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 different aspects of this magnificent plant, the threats it faces,  and how people interact with it — for good or ill. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the saguaro!

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 different aspects of this magnificent plant, the threats it faces,  and how people interact with it — for good or ill. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the saguaro!

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.

S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1

In this episode, Chris talks with longtime border environmental activist Russ McSpadden about the controversial plans to erect a second border wall on the U.S.-Mexico borde. From the devastating effects on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the desecration of a sacred geoglyph, Russ details the harm this unnecessary project would cause. The discussion emphasizes the challenges posed by waived environmental and cultural protection laws.

Russ also speaks about new hope—the sighting of a jaguar in the Arizona skies offering a glimmer of resilience in the face of destruction. The episode also highlights his new poetry book "Borderlings," depicting life and conservation struggles along the border. Dive into this compelling dialogue for an in-depth understanding of desert conservation challenges and the ongoing fight to protect these precious landscapes from further harm.

Key Takeaways:


Ecological Impact of Border Wall: The construction of a second border wall poses critical challenges to biodiversity and destroys valuable habitats for numerous species, including the danger of groundwater depletion affecting Quitobaquito Springs.


Cultural Destruction Alert: The episode highlights the significant damage done to ancient geoglyphs and indigenous cultural sites, emphasizing the negligence in preserving sacred sites.


Legal Loopholes: The Real ID Act allows the waiver of significant environmental laws, facilitating unchecked progression of border wall construction, underscoring a critical need for legislative review.


Spotting Conservation Hope: The recent sighting of a new jaguar in Arizona demonstrates the continued, albeit precarious, presence of these majestic creatures in their historical habitats.


Personal Reflections in Poetry: Russ McSpadden's book "Borderlings" offers personal insight and reflections on the emotional and environmental turmoil of border regions, combining advocacy with creative expression.

Notable Quotes:


"These contractors who can't be even trusted to protect cultural sites sitting on the surface can really not be trusted to protect our groundwater sources as well."


"We can't sue under the Endangered Species act because the Endangered Species act has been waived."


"This area represents this whole circuit of trade networks amongst various peoples... it was a place of exchange and movement and trade."


"These are jaguars that are rewilding themselves across the southern border into incredible habitat in their traditional mountain ranges."


"The federal government has declared it [the border] an invasion and a sort of a war."

Resources:


Center for Biological Diversity


Russ McSpadden’s Book: "Borderlings"
See the Jaguar camera trap video


"90 Miles From Needles" Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads.

In this episode, Chris talks with longtime border environmental activist Russ McSpadden about the controversial plans to erect a second border wall on the U.S.-Mexico borde. From the devastating effects on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to the desecration of a sacred geoglyph, Russ details the harm this unnecessary project would cause.&nbsp;The discussion emphasizes the challenges posed by waived environmental and cultural protection laws.
Russ also speaks about new hope&mdash;the sighting of a jaguar in the Arizona skies offering a glimmer of resilience in the face of destruction. The episode also highlights his new poetry book "Borderlings," depicting life and conservation struggles along the border. Dive into this compelling dialogue for an in-depth understanding of desert conservation challenges and the ongoing fight to protect these precious landscapes from further harm.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Ecological Impact of Border Wall: The construction of a second border wall poses critical challenges to biodiversity and destroys valuable habitats for numerous species, including the danger of groundwater depletion affecting Quitobaquito Springs.
</li>
<li>
Cultural Destruction Alert: The episode highlights the significant damage done to ancient geoglyphs and indigenous cultural sites, emphasizing the negligence in preserving sacred sites.
</li>
<li>
Legal Loopholes: The Real ID Act allows the waiver of significant environmental laws, facilitating unchecked progression of border wall construction, underscoring a critical need for legislative review.
</li>
<li>
Spotting Conservation Hope: The recent sighting of a new jaguar in Arizona demonstrates the continued, albeit precarious, presence of these majestic creatures in their historical habitats.
</li>
<li>
Personal Reflections in Poetry: Russ McSpadden's book "Borderlings" offers personal insight and reflections on the emotional and environmental turmoil of border regions, combining advocacy with creative expression.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>
"These contractors who can't be even trusted to protect cultural sites sitting on the surface can really not be trusted to protect our groundwater sources as well."
</li>
<li>
"We can't sue under the Endangered Species act because the Endangered Species act has been waived."
</li>
<li>
"This area represents this whole circuit of trade networks amongst various peoples... it was a place of exchange and movement and trade."
</li>
<li>
"These are jaguars that are rewilding themselves across the southern border into incredible habitat in their traditional mountain ranges."
</li>
<li>
"The federal government has declared it [the border] an invasion and a sort of a war."
</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.biologicaldiversity.org">Center for Biological Diversity</a>
</li>
<li>
Russ McSpadden&rsquo;s Book: "<a href="https://www.artspeakpress.com/shop/p/borderlings">Borderlings</a>"
</li>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/pFM6DwsjvUI">See the Jaguar camera trap video</a></li>
<li>
"90 Miles From Needles" Podcast on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/90MilesFromNeedles">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/90milesfromneedles">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app">Bluesky</a>, and <a href="https://www.threads.net/90milesfromneedles">Threads</a>.
</li>
</ul>

We talk with Russ McSpadden from the Center for Biological Diversity about the alarming destruction of ancient geoglyphs in border wall construction and the challenges faced by local wildlife and Indigenous cultures. There's also a glimmer of hope with the reappearance of a jaguar in Arizona.

S5E16: The Double Border Wall: A New Environmental Catastrophe

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Chris Clarke revisits the spirited discussion surrounding the High Desert Art Fair and its portrayal in media. Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov engage in a dialogue to address critiques and misconceptions, particularly related to an LA Times article that stirred emotions within the Morongo Basin. Their conversation navigates the crucial roles of artists in economic and cultural spheres while emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding among residents and media alike.

As the episode unfolds, Cindy and Bernard elaborate on key differences between various art events like the High Desert Art Fair and Desert X, underscoring their distinct roles in cultural development. They explore the often-contentious relationship between commerce and creativity. Their exchanges offer critical insight into the dynamics of art, community, and conservation in the desert landscapes.

Key Takeaways:
The High Desert Art Fair has been a growing initiative offering free and subsidized opportunities for local artists, contributing significantly to the community's cultural economy.
There is a clear distinction between art fairs, like the High Desert Art Fair, and international biennials, such as Desert X, each serving different purposes and audiences.
Addressing public misconceptions, the guests stress the importance of education and nuanced dialogue between new artistic movements and long-standing community members.
The podcast underscores the value of local movements toward smart cultural and economic integration, contributing to more balanced community development in desert regions.
Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov highlight the necessity for creative expression and economic sustainability to coexist in an evolving rural landscape.

Notable Quotes:
"The desert needs all sorts of people in order to be the economic place that it is. It's an environmental place, but it's also an economic place." — Cindy Bernard
"Let's allow people some grace… We're all trespassing in a sense." — Bernard Leibov
"Art and culture's existence in desert regions is crucial not only to expression but also to fostering economic opportunities." — Cindy Bernard
"We are all adapting and learning, and education about the land and community is crucial for any new player in the desert landscape." — Bernard Leibov

Resources:
Visit Desert Trumpet for local news coverage in the Morongo Basin.
Explore Boxo Projects to learn more about artists' residencies and programs in Joshua Tree.
Reference the guidelines for artists on land use developed by key organizations, including the Mojave Desert Land Trust.

This engaging dialogue brings to light the complex dynamics of the desert art scene and community interface, packed with insights on fostering sustainable cultural economics. Tune in to the full episode and continue joining us for more explorative discussions on art, culture, and conservation in "90 Miles from Needles."

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Chris Clarke revisits the spirited discussion surrounding the High Desert Art Fair and its portrayal in media. Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov engage in a dialogue to address critiques and misconceptions, particularly related to an LA Times article that stirred emotions within the Morongo Basin. Their conversation navigates the crucial roles of artists in economic and cultural spheres while emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding among residents and media alike.
As the episode unfolds, Cindy and Bernard elaborate on key differences between various art events like the High Desert Art Fair and Desert X, underscoring their distinct roles in cultural development. They explore the often-contentious relationship between commerce and creativity. Their exchanges offer critical insight into the dynamics of art, community, and conservation in the desert landscapes.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>The High Desert Art Fair has been a growing initiative offering free and subsidized opportunities for local artists, contributing significantly to the community's cultural economy.</li>
<li>There is a clear distinction between art fairs, like the High Desert Art Fair, and international biennials, such as Desert X, each serving different purposes and audiences.</li>
<li>Addressing public misconceptions, the guests stress the importance of education and nuanced dialogue between new artistic movements and long-standing community members.</li>
<li>The podcast underscores the value of local movements toward smart cultural and economic integration, contributing to more balanced community development in desert regions.</li>
<li>Cindy Bernard and Bernard Leibov highlight the necessity for creative expression and economic sustainability to coexist in an evolving rural landscape.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>"The desert needs all sorts of people in order to be the economic place that it is. It's an environmental place, but it's also an economic place." &mdash; Cindy Bernard</li>
<li>"Let's allow people some grace&hellip; We're all trespassing in a sense." &mdash; Bernard Leibov</li>
<li>"Art and culture's existence in desert regions is crucial not only to expression but also to fostering economic opportunities." &mdash; Cindy Bernard</li>
<li>"We are all adapting and learning, and education about the land and community is crucial for any new player in the desert landscape." &mdash; Bernard Leibov</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Visit <a href="https://deserttrumpet.substack.com/">Desert Trumpet</a> for local news coverage in the Morongo Basin.</li>
<li>Explore <a href="http://boxoprojects.com/">Boxo Projects</a> to learn more about artists' residencies and programs in Joshua Tree.</li>
<li>Reference the guidelines for artists on land use developed by key organizations, including the Mojave Desert Land Trust.</li>
</ul>
This engaging dialogue brings to light the complex dynamics of the desert art scene and community interface, packed with insights on fostering sustainable cultural economics. Tune in to the full episode and continue joining us for more explorative discussions on art, culture, and conservation in "90 Miles from Needles."

Dive into a nuanced revisitation of the High Desert Art Fair with Chris Clarke, Cindy Bernard, and Bernard Leibov. This episode explores the intersection of art, commerce, and desert communities, addressing local perspectives and the broader implications for the art world. Discover insights on cultural and economic dynamics in the Morongo Basin, comparisons between desert towns like Marfa and the Hamptons, and the evolving relationship between art and environment. Join the conversation about balancing artistic vision and community concerns, and explore how desert landscapes inspire these discussions.

S5E15: When Commerce Meets Culture:  Art Fairs in the Desert

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris dives deep into the pressing issue of the Colorado River water crisis. As the lifeblood of many thriving cities and fertile fields in the southwestern United States, the Colorado River is now at the heart of a controversial and complex debate over water rights and sustainability in the face of an ongoing drought. But many participants in the debate overlook a surprising product created with the majority of the Colorado River's water.

Key Takeaways:


The Colorado River is a critical water source facing significant stress due to prolonged drought and historical policy misestimations.


Alfalfa and other cattle feed crops consume over 50% of the Colorado River’s water, with substantial portions exported overseas.


The 1922 Colorado River Compact's archaic provisions challenge present water rights negotiations, significantly impacting Indigenous and Mexican stakeholders.


Environmental change can be driven by altering consumer habits, reducing the demand for water-intensive agricultural products like beef.


Efforts are underway to conserve water within the river’s biggest irrigation districts, though solutions require collective policy and personal lifestyle adjustments.

Notable Quotes:


"The Compact of 1922 vastly overestimated the amount of water that would be in the Colorado River in an average year."


"55% of all the water used in the Colorado River Basin is used to irrigate cattle feed crops."


"An acre foot of water makes 650 cheeseburgers."

Resources:
Lake Powell water level crisis sparks emergency response - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-level-crisis-sparks-emergency-response-11849167
Water and Tribes https://www.waterandtribes.org/projects#dataltem-1111lvui
The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States - ProPublica https://projects.propublica.org/california-farmers-colorado-river/
How a California Clean Energy Program Became a Boon for Big Dairies https://sentientmedia.org/california-clean-energy-program-boon-for-big-dairies/
California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-farms-face-pressure-to-boost-efficiency-as-water-supply-declines
Eliminate the Imperial Irrigation District? - Legal Planet https://legal-planet.org/2025/12/19/eliminate-the-imperial-irrigation-district/
Provisional Upper Colorado River Basin Consumptive Uses and Losses Report: 2016-2020 https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/Reports/ConsumptiveUsesLosses/uc-ucrb-provisionalconsumptiveusesandlosses-2021-2025-508-20251200.pdf
Dairy's Large Water Footprint - FoodPrint https://foodprint.org/blog/dairy-water-footprint/
Water scarcity and fish imperilment driven by beef production https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&context=wffdocs
The Colorado River's alfalfa problem - High Country News https://www.hcn.org/articles/landline-the-colorado-rivers-alfalfa-problem/
Western US states fail to agree on plan to manage Colorado River before federal deadline | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/12/colorado-river-agreement-state-negotiators
California, the biggest water user in the basin, pitches Colorado River framework • Nevada Current https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/12/17/california-the-biggest-water-user-in-the-basin-pitches-colorado-river-framework/
The Colorado River | Briefing | EESI https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021925rivers
The Colorado River - Public Policy Institute of California https://www.ppic.org/publication/the-colorado-river/


90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast website


Follow the podcast on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads by searching "90 Miles from Needles".


Donate to support the podcast: Text NEEDLES to 53555 or visit 90milesfromneedles.com/donate.

 

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris dives deep into the pressing issue of the Colorado River water crisis. As the lifeblood of many thriving cities and fertile fields in the southwestern United States, the Colorado River is now at the heart of a controversial and complex debate over water rights and sustainability in the face of an ongoing drought. But many participants in the debate overlook a surprising product created with the majority of the Colorado River's water.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
The Colorado River is a critical water source facing significant stress due to prolonged drought and historical policy misestimations.
</li>
<li>
Alfalfa and other cattle feed crops consume over 50% of the Colorado River&rsquo;s water, with substantial portions exported overseas.
</li>
<li>
The 1922 Colorado River Compact's archaic provisions challenge present water rights negotiations, significantly impacting Indigenous and Mexican stakeholders.
</li>
<li>
Environmental change can be driven by altering consumer habits, reducing the demand for water-intensive agricultural products like beef.
</li>
<li>
Efforts are underway to conserve water within the river&rsquo;s biggest irrigation districts, though solutions require collective policy and personal lifestyle adjustments.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>
"The Compact of 1922 vastly overestimated the amount of water that would be in the Colorado River in an average year."
</li>
<li>
"55% of all the water used in the Colorado River Basin is used to irrigate cattle feed crops."
</li>
<li>
"An acre foot of water makes 650 cheeseburgers."
</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>Lake Powell water level crisis sparks emergency response - Newsweek <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-level-crisis-sparks-emergency-response-11849167">https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-level-crisis-sparks-emergency-response-11849167</a></li>
<li>Water and Tribes https://www.waterandtribes.org/projects#dataltem-1111lvui</li>
<li>The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States - ProPublica https://projects.propublica.org/california-farmers-colorado-river/</li>
<li>How a California Clean Energy Program Became a Boon for Big Dairies https://sentientmedia.org/california-clean-energy-program-boon-for-big-dairies/</li>
<li>California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-farms-face-pressure-to-boost-efficiency-as-water-supply-declines</li>
<li>Eliminate the Imperial Irrigation District? - Legal Planet https://legal-planet.org/2025/12/19/eliminate-the-imperial-irrigation-district/</li>
<li>Provisional Upper Colorado River Basin Consumptive Uses and Losses Report: 2016-2020 https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/Reports/ConsumptiveUsesLosses/uc-ucrb-provisionalconsumptiveusesandlosses-2021-2025-508-20251200.pdf</li>
<li>Dairy's Large Water Footprint - FoodPrint https://foodprint.org/blog/dairy-water-footprint/ Water scarcity and fish imperilment driven by beef production https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&amp;context=wffdocs</li>
<li>The Colorado River's alfalfa problem - High Country News https://www.hcn.org/articles/landline-the-colorado-rivers-alfalfa-problem/</li>
<li>Western US states fail to agree on plan to manage Colorado River before federal deadline | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/12/colorado-river-agreement-state-negotiators</li>
<li>California, the biggest water user in the basin, pitches Colorado River framework &bull; Nevada Current https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/12/17/california-the-biggest-water-user-in-the-basin-pitches-colorado-river-framework/</li>
<li>The Colorado River | Briefing | EESI https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021925rivers The Colorado River - Public Policy Institute of California https://www.ppic.org/publication/the-colorado-river/</li>
<li>
<a href="http://90milesfromneedles.com">90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast website</a>
</li>
<li>
Follow the podcast on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads by searching "90 Miles from Needles".
</li>
<li>
Donate to support the podcast: Text NEEDLES to 53555 or visit <a href="http://90milesfromneedles.com/donate">90milesfromneedles.com/donate</a>.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Amidst a decades-long drought, Chris Clarke dives into the complexities of the Colorado River's water crisis, exploring its critical role in agriculture and urban development. Discover the historical renaming of the river and the ensuing political implications, while unraveling the intricacies of the 1922 Colorado River Compact. Chris breaks down water consumption patterns, with a spotlight on beef and dairy production as livestock feed crops consume over half of the river's resources. Learn how changes in agricultural practices and consumer choices related to beef and dairy could alleviate strain on this crucial waterway. Join the discussion on water politics, climate change, and sustainable solutions.

S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1

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