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    S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California

    enNovember 08, 2023
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    About this Episode

    About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts.

    Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Deserts of California." The book is part of his California Field Atlas series, which aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where. Kaufmann shares his fascination with the complexity and diversity of California's deserts and the importance of celebrating and understanding their biodiversity. He also discusses the challenges of conservation and preservation in the face of development and exploitation. Kaufmann emphasizes the need for a democratic approach to finding solutions and the power of combining data and love in stewardship efforts. The conversation touches on the changing nature of the deserts, the importance of oral tradition and sharing knowledge, and the role of beauty and art in inspiring curiosity and hope.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The California Field Atlas series aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where.
    • The deserts of California are full of biodiversity and ecological complexity, challenging the perception of them as empty spaces.
    • Conservation efforts require a combination of data, love, and understanding to address the challenges of development and exploitation.
    • The deserts are a moving target, constantly changing and adapting to new conditions.
    • The power of beauty and art lies in its ability to inspire curiosity and hope.

    Obi Kaufmann's podcast with Greg Sarris, Place and Purpose, can be found here: https://www.placeandpurpose.live/

    Order The Deserts of California here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-deserts-of-california-a-california-field-atlas/19407146?ean=9781597146180

    Quotes:

    • "The complexity is where the truth is. When things get too simple, too generalized, we miss so much." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "The desert is doing so much heavy lifting for both of those goals [conservation and carbon zero]." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "Democracy is having this conversation right now here." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "The desert itself is an indicator landscape, if you will. It's a litmus test of our stewardship." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "Acceptance of the natural cycles and patterns in nature brings peace and understanding." - Alicia Pike
    • "The combination of data and love is a powerful force for conservation and preservation." - Obi Kaufmann

    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Recent Episodes from 90 Miles from Needles: the Desert Protection Podcast

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    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    Save our Deserts Website is here.

    Listen to Other Desert Radio here.

    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S3E1: Four Books That Will Change How You See The Desert

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    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E16: Protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep from Habitat Loss and Disease

    S2E16: Protecting Desert Bighorn Sheep from Habitat Loss and Disease

    About The Guest(s):

    Dr. Christina Aiello is a bighorn sheep biologist and research associate with Oregon State University. She has dedicated her career to studying and conserving desert wildlife, particularly desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. With a focus on the Mojave Desert region, Dr. Aiello's research examines the impacts of habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change on bighorn sheep populations.

    Summary:

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    As a bonus, desert writer Louise Mathias offers a related commentary on the likely impact of the proposed Soda Mountain Solar Project on bighorn sheep in Mojave National Preserve.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Desert bighorn sheep require rocky, high-elevation terrain with access to water and forage.
    2. Habitat loss and fragmentation from urbanization and infrastructure development are major threats to bighorn sheep populations.
    3. Bighorn sheep exhibit natural movements and rely on connectivity between habitats for genetic diversity and survival.
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    5. Bighorn sheep are susceptible to respiratory diseases, which can be introduced through contact with domestic livestock.
    6. Genetic diversity plays a vital role in bighorn sheep's ability to resist and recover from diseases.
    7. The proposed high-speed rail project in the Mojave Desert will further fragment bighorn sheep habitat and hinder their movements.
    8. Protecting and improving degraded habitats can still benefit wildlife, as they demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

    Quotes:

    • "Bighorn sheep will make use of a bad situation that we hand them and get as much from that landscape as they can." - Dr. Christina Aiello
    • "Wildlife crossings are a public health measure for bighorn sheep." - Dr. Christina Aiello

    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E15: On Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference for the Desert

    S2E15: On Giving Tuesday, Make a Difference for the Desert

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    Key Takeaways:

    • 2024 will bring challenges for the deserts, including increased utility scale development and the threat of lithium mining.
    • The Desert Advocacy Media Network aims to provide accurate information and challenge misconceptions about the desert.
    • Support is needed to hire sound editors, pay freelance reporters, and promote the podcast through targeted advertising.

    Quotes:

    • "We have no lack of work to do. We just need to be able to do that work." - Chris Clarke
    • "Please consider helping us make the Desert Advocacy Media Network the place people turn to when they want to learn more about the desert and how to protect it." - Chris Clarke

    How to Donate

    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California

    S2E14: Obi Kaufmann and The Deserts of California

    About The Guest(s): Obi Kaufmann is an artist, author, and naturalist known for his California Field Atlas series. His latest book, "The Deserts of California," explores the biodiversity and ecological systems of California's deserts.

    Summary: Obi Kaufmann joins hosts Chris Clarke and Alicia Pike on the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast to discuss his latest book, "The Deserts of California." The book is part of his California Field Atlas series, which aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where. Kaufmann shares his fascination with the complexity and diversity of California's deserts and the importance of celebrating and understanding their biodiversity. He also discusses the challenges of conservation and preservation in the face of development and exploitation. Kaufmann emphasizes the need for a democratic approach to finding solutions and the power of combining data and love in stewardship efforts. The conversation touches on the changing nature of the deserts, the importance of oral tradition and sharing knowledge, and the role of beauty and art in inspiring curiosity and hope.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The California Field Atlas series aims to explore the how of ecological systems rather than the what or where.
    • The deserts of California are full of biodiversity and ecological complexity, challenging the perception of them as empty spaces.
    • Conservation efforts require a combination of data, love, and understanding to address the challenges of development and exploitation.
    • The deserts are a moving target, constantly changing and adapting to new conditions.
    • The power of beauty and art lies in its ability to inspire curiosity and hope.

    Obi Kaufmann's podcast with Greg Sarris, Place and Purpose, can be found here: https://www.placeandpurpose.live/

    Order The Deserts of California here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-deserts-of-california-a-california-field-atlas/19407146?ean=9781597146180

    Quotes:

    • "The complexity is where the truth is. When things get too simple, too generalized, we miss so much." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "The desert is doing so much heavy lifting for both of those goals [conservation and carbon zero]." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "Democracy is having this conversation right now here." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "The desert itself is an indicator landscape, if you will. It's a litmus test of our stewardship." - Obi Kaufmann
    • "Acceptance of the natural cycles and patterns in nature brings peace and understanding." - Alicia Pike
    • "The combination of data and love is a powerful force for conservation and preservation." - Obi Kaufmann

    Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.