Butterflies, Bison, and the Border Wall: Conservationist Krista Schlyer

Conservation photographer Krista Schlyer describes the almost 2,000-mile border between the US and Mexico as a vibrant landscape teeming with life. Raising awareness for its biodiversity has become an integral part of her life’s work and is the focus of a new documentary film she directed, Ay Mariposa, which came out in May.

We hear a lot about the border wall in the news, but we don’t often talk about the wildlife and landscape that its construction impacts.

Note: We want to emphasize that while there’s a lot of talk about flora and fauna in this episode, it’s not to discount the very human elements of the US/Mexico border - it’s simply to highlight what exists alongside it.

Featured in this episode: Krista Schlyer

Hosted by Gale Straub

Sponsored by Merrell, Rooted, and ThirdLove

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In this episode, you'll hear:

Krista's circuitous route to political journalism, followed by a shift to environmental journalism Advice for making a living as a conservation photographer How witnessing a rare herd of bison jump over a border fence changed the direction of Krista's work Why Krista is so motivated to showcase the biodiversity at the US/Mexico border The many animals that call both the United States and Mexico home Why the butterfly is the perfect symbol for the delicate state of animal life along the Rio Grande The unknown cost of human and animal life due to the border How to keep moving forward when you're feeling discouraged by the progress of a project About Ay Mariposa, a short documentary film telling the story of two women and a rare community of butterflies in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Resources

Krista Schlyer: Website Ay Mariposa Film: Website Almost Anywhere: A book about Krista's life changing road trip Continental Divide: A photo book about wildlife, people, and the border wall Episode Landing Page

Sponsors and Discount Codes

Merrell: Learn more at Merrell.com Rooted: Head to Rooted.nyc/explore and use code EXPLORE for 15% off your order ThirdLove: Head to Thirdlove.com/explore for 15% off your order

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Music is by Kai Engel, Lee Rosevere, and Meydän using a creative commons attributions license.