Discovery with Babbitt Ranches

The Babbitt Ranches Community can trace nearly 400 years of adventure — from a perilous Atlantic crossing from England to the rugged journey across the wildlands of the American West. Through hills and valleys, fortunes and losses, one thread has remained unbroken: the values, principles and character qualities that guided the family through every challenge, condition and season. Join Discovery with Babbitt Ranches for stories and leadership lessons from the past that continue to inspire the future.

In this episode of Discovery with Babbitt Ranches, guest Billy Cordasco shares how renewable energy is shaping the latest frontier for one of Arizona’s oldest ranching operations. From wind turbines to solar projects, Cordasco discusses how clean energy generation aligns with Babbitt Ranches’ core values and efforts in land stewardship, agriculture, wildlife conservation, community and future impact. Listeners will also learn how advanced modeling and technology like IdentiFlight are supporting both energy development and golden eagle conservation.

In 1959, the promise of room, board and riches kept young men working for free in the Northern Arizona high desert. Buried in the dirt for decades is the story of what history has judged to be a scheme to extract millions of dollars from investors without extracting uranium ore. The story played out on land now owned by Babbitt Ranches. Hear from one of the workers, Hugh McKeen, on the Discovery with Babbitt Ranches podcast.

Northern Arizona’s mountains and topography have a huge impact on the weather, making forecasts challenging. The winter of 2022 - '23 was no exception, and surprised locals and meteorologists alike with record precipitation and snow in many locations. “This spring we had a very deep snowpack, one for the books,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge Brian Klimowski, Ph.D. “This was the longest we’ve ever had 10 inches of snow on the ground in the Flagstaff area in history.” In addition, Babbitt Lake overflowed its banks, a lake that can be dry for years. On Discovery with Babbitt Ranches, hear from Klimowski about the complexity of the area and how weather forecasting has expanded to include predicting impacts on communities and highways in an effort to keep people safe.

Astronauts drive a moon rover prototype and practice geology on the rocky high desert of Babbitt Ranches in preparation for the moon and Mars. USGS geologist Jim Skinner discusses drills he and others create, along with a land-use ethic being forged by Babbitt Ranches, USGS and NASA to carry forth to other worlds.

The pronghorn antelope has long been a graceful symbol of the West, a beautiful representation of freedom and elegance as it sprints across the open grassland. Along with the Arizona Game & Fish Department and others, Babbitt Ranches has been studying, monitoring and taking action to maintain the pronghorn and their habitat.

Ian Torrence has been the National Restoration Specialist for the American Conservation Experience, a long time champion for recreation and a world-class ultra-marathon runner. Ian has played a key role in restoring stretches of the Little Colorado River on Babbitt Ranches and establishing the 100 mile Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Ultra Marathon across Babbitts CO Bar ranch along the Arizona Trail.

Discussions on the innovation of range, soils and vegetation management with Stephen Cassady of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Victor Howell is a dedicated cowboy who exemplifies Cowboy Essence. Vic greets each day with gratitude and consistency, the desire to learn something new, to inspire and lead others, and to always be at his best!

Victor Howell is a dedicated cowboy who exemplifies Cowboy Essence. Vic greets each day with gratitude and consistency, the desire to learn something new, to inspire and lead others, and to always be at his best!