In this Episode, Dexter Kopas illustrates issues involving public lands and resources in Arizona. Then describes the Campaigns set in place by Wild Arizona in response. Dexter shares his experiences from his years doing conservation work, reveals bigger picture insights and the knitty gritty details of making resource protection happen.Wild Arizona’s mission is to protect, unite, and restore wild lands and waters across Arizona and beyond for the enrichment and health for humans, and to ensure native plants and animals a lasting home in nature. Wild Arizona organizes and amplifies multi-community voices of support for legislation; advocate for conservation policy; and cultivate stewardship, awareness, and well being through outdoor volunteerism, science, and education.Thank you for listening ❤️More show notes, links, resources:Episode Linkswildarizona.org⁠ - stay up to date on current conservation efforts, opportunities to participate, educational material, and further resources.  Wild Arizona Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_arizona_Thesauer.weebly.com- Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride. A 315 Mile self supported ultra endurance bicycle ride through iconic regions of the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona.Sonoran Ultra Endurance Ride Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauer.tucsonSocial LinksInstagram -  https://www.instagram.com/surfaceexposure (More ways to connect coming soon)

---Follow on Instagram: @surfaceexposure--- For over 50 years, Jay has built and maintained hiking trail access in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and surrounding Wilderness areas in the Salmon-Challis and Boise National Forests. To this day, Jay continues to serve on a Wilderness Trail maintenance assignments with organizations such as The Pulaski User’s Group, Idaho Trails Association, and the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Association. In this episode Jay tells stories from his many years in the Sawtooth mountains and shares his ancestral history originating from the late 19th century Wood River Valley. During our conversation, Jay offers advice and resources to listeners who aspire to take part in the stewardship of our public lands.  ------LINKS------ Participate in the Stewardship of your public lands by following a link below to one of the organizations mentioned in the show. -Pulaski User's Group -insta: @pulaskiusers - ⁠pulaskiusers.org⁠ -Sawtooth Society -insta:@sawtoothsociety - ⁠Sawtoothsociety.org⁠  -Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation -insta: @selwaybitterroot - ⁠www.selwaybitterroot.org⁠  -Wood River Trails Association -insta: @wrtrailscoaltion - ⁠woodrivertrailscoalition.org⁠ -Idaho Trails Association -insta: @idahotrailsassociation ⁠idahotrailsassociation.org⁠  -American hiking society -insta: @americanhiking - americanhiking.org -Utah Conservation Corps - ⁠www.usu.edu/ucc⁠ -Idaho Conservation Corps - ⁠idahocc.org⁠ -national smokejumpers association - ⁠www.smokejumpers.com⁠ ------SPECIAL THANKS------ Marshall Dillion. ⁠Marshalldillion.com⁠ Gari Bol. ⁠108productions.com⁠ Bran Dex Shane Van Pelt. ⁠shanevanpelt.com⁠ 

In this episode I sit down with Leo Mercado, The Peyote Lorax. Leo, a career botanist, serves as the cultivation director and liaison for a non profit called the Morning Star Conservancy. Their mission is simply to ‘protect and preserve our sacrament.’  In this episode Leo illustrates the threats that are facing the peyote cactus on a grand scale. Then describes efforts in developing solutions to this issue. Throughout the conversation, Leo shares stories and experiences from his journey on what many call the peyote road.  ———links——— Www.morningstarconservancy.org -Morning Star Conservancy  https://www.crimepaysbutbotanydoesnt.com/thornscrub-sanctuary-preliminary-action-plan https://www.reddit.com/r/CPBBD/comments/190uu9d/thornscrub_sanctuary_land_conservation_project_in/ -Thornscrub Sanctuary preliminary action plan and the quest for the nicest visitor center restroom in Texas. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5TdaN5hzNbXBUTPgTVfrxf?si=5VQ6k0nQRiCi2srF3krLPw -An episode from Peyote Podcast entitled: “Talking to the Peyote Lorax about life and peyote conversation”. In this conversation, The Lorax updates us on their progress, efforts, and events in the pursuit to protect our sacrament. https://open.spotify.com/episode/786lc0QtV0TKjcnw5QkliM?si=HW9kAqeXQEGXfNIxLLQruA -A conversation about Peyote with Leo Mercado and Joey Santore. An episode from the ‘Crime Pays, But Botany Doesn’t’ podcast. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Hai1km0ko8PlP0C1WU9Pu?si=J38ks5-lQ_Wi6fM5WQl9hQ -“ History, Culture, and Tradition of Peyote with Leo Mercado.” - an episode from the ‘Lunacy’ podcast. 

Allan is a career archeologist and currently serves with the non profit called Archeology Southwest.  In this episode, Allan illustrates the tools and practices originating from the day to day lives of of peoples from the past. Allan then tells the story of his passion in recreating 'ancient technologies', shares his experience as a career archeologist, and provides resources for listeners interested in becoming further involved in the world of archeology. Archeology Southwest practices 'preservation archeology', which is a holistic and conservation based approach to exploring and protecting heritage places while honoring their diverse values. They compile archeological information, interpret it, then share it with the public and decision makers. The organization advocates for landscape scale protection, serves as stewards for for heritage properties and conservation easements, and commits to real ongoing collaboration with indigenous communities. Visit archeologysouthwest.org for more information, events, exhibits, classes, and ways to participate. As well you will find a blog full of interesting reading and video presentations. In addition, Southwest Archeology produces a physical magazine.  into the program. There is more to come.

For decades Eric has designed and built hiking trails. I ask him about public lands, wilderness areas, and the trails that access these places. Towards the end we talk about ways folks can participate in the maintaining of access to wild public lands. Thanks for tuning in. Any and all feedback, input, critique, and ideas are most appreciated.