41. Protecting the Fragile Plants of Desert Landscapes with Jessica Esplin

In episode 41 of the Outdoor Minimalist Podcast, we get to talk about plants. More specifically, we do a deep dive into plants within a desert ecosystem and how to recreate in a way that respects the native flora and fauna.

To educate us on this important topic, I had the pleasure of hosting a dear friend of mine, Jessica Esplin.

Born in the heart of Southern Utah. Her family instilled a sense of wonder and respect for the outdoors while adventuring on the outskirts of Zion National Park. Working in the Outdoor Industry created a platform for her to travel for work and play. She soon realized another passion lay in the ecology of her home environment, the desert.

Currently working and living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Jess works with The Arboretum to preserve, conserve and showcase the Colorado Plateaus flora & fauna. Through her fieldwork she has seen, more than ever, the need to preserve the fragile environments we all love. Whether you raise cattle, off-road, climb, or camp, we all play a part in these ecosystems. From the Sandstone Towers of the Colorado Plateau, the great cacti of the Sonoran, and the wonders of the Mojave, Jessica's unique perspective can teach us about the importance of preserving these lands.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/

WEBSITE: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/

ORDER THE BOOK: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/book

YOUTUBE: @theoutdoorminimalist

-------------------------

Use the code OUTDOORMINIMALIST for 10% off every Neo Bites order.

ARBORETUM AT FLAGSTAFF

Seeds Jess is Currently Collecting in the Mojave:

• Baileya multiraidata, Desert marigold
• Lupinus odoratus, Mojave lupine
• Chylismia brevipes, Yellow cups
• Astragalus layneae, Widow's milkvetch
• Opuntia basilaris, Beavertail cactus
• Larrea tridentata, Creosote

-------------------------

EPISODE RESOURCES

Environmental Conservation Species Search

USFWS Section 6 Program on Endangered Plant Species

Association of Zoological Horticulture

The Wilderness Society

Native Plant Societies

Sierra Club

California Desert Protection Act

Plant Conservation Alliance