20. Desert Defenders: Designating Chuckwalla National Monument w/ Sendy Barrows

In this episode of Planet People, co-hosts Natalie Jane Cibel and Coral Beth Carson sat down with Sendy Barrows, co-founder of the CactusToCloud Institute, to discuss the successful campaign that led to the designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument in January 2025. Barrows shares the behind-the-scenes story of how this conservation victory required years of dedicated advocacy work, bringing together diverse stakeholders in a comprehensive coalition-building effort. 

The new designation near Joshua Tree National Park protects wildlife and preserves Indigenous spiritual and cultural values tied to the land. Listeners will gain insight into the complex process of environmental advocacy and the persistence required to achieve lasting conservation outcomes. 

CONNECT:

• Follow Sendy Barrows on Instagram  
• Follow @planet.people.pod for all the updates!

RAY OF HOPE: 

In a time when climate change can feel overwhelming, the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument stands as a powerful ray of hope, demonstrating that grassroots community action can create meaningful climate solutions. By protecting these 624,000 acres of irreplaceable desert ecosystem, we’re actively fighting climate change through land conservation. 

Chuckwalla National Monument represents hope because it shows us a pathway forward: local action creating lasting change, communities taking climate action into their own hands, and conservation efforts that will benefit generations to come. 

ANXIETY TO ACTION:

In an era of climate anxiety, Chuckwalla reminds us that we have the power to be part of the solution, one protected landscape at a time. Interact with the Cactus to Cloud social media, follow, like, comment, and share. Follow them here. 

Advocate for the places you love! Write official comment letters, call your reps, and let them know we need to keep these environmental policies in place.

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. You can also support them by donating to this cause!

RELEVANT CONTENT:

Listen to our previous episode with All Creatures Podcast here