Planet People Podcast

Seed & Spark now LIVE: https://seedandspark.com/fund/in-janes-footsteps#story Happy Earth Day, Planet People 🌍 This is the biggest announcement we've ever made. For the first time, Planet People Podcast is stepping beyond audio and into filmmaking with our debut short film: "In Jane's Footsteps: The Path to Gombe." In 2024, our host and conservation biologist Natalie traveled to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania—walking the same paths as Jane Goodall, filming chimpanzees, scientists, and the communities continuing her legacy. The footage is real. The story is powerful. Now we need your help to finish it. We've launched a Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign to fund: Editing & post-production Color, sound design, and original score Film festival submissions to bring this story to global audiences Whether it's $1 or $1000, every contribution helps bring this film to life. And if you can't donate, sharing the campaign makes a huge difference. This film is about more than Jane's legacy. It's about all of us—our connection to nature, and the role we each play in protecting it. 👉 Support the campaign here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/in-janes-footsteps#story Because as Jane once said: "Gather people into your network and see what kind of difference they can make." Let's make a difference—together.

Join us for the second episode of our Planet People Book Club series as we explore Yuck: The Birth & Death of the Weird & Wondrous Joshua Tree, Yucca Brevifolia by author Barret Baumgart. This contemplative work uses the iconic Joshua tree as a lens to examine our relationship with the Mojave Desert and the American West. Barret shares the personal and creative journey behind this distinctive meditation on desert landscapes, pilgrimage, and the search for meaning in places often dismissed as barren. In an era when the Mojave faces unprecedented threats from climate change and when Joshua trees themselves teeter on the edge of extinction, this essential conversation challenges us to reconsider what we seek when we venture into the desert and to recognize how literature can awaken us to the profound beauty and fragility of landscapes we thought we understood. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when the Mojave Desert and its iconic Joshua trees face mounting pressures from climate change and human encroachment, Barret's meditation on these landscapes stands as a powerful ray of hope—demonstrating that art and literature can transform how we see and value the desert, turning what many dismiss as wasteland into a place worthy of reverence, protection, and deep contemplation. This commitment to desert storytelling represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: writers and artists helping us see familiar landscapes with fresh eyes, literature creating emotional connections to ecosystems that desperately need our protection, the recognition that pilgrimage and seeking are woven into our relationship with wild places, and a growing understanding that the desert is not empty but full of meaning—ensuring that future generations inherit not just protected landscapes but the cultural narratives that inspire us to care for them. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when Joshua trees face potential extinction and desert ecosystems are rapidly transforming under climate pressure, understanding our cultural and spiritual connections to these landscapes reminds us that protecting the Mojave requires more than science alone—it demands the stories, art, and literature that help us recognize why these places matter and inspire us to fight for their survival. Take Action: Read books like Yuck that deepen your connection to threatened landscapes and help you see them with new eyes. Visit the Mojave Desert mindfully and experience firsthand the ecosystems described in Barret's work. Support organizations working to protect Joshua trees and desert habitats. Share desert literature and art to counter narratives that dismiss these landscapes as wastelands. Reflect on your own pilgrimages and what you seek when you venture into wild places. Engage with local book clubs or reading groups focused on environmental literature. Advocate for climate action that protects the ecosystems you've come to love through literature. Recognize that cultural connection to place is a powerful force for conservation. GUEST & BOOK INFORMATION: Yuck by Barret Baumgart: Purchase on website here Follow Barret: You can follow him on Instagram here PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we venture into the Mojave Desert with Kelly Herbinson, Executive Director of Mojave Desert Land Trust, and Patrick Emblidge, Plant Conservation Program Manager, whose groundbreaking conservation work reveals the urgent need to protect one of North America's most iconic and misunderstood ecosystems. Kelly and Patrick share what it means to safeguard the desert's irreplaceable biodiversity from the iconic Joshua tree facing climate-driven extinction to the thousands of acres permanently protected through conservation easements that preserve rare plants and vulnerable desert species. In an era when deserts are dismissed as barren wastelands even as they face unprecedented threats from climate change and development, this essential conversation challenges us to recognize the Mojave as a vibrant, interconnected ecosystem worthy of fierce protection and to understand how strategic land conservation can become a powerful tool for ensuring these landscapes endure for generations to come. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when climate change threatens the Joshua tree with extinction and development pressures fragment critical desert habitat, Kelly and Patrick's dedication to protecting Mojave ecosystems through conservation easements, land acquisition, and seed banking stands as a powerful ray of hope by demonstrating that science-driven action and community engagement can permanently safeguard thousands of acres and the rare species that depend on them. This commitment to desert conservation represents hope because it shows us a way forward: land trusts working to permanently protect critical habitat through conservation easements before it's lost, thousands of acres preserved that provide refuge for rare plants and desert wildlife, seed banks preserving genetic diversity for future restoration, native plant sales connecting communities to desert biodiversity, and a growing recognition that desert ecosystems are not wastelands but thriving communities of life, truly ensuring that the Mojave's iconic species have a fighting chance against the escalating threats of our changing climate. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when climate change is rapidly reshaping desert ecosystems and development pressures threaten to destroy irreplaceable habitat, understanding the urgency of Mojave Desert conservation reminds us that every acre protected through conservation easements, every seed preserved, and every native plant cultivated represents a lifeline for species that have survived in these harsh landscapes for millennia—and that our choices today will determine whether future generations inherit a living desert or a memory of one. Take Action: Support organizations like Mojave Desert Land Trust that permanently protect critical habitat through conservation easements and land acquisition. Attend MDLT's annual native plant sale to support desert biodiversity in your own yard. Practice responsible recreation by staying on designated trails and roads to protect fragile desert plants. Plant native desert species if you live in arid regions to support local biodiversity and rare species. Reduce your carbon footprint to slow the climate change threatening Joshua trees and other desert species. Contact your representatives to support public land protection and conservation easement programs. Share the importance of desert conservation to counter the "wasteland" narrative. Learn about conservation easements and how they protect landscapes in perpetuity. GUEST SOCIAL MEDIA & RESOURCES: Mojave Desert Land Trust: @mojavedesertlandtrust Learn more: www.mdlt.org PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Josh Jackson, author of The Enduring Wild and creator of the Forgotten Lands project, which documents and advocates for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands across the American West. Through his writing and photography, Josh has become a leading voice in drawing attention to these vast, often-overlooked landscapes, which represent our largest—and most vulnerable—public land holdings. BLM lands differ significantly from national parks and monuments, lacking the same level of protection and public awareness despite comprising millions of acres of critical habitat and stunning wilderness. Through his travels across California's deserts, particularly the Mojave and the Eastern Sierra Nevada, Josh discovered landscapes of remarkable beauty and ecological significance that were hiding in plain sight. From the otherworldly Trona Pinnacles to the threatened Conglomerate Mesa in the Owens Valley, these "forgotten lands" face mounting challenges from mining interests, development pressures, and shifting political climates. In our conversation, Josh shares personal stories of exploring these desert landscapes with his children, explains how everyday people can access and advocate for BLM lands, and discusses current threats, such as the proposed mining at Conglomerate Mesa. He also reflects on recent victories, including pushback against the "Big Beautiful Bill," and offers hope for the future of public lands protection through education, sustainable recreation, and grassroots advocacy. Join us for this inspiring discussion about America's enduring wild places and why these forgotten landscapes deserve our attention, appreciation, and protection! BOOK SUMMARY: The Enduring Wild chronicles Josh Jackson's journey across America's BLM territories, revealing the hidden majesty of landscapes that exist outside the famous national park system. Through compelling narrative and stunning photography, the book documents the ecological richness and cultural significance of these "forgotten lands" while exposing the unique threats they face from extractive industries and inadequate protections. Jackson weaves together personal stories, natural history, and urgent advocacy to argue that these vast public lands represent both our greatest conservation challenge and opportunity. The book serves as both a love letter to overlooked wilderness and a call to action for Americans to recognize and protect the enduring wild places that belong to us all. Buy the book here. RAY OF HOPE: While threats to public lands can feel overwhelming, there's something powerful happening: ordinary people are falling in love with "forgotten" places. BLM lands, once ignored in favor of famous national parks, are finding their champions—writers, photographers, families, and local communities who recognize that protection doesn't require a famous name, just people who care. Recent advocacy victories demonstrate that public engagement is an effective strategy. When communities rallied against harmful legislation such as the "Big Beautiful Bill," their voices made a difference. Grassroots organizations are successfully protecting threatened areas, such as Conglomerate Mesa, by educating the public about what's at stake. The desert isn't barren—it's full of life, stories, and people ready to defend it. The beautiful truth? These lands belong to all of us. You don't need special credentials to explore, photograph, or speak up for them. Every hike, every shared photo, every letter to a representative adds to a growing movement recognizing that our wildest places aren't just worth visiting—they're worth fighting for. ANXIETY TO ACTION: Practice Sustainable Recreation: Follow "Leave No Trace" principles, stay on designated trails, and educate others about protecting sensitive desert ecosystems while enjoying them responsibly. Raise Your Voice: Contact your representatives about public lands protection. Support organizations working to defend BLM lands. Provide public comments when lands face development threats. Democracy works when citizens participate. Take Action: Explore your local BLM lands. Join the USAL project and take a field trip with Josh Jackson Visit the BLM website to find public lands near you. Take a hike, bring a camera, and share what you discover. Purchase The Enduring Wild and join the Planet People book club. CONNECT WITH JOSH: The Enduring Wild - Visit his website here. Follow Josh's project on Instagram and Substack. PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this special holiday episode, hosts Natalie and Coral reflect on the season of giving and what it means to give sustainably. As we approach the end of the year, they discuss the importance of shopping small, supporting local businesses, and giving back to the incredible organizations and guests who have shared their knowledge and passion throughout the season. This Christmas episode is a joyous reminder that sustainable giving goes beyond material gifts; it's about supporting the communities, creators, and changemakers who are working to build a better world. Natalie and Coral emphasize the importance of shopping from small businesses and local artisans this holiday season, as these purchases directly support individuals and families while minimizing environmental impact. The hosts also highlight how listeners can give back to the show itself: following the organizations and experts featured in episodes, supporting their work, and spreading the word about Planet People. Liking, sharing, and subscribing might seem like small actions, but they make a huge difference in amplifying the voices of those doing critical environmental work. RAY OF HOPE: The most meaningful gifts don't always come wrapped in paper. This holiday season, we're witnessing a beautiful shift in how people approach giving, prioritizing experiences over possessions, supporting small makers over large corporations, and investing in causes that truly matter. When you shop small, you're not just buying a product; you're supporting someone's dream, keeping money in your local community, and often choosing items made with more care for both people and planet. The ripple effect of these choices extends far beyond the holidays. Every small business supported, every podcast shared, every organization amplified—these are acts of community building that sustain the people doing the hard work of creating change. The beauty is in the simplicity: your everyday choices to support, share, and show up for the causes and people you believe in can have a profound impact. ANXIETY TO ACTION: Make your holiday shopping count - Create a list of small businesses, local artisans, and mission-driven companies to support this season. Consider giving donations in someone's name to organizations featured on the show. Amplify the voices that matter - Like, share, and review podcasts and content creators who are doing important work. Follow and engage with the organizations and experts who have appeared on Planet People. Give the gift of awareness - Share your favorite Planet People episodes with friends and family. Start conversations about sustainable living and environmental stewardship around the holiday table. PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

In this discussion, we interview Kurt Leuschner, a Professor of Natural Resources at the College of the Desert, a public community college serving the diverse Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California. College of the Desert enrolls approximately 12,500 students and is federally recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, reflecting its commitment to educational accessibility in the region. Through his role at College of the Desert, Professor Leuschner is helping to educate the next generation of environmental stewards while contributing to our understanding of the remarkable biodiversity that calls the Coachella Valley home. In addition to our discussion on low-desert ecology, Kurt shares the many ways renewable energies are used across Southern California and how we can have hope for the progress humanity is making towards green energy solutions. Not only that, but he also shares the incredible efforts of rewilding desert landscapes by "killing your lawn" and planting native plants. Join us for this hopeful discussion around renewable energy, desert ecology, and what it means to rewild your desert landscape at home in your backyard! RAY OF HOPE: While climate news can feel overwhelming, there's a beautiful movement happening right under our noses. Across the country, people are transforming their lawns into native habitats, one yard at a time. These aren't grand gestures - they're quiet acts of rebellion against monoculture grass that's creating wildlife corridors through suburbia. Farmers are increasingly learning to spot burrowing owl nests, not because they're required to, but because they're discovering that protecting these tiny ecosystem engineers actually improves their soil health. Meanwhile, more people than ever are calling their representatives about environmental issues - democracy in action, one concerned citizen at a time. The silver lining? You don't need to save the whole planet today. You just need to plant one native shrub, make one phone call, or learn to identify one species in your area. These small acts are part of a growing web of environmental stewardship that's quietly rebuilding our connection to the natural world. ANXIETY TO ACTION: Begin with your backyard - Converting even a small patch to native plants creates immediate habitat and gives you a sense of agency. Build Community and share your native plant journey on social media to inspire neighbors. Join local environmental groups working on renewable energy advocacy. Connect with farmers in your area who are implementing wildlife-friendly practices. CONNECT WITH KURT: Email Kurt Lueshner: kleuschner@collegeofthedesert.edu PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the vibrant creative scene of Joshua Tree with Shari Elf, founder of Art Queen, whose innovative approach to upcycled fashion reveals the profound relationship between clothing, self-expression, and environmental consciousness. Shari shares what it means to transform discarded garments into wearable art, as well as the powerful story of how upcycling can serve as both a personal statement and a sustainable alternative to fast fashion's destructive cycle. In an era when the fashion industry is one of the world's largest polluters, this essential conversation challenges us to reassess our relationship with clothing and to recognize how reimagining and revitalizing garments can become a symbol of creativity, individuality, and environmental stewardship. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when fast fashion prevails and clothing waste fills our landfills, Shari's dedication to transforming discarded garments into unique pieces of wearable art stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creativity and sustainability can merge to create something both beautiful and meaningful. This commitment to upcycling represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: artists and makers reclaiming materials that would otherwise be waste and transforming them into expressions of identity, growing recognition that our clothing choices can be both personal statements and environmental actions, and a new generation learning to value craftsmanship, individuality, and the stories embedded in reimagined garments—ensuring that fashion becomes a force for positive change rather than environmental harm. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when the fashion industry contributes massively to pollution and waste, and when social media often pressures us toward constant consumption of new trends, understanding the power of upcycled fashion reminds us that every garment tells a story, and that choosing to reimagine and revitalize clothing is both a creative act and a form of resistance against throwaway culture. Take Action: Learn basic clothing repair and alteration skills to extend the life of your garments. Support local artists and makers who create upcycled fashion. Shop secondhand and vintage before buying new. Organize clothing swaps in your community. Challenge fast fashion culture by embracing your personal style over fleeting trends. Share and celebrate creative upcycling projects to inspire others. SHARI SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Shari on Instagram: @shari.elf World Famous Crochet Museum: @worldfamouscrochetmuseum Art Queen: @artqueen_jt PLANET PEOPLE SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

Join us as we explore the Eastern Sierra Nevada with Seth Bizardi Tsosie, a Native American monitor from the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, whose ancestral knowledge reveals the profound relationship between Indigenous peoples and the land of flowing water. Seth shares what it means to grow up with generations of traditional ecological wisdom about this remarkable region, as well as the devastating story of how the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power systematically exploited and diverted the Owens Valley's lifeblood. As we approach Thanksgiving, this essential conversation challenges us to confront the true history of American land and water rights, and to understand the ongoing impacts of environmental injustice on indigenous communities whose connection to these waters spans millennia. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when Indigenous voices have been historically silenced and their lands exploited, Seth's willingness to share the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's knowledge and perspective stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that Indigenous wisdom and resilience persist despite centuries of injustice. This dedication to preserving and sharing traditional knowledge represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: Indigenous communities reclaiming their narratives and educating others about their connection to the land, growing recognition of the value of traditional ecological knowledge in addressing modern environmental challenges, and a new generation learning to honor and protect the relationship between people and water—ensuring that these stories and this wisdom continue to guide us toward more just and sustainable futures for all communities. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era when water rights battles continue and Indigenous communities still fight for recognition and justice, understanding the history of the Owens Valley water grab reminds us that the stories we tell during holidays like Thanksgiving matter, and that real American history includes reckoning with exploitation and learning from those whose knowledge of the land predates colonization. Take Action: Educate yourself about Indigenous history and land rights in your region. Support Indigenous-led environmental justice organizations, like @indigenouswomenhike, along with the advocacy movement to Protect Conglomerate Mesa. Be informed on the true history behind Thanksgiving and share accurate narratives. Advocate for Indigenous water rights and tribal sovereignty. Listen to and amplify Indigenous voices on environmental and conservation issues. SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Seth on Instagram: @indigenous.technology Follow Planet People on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: @PlanetPeoplePodcast

This episode takes you behind the scenes of our San Diego Climate Week event, where we combined mindfulness meditation with birdwatching to forge a deeper connection with the natural world and raise awareness about one of climate change's most vulnerable victims—our birds. Hosts Natalie and Coral share why they chose to lead a meditative bird walk during Climate Week, highlighting the critical relationship between climate change and declining bird populations. As habitats shift, migration patterns are disrupted, and food sources vanish, birds are serving as early warning indicators of our planet's changing health. Their songs and presence are not just beautiful—they're essential signals of a functioning ecosystem. We explore how meditation can transform our relationship with nature by slowing us down, sharpening our senses, and helping us truly observe the world around us. When we quiet our minds, we become better birdwatchers and more attuned listeners to what the planet is trying to tell us. This mindful approach to nature connection isn't just about appreciation—it's about understanding the urgent needs of our environment. The hosts discuss the experience of guiding participants through meditative practices before observing local bird species, and how this combination opened new pathways to environmental awareness. By cultivating presence and attention, we can better notice the changes happening in our backyards and communities—and feel more motivated to act. Ultimately, this episode delivers a sobering reminder: a world without birdsong is a world in trouble. When the birds fall silent, it's a warning we cannot ignore. Through meditation and mindful observation, we can deepen our connection to these vital creatures and become better stewards of the planet they—and we—call home. SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁨@PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩

Join us in continuing this Spooky Season as we sit down with Scott Heacox to explore the truly exciting world of parasitic insects in the Coachella Valley. From wasps that turn their hosts into living nurseries to fungi that create zombie ants, Scott reveals the fascinating and sometimes horrifying survival strategies of desert insects. This spine-tingling conversation uncovers the complex relationships between parasites and their hosts, demonstrating that the scariest stories aren't found in horror movies—they're happening right now in the desert ecosystem around us. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when insects are often misunderstood and feared, Scott Heacox's work stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that understanding these complex creatures—even the parasitic ones—reveals the intricate balance and resilience of desert ecosystems. This educational approach represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: scientific curiosity replacing fear, local communities appreciating the ecological roles of all insects (even the creepy ones), and a deeper understanding of how parasitic relationships maintain healthy populations and biodiversity in the Coachella Valley for generations to come. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where insect populations face unprecedented threats, understanding the fascinating world of parasitic wasps, ants, and crickets reminds us that every creature—no matter how unsettling—plays a vital role in maintaining the health of desert ecosystems. Take Action: Learn about the insects in your local desert ecosystem and their ecological roles Support desert conservation organizations protecting insect habitats Share your newfound knowledge about parasitic insects to help others overcome fear with understanding Participate in citizen science projects documenting desert insect populations SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow us on Instagram: @planet.people.pod Subscribe to us on YouTube: ⁨@PlanetPeoplePodcast⁩ PHOTO LINKS: Scorpion Photo & Video Parasitoid Wasp Orasema Heacoxi Death's Head Cockroach Bat Flies Water Strider

Get ready for our most innovative episode yet! In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of conservation technology (CTs) with Tim Shields from Ornilogic, who is revolutionizing desert tortoise protection through creative technological solutions. Tim shares mind-blowing conservation tools, including laser guns to deter raven presence and ingenious fake tortoise babies filled with grape juice designed to discourage ravens from eating real tortoise youngsters. This fascinating conversation explores how CTs are transforming wildlife protection by gamifying conservation efforts and making the fight against extinction both effective and FUN! RAY OF HOPE: In a time when traditional conservation methods struggle to keep pace with the rapid decline of species, Tim Shields' innovative CTs stand as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that creative problem-solving and cutting-edge tools can transform how we protect endangered species. By gamifying conservation through laser deterrents, decoy tortoises, and other ingenious devices, this approach shows that fighting extinction can be both scientifically rigorous and genuinely enjoyable for conservationists and the public alike. Tim's work represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: technology making conservation more effective and engaging, creative solutions that outsmart wildlife threats, and innovative approaches that inspire the next generation of conservationists by proving that saving species can be as exciting as any video game. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era where extinction rates are accelerating, Tim Shields' conservation technologies remind us that we have the power to be part of the solution through innovation, creativity, and making conservation irresistibly engaging, one protected tortoise at a time. Take Action: Support Ornilogic and other conservation technology innovators. Advocate for funding conservation technology research and development. Share the excitement of conservation innovation to inspire others. Explore how technology and creativity can enhance local conservation efforts. RESOURCES: Learn more about Ornilogic and Tim Shields' CTs here. Tim Shields' TED Talk here. Desert tortoise protection programs here. Raven clicking noise - YouTube

In this important episode, hosts Coral and Natalie discuss the history of Joshua tree conservation in Southern California and examine the groundbreaking Joshua Tree Conservation Act. They explore what it takes to protect these iconic desert trees under their own dedicated legislation, analyzing the current threats Joshua trees face from rapid solar development and the escalating impacts of climate change. This comprehensive conversation covers the legislative journey, conservation challenges, and the critical importance of specialized protection for one of the Mojave Desert's most beloved and vulnerable species. RAY OF HOPE: In a time when Joshua trees face unprecedented threats from development and climate change, the Joshua Tree Conservation Act stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that targeted legislation can provide specialized protection for vulnerable species. This dedicated act recognizes Joshua trees as unique and irreplaceable elements of Southern California's desert heritage, creating a framework for their long-term survival despite mounting environmental pressures. The Joshua Tree Conservation Act represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: species-specific conservation legislation that addresses real threats, communities and lawmakers working together to protect iconic landscapes, and proactive measures that will safeguard these ancient desert sentinels for generations to come. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era of rapid desert development and climate uncertainty, the Joshua Tree Conservation Act reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one protected tree and preserved habitat at a time. The iconic act is one of its kind, providing one single species with strong protections, paving the way for future species to be protected in their own right. Support the Joshua Tree Conservation Act by contacting your representatives. Advocate for responsible solar development that avoids critical Joshua tree habitat. Participate in public comment periods for desert development projects. Educate others about the unique ecological importance of Joshua trees. RESOURCES: Learn more about the Joshua Tree Conservation here Responsible renewable energy development guidelines here Climate change impacts on Joshua trees research here PHOTO CREDITS: Yucca Moth Yucca Moth | Ann Cooper Yucca Moth | NPS York Fire | David Swanson Dome Fire | JT Sohr, NPS Dome Fire | James Quigg Native Territories | SAND TO STONE Manirva Eastern Joshua Tree | Jim Boone Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows

In this episode of Planet People, we are joined by Colin Barrows, a Coachella Valley naturalist, desert advocate, and Secretary of CactusToCloud Institute. Colin has extensive knowledge in desert ecology, particularly in reptiles and rare desert plants, and he shares many fascinating facts about lizard adaptations. We also uncover the secret life of lizards and what it takes for these creatures to survive in the rugged landscape of the low deserts of the Coachella Valley. CONNECT: Follow Colin Barrows on Instagram Follow @planet.people.pod for all the updates! RAY OF HOPE: In a time when habitat loss and climate change threaten reptile populations worldwide, the incredible lizard biodiversity of the Coachella Valley stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating nature's remarkable resilience and adaptability. The newly designated Chuckwalla National Monument protects critical habitat for the iconic chuckwalla lizard and dozens of other reptile species, preserving 624,000 acres of irreplaceable desert ecosystem where these ancient creatures have thrived for millennia. Chuckwalla National Monument represents hope because it shows us that protecting biodiversity hotspots can safeguard entire ecosystems: preserving critical lizard habitat, maintaining desert food webs that countless species depend on, and ensuring that future generations will witness the spectacular diversity of desert reptiles that call the Coachella Valley home. ANXIETY TO ACTION: In an era of biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation, the Chuckwalla Valley reminds us that we have the power to protect the remarkable creatures that share our planet, one preserved habitat at a time. Take Action: Interact with Cactus to Cloud social media - follow, like, comment, and share Advocate for the places and species you love! Write official comment letters, call your representatives, and let them know we need to keep these environmental protections in place Support local desert conservation efforts and reptile research initiatives RESOURCES: Learn more about Chuckwalla National Monument here. Acquire a California naturalist certification here. VOLUNTEER AND DONATE: Interested in helping with these conservation efforts? Subscribe to updates from Cactus to Cloud to learn how you can get involved. RELEVANT CONTENT: Listen to our previous episode with Colin and Sendy Barrows here PHOTO CREDITS: Mojave Desert Photography | Colin Barrows: https://cwbarrows.com/ Kangaroo Rat | Stan/stock.adobe.com: https://www.britannica.com/animal/kangaroo-rat Ironwood | Doris Evans: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dorisevans/27025026847/in/photostream/ Western Tanager | Bob Steventon: https://feederwatch.org/birdspotter-2019/western-tanager/ Cape May Warbler | Curtis A. Marantz: https://www.aba.org/southern-california-spring-2021/# Yucca Moth | NPS: https://www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/jotr/Discovering-the-Desert/Diverse-Landscapes/Yucca-moth_NPS-detail.html Giant Ground Sloth | Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.: https://www.britannica.com/animal/Megatherium