In Episode 3 of Drought Week, we take a journey through the American Southwest to Las Vegas, down to Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and through California’s Mojave Desert. We speak to a social scientist, a folklorist and a politician about their efforts to understand the plants and animals affected by this historic drought. 

We’ll focus on three iconic plants: Joshua trees. Saguaro cactuses. And, well, lawn grass.

After that, pistol shooter Alexis Lagan describes the discipline of her sport and how she came to represent the United States at the Tokyo Olympics.

More reading:

Imagine no Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park

Is California ready for brown lawns and shorter showers?

From the archives: With giant cactuses and sleek jaguars, Arizona’s Sonoran Desert has an edgy beauty