Into the Canyon

Timelapse of Lake Powell — Time rolls through a ghost forest and canyon, once wild, then drowned, now returning, near the Escalante Arm of Lake Powell, America’s second largest reservoir which is facing an unpredictable future with more demands on a dwindling Colorado River system.

This fall, I was the guest editor of an Earth-based sci-fi magazine: Tractor Beam. We collaborated on the water issue and it’s out there, full of speculative fiction about as weird and far flung as the places I travel on this planet. But it got me thinking about time, and how the stories we tell can shift and flow with the reality we experience. For instance, once a hidden oasis, Lake Powell flooded Glen Canyon and became a sea in the desert, now nature is batting last and telling a new story.

If you want to read more, check out Hell or High, Tractor Beam’s water issue! Longer stories are available on their website and substack.

Tractor Beam is a speculative and science fiction publication dedicated to growing a culture of hope around futures on Earth. They tell stories that explore provocative, optimistic ideas around farming, food, soil, and beyond, reimagining how humans can live more harmoniously with nature. They call it soilpunk.

Subscribe if you love soil or our home planet. @tractorbeam.earth

#soilpunk #tractorbeamhellorhigh #naturephotography #drought #climatefiction ...

Don’t forget to stride over to vote. Nature, water, rivers, forests, roadless areas, wildlife and so much more are on the ballot and need your voice this year.

These skating videos show how much has changed in just a few years with just one backyard water situation. I keep documenting this exponential change (and voting) in the hopes the next gen and my daughter will see some of the wild things I was lucky to witness.

#vote #nature #conservation
📷 #petemcbride ...

Last week, I had the privilege to share my work with schools at Shiprock High on the Navajo Nation Reservation — nearly 600 high schoolers. I talked about land, water, rivers, and many native leaders in the conservation world who have protected so much — often for public American benefit. We also created the sound of a rainstorm inside - helping the rains stay longer (slide 5).

The vast beauty of their lands that cover over 27,000 square miles, larger than 10 U.S. states, is breathtaking. I got to even play pickle ball with Shiyazh Pete @shiyazhpete the first Navajo to play in the NFL. He is huge and moves like a cat and his heart equals his size. The generosity of spirt of kids and teachers I met, were just as impressive in size. I was deeply humbled to be called an “honorary Chieftain”.

I also got to visit with my old friends @asdzaabiibetoney and more of Save the Confluence who just helped make the confluence inside the Grand Canyon a sacred, protected landscape.

Thanks to all that made it happen, especially Andrew Weber, @changemakertalent and @vital.impacts

#Navajo #native #land
📷 #Petemcbride ...

A few frames from the Navajo Nation. I’m honored to be visiting here again to present my stories about land, water and the many native souls I’ve documented fighting to protect their homes and beyond.

Thanks to locals here who invited me: I’ll be talking to the Shiprock (3rd image) High School tmrw afternoon.

In the meantime, I’ll be marveling at the vastness of landscape here - which often rivals the humor and kindness of heart here. Thanks @vital.impacts @changemakertalent for seeing the value in student talks and the next gen.

#happyindigenouspeoplesday #native
#navajo
📷 #petemcbride ...