Substacks recommended by Chris Clarke | Letters From the Desert

Recommended by Chris Clarke

A weekly roundup of environmental news from the North American deserts

Outdoor news and musings from the American West. Written by Casey Schreiner, outdoor author and journalist, television writer/producer, LA Times contributor, and founder of Modern Hiker - one of the oldest and most-read hiking blogs on the west coast.

Have feet, or a reasonable substitute, and enjoy getting out in the world? You have to read Casey Schreiner's news;etter Modern Hiker even if you don't live anywhere near Southern California.

- Chris Clarke

Biotalks Podcast

The hottest gossip about native biodiversity in your area.

Irreverent Observations on the Endangered Species Act

By Chris Nagano

Thoughts & comments on the ESA from a former insider

Unflinching takes on the ongoing mass extinction. Read this newsletter and then do something about it.

- Chris Clarke

The Desert Trumpet

Your City. Your Neighborhood. Your News.

If you live in the Morongo Basin you need to subscribe to the Desert Trumpet. They provide analysis of local news that other media outlets can't or won't offer.

- Chris Clarke

LANDLINE by Jay Babcock

A newsletter of ideas, nudges and recommendations that hopefully form a small bailiwick outside the cruddiness at large, from the founding editor of Arthur Magazine.

Amado

By The Grand Calavera

Things to love and do in the hi desert

The Border Chronicle

Original Reporting and Analysis from the U.S.-Mexico Border

Crucial border reporting from two longtime journalists covering the border justice beat. See through the xenophobic hype that surrounds the issue even from allegedly liberal sources.

- Chris Clarke

Chop Wood, Carry Water

By Jessica Craven

This weekday newsletter gives you easy, effective political actions to take to stave off despair, effect positive change and elect more true public servants.

No time for activism? This newsletter will prove you wrong, with biteable chunks of activism you can fit into each busy day.

- Chris Clarke

Your Local Epidemiologist

By Katelyn Jetelina

Providing a direct line of "translated" public health science to you

Actual science on public health, including but not limited to Covid. A must-read for the non-horse-dewormer crowd.

- Chris Clarke

Hi-Desert Dispatch

By Megan Hernbroth

Goings-on in California's Morongo Basin.

A critical, compassionate, and occasionally hilarious look at events and life in the California Mojave. plus bonus dog stories!

- Chris Clarke

A Writer's Notebook

By Summer Brennan

essays, art, and inspiration from an American writer in Paris

Summer is an amazing writer and her exploits are captivating. She's also a great writing coach and cheerleader.

- Chris Clarke

The Land Desk

By Jonathan P. Thompson

Western lands and communities--in context.

One of the best writers on western lands issues working today.

- Chris Clarke

Sage and Sand

By Patrick Donnelly

Notes on the fight for desert biodiversity in the Great Basin and Mojave deserts, from the edge of Death Valley

Patrick Donnelly is at the center of environmental activism in the desert, and his newsletter Sage and Sand is a glimpse into the work of one of the most effective desert protectors ever.

- Chris Clarke

BORDER/LINES

Immigration news, in context.

An Irritable Métis

By Chris La Tray

Email newsletter from Chris La Tray, member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, author of "Becoming Little Shell" from Milkweed Editions (8/20/2024), and 2023–2025 Montana Poet Laureate.

Love notes from Siel

By Siel Ju

Missives on love, writing, and travel from Siel.