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.

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

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

It's not a real desert hike unless you get thirsty. Unless your skin gets punctured by an innocent-looking plant. Unless you have a close encounter with a nervous venomous critter. The desert is alive, and it will defend itself. And we will help. 90 Miles From Needles brings you stories from far out in the American outback: a land unlike any other that is both intense and subtle, that has endured for eons in the harshest conditions imaginable but which could go away in a heartbeat if we act the wrong way. Science, politics, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause.

90 Miles from Needles Member feed

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.

When we lose parts of the desert, we need ways to keep going.

S2E13: Dealing With Loss

Explore the vital efforts in desert conservation with the return of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Season four kicks off on January 14th. We explore the profound impact the desert has on global environmental health. Join the journey to save the desert and uncover why these landscapes are essential to our world.

Season Four coming soon!

Join Chris Clarke as he discusses apparent collusion between Nevada's BLM staff and energy companies with journalist Jimmy Tobias. In this enlightening episode, explore the controversy surrounding the development of Greenlink transmission lines and their potential environmental impact. Discover how renewable energy initiatives are reshaping Nevada and the tensions arising from these changes. Learn about the concerns from diverse stakeholders, including the National Park Service and local conservationists, while considering the unexpected alliances forming in response to these projects.

A bombshell article exposes a too-close relationship between BLM's Nevada offices and energy developers. We talk to journalist Jimmy Tobias, who broke the story.

S3E37: BLM Cozies Up To Renewable Energy Companies

The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broader ecological advocacy. For those invested in its fate, the desert isn't just a geographic location—it's an integral part of their identity, a family to defend. And as challenges of development and conservation persist, this community remains steadfast, ever-present in their resolve and bound by the timeless spirit of the desert. 

Key Takeaways:  

Desert Conservation Journeys: Chris reflects on a year dedicated to exploring and advocating for desert ecosystems, discussing topics ranging from Joshua Trees to border policy to water laws in Nevada. 

Personal Connection to the Desert: Chris shares personal stories that underline how the desert has become central to his identity and life mission, encapsulating the strong emotional and environmental connection. 

Collaborations and Interviews: The podcast featured numerous influential figures in desert advocacy in 2024, providing diverse perspectives on ecological and cultural issues affecting desert regions. 

Challenges and Triumphs: The episode touches on both the successes and setbacks in desert conservation efforts, emphasizing the persistent need for active advocacy. 

Community Engagement: Through listener stories and support, the podcast fosters a sense of community around the shared goal of protecting desert habitats for future generations. 

Notable Quotes:  
"I am the desert and the desert is me."  
"There is just something about this part of the world that speaks to me."  
"We are literally all related. How can we not defend this place?"  
"The desert needs you in 2025 more than it did in 2024." 

Resources: 
90 Miles from Needles https://90milesfromneedles.com 
Desert Advocacy Media Network https://thedamn.org 
Our Desert News Newsletter https://desertnews.substack.com

The desert is more than a landscape; it is home. Chris Clarke's personal narrative exemplifies this connection, merging personal reflection with broader ecological advocacy. For those invested in its fate, the desert isn't just a geographic location&mdash;it's an integral part of their identity, a family to defend. And as challenges of development and conservation persist, this community remains steadfast, ever-present in their resolve and bound by the timeless spirit of the desert.&nbsp;
Key Takeaways: &nbsp;
Desert Conservation Journeys: Chris reflects on a year dedicated to exploring and advocating for desert ecosystems, discussing topics ranging from Joshua Trees to border policy to water laws in Nevada.&nbsp;
Personal Connection to the Desert: Chris shares personal stories that underline how the desert has become central to his identity and life mission, encapsulating the strong emotional and environmental connection.&nbsp;
Collaborations and Interviews: The podcast featured numerous influential figures in desert advocacy in 2024, providing diverse perspectives on ecological and cultural issues affecting desert regions.&nbsp;
Challenges and Triumphs: The episode touches on both the successes and setbacks in desert conservation efforts, emphasizing the persistent need for active advocacy.&nbsp;
Community Engagement: Through listener stories and support, the podcast fosters a sense of community around the shared goal of protecting desert habitats for future generations.&nbsp;
Notable Quotes: &nbsp; "I am the desert and the desert is me." &nbsp; "There is just something about this part of the world that speaks to me." &nbsp; "We are literally all related. How can we not defend this place?" &nbsp; "The desert needs you in 2025 more than it did in 2024."&nbsp;
Resources:&nbsp; 90 Miles from Needles <a href="https://90milesfromneedles.com">https://90milesfromneedles.com</a>&nbsp; Desert Advocacy Media Network <a href="https://thedamn.org">https://thedamn.org</a>&nbsp; Our Desert News Newsletter <a href="https://desertnews.substack.com">https://desertnews.substack.com</a>

Chris Clarke reflects on a transformative year for the 90 Miles from Needles podcast and his deep connection to the desert. The episode covers diverse topics, from conserving lands in the U.S.-Mexico border area to the impact of legal decisions in Nevada. Clarke shares personal stories of discovering the desert, its wildlife, and its profound effect on his life. He also encourages listeners to share their experiences with desert protection.

S2E13: Dealing With Loss

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