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 of "90 Miles from Needles,"  Chris describes how the rise of the internet and profit-driven media ownership have decimated local news outlets and journalists' jobs. Within this context, Chris introduces a new Fellowship for Desert Reporting, aiming to foster in-depth, contextual journalism that connects desert communities to important environmental narratives.

Chris Clarke recounts his experience in journalism, emphasizing the need for deep reporting that goes beyond superficial coverage of isolated events. He explains the fellowship's goals of nurturing new voices, providing aspiring journalists with the support and resources to develop expertise, and encouraging more comprehensive reporting on environmental and social issues affecting desert regions. The episode also touches on the dwindling support for local journalism and the potential transformative impact of community-driven media initiatives. As Chris notes, "You can't understand one project or one event without understanding the system it exists within," highlighting the necessity of systemic approaches to reporting on the desert's complex challenges.

Key Takeaways:


The substantial decline in traditional journalism has left many communities without comprehensive, contextual reporting.


The Fellowship for Desert Reporting aims to transform how desert stories are told, emphasizing long-term perspectives and deep, systemic analysis.


Chris Clarke explains that understanding environmental events requires a grasp of the systems and structures that underpin them.


The podcast seeks to diversify its reporting by bringing in new voices with local expertise in desert communities through the fellowship.


Listeners are encouraged to support this initiative, helping maintain diverse and impactful journalism in underrepresented areas.

Notable Quotes:


"The desert isn't a collection of isolated events. It's a system." - Chris Clarke
"Give journalists the time and space to develop expertise, to build institutional memory, to internalize context." - Chris Clarke

Resources:


90 Miles from Needles Website


Fellowship for Desert Reporting Information


Contact Chris Clarke: chris@90milesfromneedles.com

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles,"&nbsp; Chris describes how the rise of the internet and profit-driven media ownership have decimated local news outlets and journalists' jobs. Within this context, Chris introduces a new Fellowship for Desert Reporting, aiming to foster in-depth, contextual journalism that connects desert communities to important environmental narratives.
Chris Clarke recounts his experience in journalism, emphasizing the need for deep reporting that goes beyond superficial coverage of isolated events. He explains the fellowship's goals of nurturing new voices, providing aspiring journalists with the support and resources to develop expertise, and encouraging more comprehensive reporting on environmental and social issues affecting desert regions. The episode also touches on the dwindling support for local journalism and the potential transformative impact of community-driven media initiatives. As Chris notes, "You can't understand one project or one event without understanding the system it exists within," highlighting the necessity of systemic approaches to reporting on the desert's complex challenges.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
The substantial decline in traditional journalism has left many communities without comprehensive, contextual reporting.
</li>
<li>
The Fellowship for Desert Reporting aims to transform how desert stories are told, emphasizing long-term perspectives and deep, systemic analysis.
</li>
<li>
Chris Clarke explains that understanding environmental events requires a grasp of the systems and structures that underpin them.
</li>
<li>
The podcast seeks to diversify its reporting by bringing in new voices with local expertise in desert communities through the fellowship.
</li>
<li>
Listeners are encouraged to support this initiative, helping maintain diverse and impactful journalism in underrepresented areas.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"The desert isn't a collection of isolated events. It's a system." - Chris Clarke
</li>
<li>"Give journalists the time and space to develop expertise, to build institutional memory, to internalize context." - Chris Clarke</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://90milesfromneedles.com">90 Miles from Needles Website</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="http://90milesfromneedles.com/Fellowship">Fellowship for Desert Reporting Information</a>
</li>
<li>
Contact Chris Clarke: <a href="mailto:chris@90milesfromneedles.com">chris@90milesfromneedles.com</a>
</li>
</ul>

Chris discusses into the challenges facing desert journalism amid dwindling traditional media and the rise of digital consumption. He explores the shift from shallow to deep journalism, emphasizing the need for thorough reporting that considers desert systems rather than isolated events. The episode introduces the Fellowship for Desert Reporting, an initiative to empower aspiring journalists and enrich desert coverage.

S5E11:  Help Us Preserve Deep Desert Reporting

In this episode, host Chris Clarke engages in an enlightening conversation with Laiken Jordahl from the Center for Biological Diversity. Focusing on the contentious issue of border wall construction, Jordahl sheds light on the potential threats posed by the Department of Homeland Security's proposed developments near Big Bend National Park in Texas. This discussion is not just a critique of environmental degradation but also highlights the unique coalition of local residents opposing these plans, emphasizing the union of diverse communities in protecting the Rio Grande's ecological integrity.

Jordahl articulates the environmental and social impact of the wall, touching on topics like endangered species, cultural connections, and community resilience. With references to biodiversity in the region, the conversation also delves into the critical role local communities play in safeguarding public lands. From agave blooms to wildlife threats and the interruption of the natural landscape, the dialogue underscores an urgent call to action. Through poignant anecdotes and insightful commentary, this episode captures the essence of grassroots activism and cross-border unity in the face of federal infrastructure challenges.

Note for AI skeptics: the episode artwork was created with Photoshop and a human brain.

Key Takeaways:
Local communities in Big Bend are uniting against proposed border wall construction, citing environmental, cultural, and economic concerns.
The coalition opposing the wall includes diverse stakeholders, from conservative ranchers to progressive environmentalists, all valuing the region's unique ecological and cultural landscape.
Proposed border wall construction risks significant ecological damage, including threats to endangered species and water access within the Rio Grande.
The episode explores the cross-border cultural and environmental exchanges that define the Big Bend region’s identity, threatened by potential development.
Activist efforts and community resilience offer a hopeful prospect for halting destructive infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Notable Quotes:
"They don't want to see their mountains dynamited and their native plants bulldozed and destroyed." - Laiken Jordahl
"All of the local sheriffs, including a number of very conservative Republicans who run and campaign on border security issues, oppose this wall." - Laiken Jordahl
"The Rio Grande, it's really a river in recovery. And we have an opportunity to restore this river and allow for the recovery of so many native species." - Laiken Jordahl
"Once you see the grandeur, the remoteness, the rugged beauty of this region, there's no way you're not going to fight like hell to protect it." - Laiken Jordahl
"These are not professional organizers. These are not paid NGO actors. These are people fighting for their livelihoods." - Laiken Jordahl

Resources:
No Big Bend Wall on Instagram
Follow Laiken Jordahl on social media for updates on border issues: Twitter, Instagram.
Center For Biological Doiversity press release: Congress Urged to Block Border Wall Construction Through Texas’ Big Bend Parks

Listen to the full episode of "90 Miles from Needles" for an in-depth discussion on the environmental and social dimensions of border wall construction, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations on desert protection and advocacy.

In this episode, host Chris Clarke engages in an enlightening conversation with Laiken Jordahl from the Center for Biological Diversity. Focusing on the contentious issue of border wall construction, Jordahl sheds light on the potential threats posed by the Department of Homeland Security's proposed developments near Big Bend National Park in Texas. This discussion is not just a critique of environmental degradation but also highlights the unique coalition of local residents opposing these plans, emphasizing the union of diverse communities in protecting the Rio Grande's ecological integrity.
Jordahl articulates the environmental and social impact of the wall, touching on topics like endangered species, cultural connections, and community resilience. With references to biodiversity in the region, the conversation also delves into the critical role local communities play in safeguarding public lands. From agave blooms to wildlife threats and the interruption of the natural landscape, the dialogue underscores an urgent call to action. Through poignant anecdotes and insightful commentary, this episode captures the essence of grassroots activism and cross-border unity in the face of federal infrastructure challenges.
Note for AI skeptics: the episode artwork was created with Photoshop and a human brain.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Local communities in Big Bend are uniting against proposed border wall construction, citing environmental, cultural, and economic concerns.</li>
<li>The coalition opposing the wall includes diverse stakeholders, from conservative ranchers to progressive environmentalists, all valuing the region's unique ecological and cultural landscape.</li>
<li>Proposed border wall construction risks significant ecological damage, including threats to endangered species and water access within the Rio Grande.</li>
<li>The episode explores the cross-border cultural and environmental exchanges that define the Big Bend region&rsquo;s identity, threatened by potential development.</li>
<li>Activist efforts and community resilience offer a hopeful prospect for halting destructive infrastructure projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ol>
<li>"They don't want to see their mountains dynamited and their native plants bulldozed and destroyed." - Laiken Jordahl</li>
<li>"All of the local sheriffs, including a number of very conservative Republicans who run and campaign on border security issues, oppose this wall." - Laiken Jordahl</li>
<li>"The Rio Grande, it's really a river in recovery. And we have an opportunity to restore this river and allow for the recovery of so many native species." - Laiken Jordahl</li>
<li>"Once you see the grandeur, the remoteness, the rugged beauty of this region, there's no way you're not going to fight like hell to protect it." - Laiken Jordahl</li>
<li>"These are not professional organizers. These are not paid NGO actors. These are people fighting for their livelihoods." - Laiken Jordahl</li>
</ol>
Resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nobigbendwall">No Big Bend Wall on Instagram</a></li>
<li>Follow Laiken Jordahl on social media for updates on border issues: <a href="https://twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/">Instagram</a>.</li>
<li>Center For Biological Doiversity press release: <a href="https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/congress-urged-to-block-border-wall-construction-through-texass-big-bend-parks-2026-03-12/?_gl=1*aehhu1*_gcl_au*MjkwNTE0NzgyLjE3NzM2ODUxMTg.">Congress Urged to Block Border Wall Construction Through Texas&rsquo; Big Bend Parks</a></li>
</ul>
Listen to the full episode of "90 Miles from Needles" for an in-depth discussion on the environmental and social dimensions of border wall construction, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations on desert protection and advocacy.

Chris Clarke and Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity, discuss the campaign against proposed border wall expansions in the Big Bend region of West Texas.  The episode explores the wall's potential impact on communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Discover grassroots efforts uniting diverse communities in opposition to the wall, driven by shared passion for preserving the area's ecological and cultural heritage. Learn about the organized efforts to safeguard one of the last untouched stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border and the unexpected alliances forming to counteract this divisive project.

S5E10: ¡No al muro! Big Bend Neighbors Fight Proposed Border Wall

In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites Caroline Tracey, author of "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History," to discuss her newest work and its publication on March 17th. The conversation navigates from Caroline's initial inspiration at the Salton Sea in 2014 to the array of topics covered in her book, including the ecology of salt lakes, their historical significance, and the weaving in of queer theory as a lens for understanding these unique ecosystems.

The episode dives deep into Caroline's exploration of salt lakes around the world, illustrating unexpected commonalities in their ecological functions and human impacts. By employing queer theory, she highlights non-normative reproductive structures and challenges traditional perceptions of barren desert landscapes. Chris and Caroline further discuss the personal evolution that paralleled the book’s creation, providing listeners with an enriched understanding of the world’s salt lakes' environmental and cultural intricacies. This episode serves as a compelling invitation to rethink the narratives around desert ecosystems, encouraging proactive preservation through enriched storytelling.

Key Takeaways:


Caroline Tracey began her journey to writing "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History" after visiting the Salton Sea in 2014, inspired by the interplay of natural history, policy, and personal narrative.


The book highlights the global patterns of ecological degradation in salt lakes due to factors like water diversion for agriculture, drawing parallels between lakes in North America, Central Asia, and Mexico.


Caroline incorporates queer theory to explore ecological dynamics, introducing a fresh perspective on the biodiversity and resilience of salt lakes.


Deserts and their salt lakes are misunderstood landscapes, often labeled as wastelands, yet they are biologically and culturally rich.


The interview sheds light on various ecosystems, advocating for conservation efforts by demonstrating how altered perceptions can foster environmental appreciation and advocacy.

Notable Quotes:


"I think for some people just the idea of what a salt lake is, it helps to ground them in terms of not just the utility but the beauty."


"Queer theory played a role in that because I really wanted to think about those conceptual issues of 'how do you feel at home in a place that's changing very fast?'"


"Salt lakes are...like a canary in a coal mine...because they are at the end of the water system."


"If I can convince other people that these landscapes are beautiful and fertile and worth protecting, that has a ripple effect upwards."

Resources:


Caroline Tracey's book tour for Salt Lakes


Buy "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History"


The Border Chronicle


read Sunaura Taylor's "Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert"

In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke invites Caroline Tracey, author of "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History," to discuss her newest work and its publication on March 17th. The conversation navigates from Caroline's initial inspiration at the Salton Sea in 2014 to the array of topics covered in her book, including the ecology of salt lakes, their historical significance, and the weaving in of queer theory as a lens for understanding these unique ecosystems.
The episode dives deep into Caroline's exploration of salt lakes around the world, illustrating unexpected commonalities in their ecological functions and human impacts. By employing queer theory, she highlights non-normative reproductive structures and challenges traditional perceptions of barren desert landscapes. Chris and Caroline further discuss the personal evolution that paralleled the book&rsquo;s creation, providing listeners with an enriched understanding of the world&rsquo;s salt lakes' environmental and cultural intricacies. This episode serves as a compelling invitation to rethink the narratives around desert ecosystems, encouraging proactive preservation through enriched storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>
Caroline Tracey began her journey to writing "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History" after visiting the Salton Sea in 2014, inspired by the interplay of natural history, policy, and personal narrative.
</li>
<li>
The book highlights the global patterns of ecological degradation in salt lakes due to factors like water diversion for agriculture, drawing parallels between lakes in North America, Central Asia, and Mexico.
</li>
<li>
Caroline incorporates queer theory to explore ecological dynamics, introducing a fresh perspective on the biodiversity and resilience of salt lakes.
</li>
<li>
Deserts and their salt lakes are misunderstood landscapes, often labeled as wastelands, yet they are biologically and culturally rich.
</li>
<li>
The interview sheds light on various ecosystems, advocating for conservation efforts by demonstrating how altered perceptions can foster environmental appreciation and advocacy.
</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"I think for some people just the idea of what a salt lake is, it helps to ground them in terms of not just the utility but the beauty."
</li>
<li>
"Queer theory played a role in that because I really wanted to think about those conceptual issues of 'how do you feel at home in a place that's changing very fast?'"
</li>
<li>
"Salt lakes are...like a canary in a coal mine...because they are at the end of the water system."
</li>
<li>
"If I can convince other people that these landscapes are beautiful and fertile and worth protecting, that has a ripple effect upwards."
</li>
</ul>
Resources:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.changinghands.com/event/march2026/caroline-traceyhttps://freight.cargo.site/w/1440/q/75/i/R2823984205234517378020547229432/SaltLakes_Tour_2.jpg">Caroline Tracey's book tour for Salt Lakes</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bookshop.org/a/96025/9781324089025">Buy "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History"</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.theborderchronicle.com/">The Border Chronicle</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bookshop.org/a/96025/9780520424692">read Sunaura Taylor's "Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert"</a>
</li>
</ul>

Join host Chris Clarke on "90 Miles from Needles" as he talks with Caroline Tracey about her latest book, "Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History." Explore themes of salt lake conservation, colonialism, and queer theory, revealing unique insights into these fragile desert ecosystems. The discussion touches on global lake preservation efforts and the intertwining of personal transformation with ecological narratives. This episode offers a compelling blend of environmental advocacy and cultural discourse, seamlessly integrating human and natural stories.

S2E12: The Majestic Saguaro, Part 1

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