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.

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.

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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.

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

Join host Chris Clarke as he delves into the poignant tale of Hope, a Mexican wolf, with Greta Anderson from Western Watersheds Project. Discover the politics behind wolf recovery north of Interstate 40, and the broader implications for conservation policy. Anderson highlights the need for policy changes to support the natural dispersion of wolves. This episode underscores the vital work involved in desert protection and emphasizes community efforts in fostering ecological awareness and reform.

Join host Chris Clarke as he delves into the poignant tale of Hope, a Mexican wolf, with Greta Anderson from Western Watersheds Project. Discover the politics behind wolf recovery north of Interstate 40, and the broader implications for conservation policy. Anderson highlights the need for policy changes to support the natural dispersion of wolves. This episode underscores the vital work involved in desert protection and emphasizes community efforts in fostering ecological awareness and reform.

We turn our focus to an incredible yet tragic story of Hope, a Mexican wolf that made history in Northern Arizona.

S3E34: Hope the Mexican Wolf: A Tale of Survival and Loss in Northern Arizona

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 of Tiehm's buckwheat threatened by a lithium-boron mining project and the promising steps toward protection for the Tecopa bird's beak. Navigate the complexities of environmental protection amid rapid industrialization and learn about the vibrant ecosystems that hang in the balance. Discover how these efforts intertwine with broader themes of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

S3E33: Dr. Naomi Fraga on the Frontlines of Botanical Conservation

In this special Election Day 2024 episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris sheds light on the crucial role of civic engagement in the ongoing struggle to protect North America’s deserts. Released strategically on a day when decisions hold power over environmental policies, this episode emphasizes the dual efforts needed both in voting and ongoing advocacy to drive the change they wish to see in environmental and desert policies.

In this special Election Day 2024 episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris sheds light on the crucial role of civic engagement in the ongoing struggle to protect North America’s deserts. 

S3E15: The Surprising Longevity of Desert Plants

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90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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