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.