversation that may very well shape the natural legacy of Texas and beyond. Stay connected for more episodes from "90 Miles from Needles" that continue to enlighten and inspire.

Chris Clarke interviews activist Jon Rezendes about the threats facing the Rio Bosque Wetlands in El Paso, Texas

S1E12: What's Happening to the Monsoon?

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