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In this episode I am joined by Rodrigo Sierra Corona, the executive Director of Borderlands Restoration Network; an organization that strives to grow a restorative economy by rebuilding healthy ecosystems, restoring habitat for plants and wildlife, and reconnecting border communities to the land through shared learning.

The organization envisions connected borderlands where rivers flow, plants, wildlife and cultures thrive, and communities develop an inclusive restorative economy where a sense of places inspires a sense of purpose.

The organization performs vital natural resource conservation work in the Sky Island’s of Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora via land acquisitions for conservation and wildlife, watershed restoration, native plant propagation, education, and community connection.

The Madrean Archipelago, or commonly known as the Sky Island region, is a hotspot for biodiversity - hosting unique ecosystems and wildlife found no where else.

During the conversation Rodrigo examines land and water use in Southern Arizona - illustrating how natural resource conservation contributes positively to the economy. He showcases the efforts, work and opportunities the organization produces.

Rodrigo shares significant wisdom for folks of all walks of life concerning our relationship with natural resources and why we should probably care. He also offers advice, insight, and resources for those who want to be more involved in conservation.

Reach out directly to the organization at borderlandsrestoration.org
Instagram: @borderlandsrestoration

Podcast Instagram: @surfaceexposure

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What’s the best kept secret in Arizona?

What’s it take to build and maintain an 800 mile long National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah?

Looking for an adventure of a lifetime?

On this episode I chat with Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, Matthew Nelson.

The Arizona Trail Association’s Mission is to build, maintain, protect, promote the Trail, engage with the public in working together to care for the Arizona National Scenic Trail. In this conversation, Matthew describes the efforts in progress set out to accomplish this mission.

Matthew takes us on a guided tour of the Arizona Trail highlighting spectacular landscapes, values, and experiences along the way. He shares origins of the trail, describing the process of establishing an 800 mile long passage from Mexico to Utah.

During the conversation Matthew explains the value the Trail brings to the individual, local communities, the State of Arizona, the economy, wildlife, and environment. He makes a case stating the importance of caring for this cultural resource and major artery of Arizona’s $15 billion outdoor recreation industry.

Want to become involved? Listen to learn more about opportunities to participate in caring for the AZT.

Reach out at:

volunteer@aztrail.org

Visit Aztrail.org for upcoming events, programs, trail resources, newsletters, and opportunities to become involved.

Matthew gave a shout out to some other notable organizations worth checking out:

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists

sdmb.org

@sdmb_org

Torca

www.torca.org

@torqcamtb

County line riders of Catalina

www.countylineriders.org

Tucson saddle club

www.Tucsonsaddleclub.org

Huachuca Hiking Club

@ www.Groups.io

Flagstaff biking organization

www.flagstaffbiking.org

@flagstaffbikingorg

Legends of Superior Trail

Ala Kahakai Trail Association (Hawaii)

@alakahakaitrailassociation

www.Alakahakai.com

What does a day in the life look like protecting our public lands?

Links to more content, ways to connect , and support the podcast found at:

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Instagram @surfaceexposure

Join conservationist, trail builder, and wildland firefighter Simon McKay for a deep dive into the work that protects America’s public lands. Simon shares honest insights from years of building and maintaining trails, serving in conservation programs, and fighting wildfire across the West. We explore the meaning of public lands, the evolution of outdoor recreation, daily life on a trail crew, and what it takes to step onto the fireline.

The conversation moves onto the fireline, where Simon explains the Incident Command System (ICS), strategies used in wildland fire, life on assignment, and the values firefighters work to protect. He offers stories from the field — from holding the line to broccoli-bomb pranks — and gives guidance for listeners who want to get involved in conservation corps programs, trail work, or wildland fire.

—Links—
Find a job with the conservation corps near you: https://corpsnetwork.org/jobs-at-corps/