The Sonoran Desert is renowned for its iconic, endemic species—and home to many people who are dedicated to studying and preserving them. Invasive species present a threat to desert ecologies that is growing along with globalized plant trade, climate change and resource depletion. Harmful, prolific plants displace native species and disrupt ecological processes like fire regimes and food production cycles. Today’s episode is part one of an expansive conversation about invasive species and how they relate to regional land management strategies in general. Patricia Schwartz talks with Kim Franklin, Associate Director for Conservation at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and with Brian Powell, Division Manager in Pima County’s Conservation Lands and Resources Department

Hosted, edited and produced by Patricia Schwartz; post production by Carlos Quintero.