The Interconnected Passion of Climbing and Biodiversity
Indian Creek, Selfish Wall Approach. Photo - Liliane Chisolm
As fall and winter approach, it’s impossible not to dream of the desert and the majestic sandstone buttes rising above the valleys. The southeastern corner of Utah, from Moab to Bears Ears and beyond, holds a special place in my heart and soul. After Farm to Crag’s Yosemite Gathering this past spring, I got the itch for cracks, hand jams, and farming. The rock climbing and farming communities in and around Yosemite provided me with immense joy and perspective into what life is all about. Recently, I daydreamed about these connections and decided to take a trip down to Indian Creek. I wanted to test my newfangled skills on the sandstone and fully embrace the perfect season in the desert. It had been several years since I last visited this area, and this time, I climbed, cooked, and camped with a fresh perspective. This new outlook was shaped by my studies in food systems and community connections focused on sustainability and hands-on work.
I have been fortunate to contribute my efforts to Mad Snacks Produce in Oakley, Utah. While we're out there, Madison, the heart and soul of the farm, and I chat about climbing and how it enriches our lives, all while living the dream amidst the hoop house soil. Two deep passions are burning in each of us, rock climbing and biodynamic farming. Biodynamic agriculture emphasizes a holistic, regenerative, and sustainable approach, aiming to harmonize the farm, the environment, and the people who nurture it. All living things are related from the desert sagebrush to juniper trees, from the nitrogen-fixing microorganisms on a plant root to you. The joy from engaging in passionate work is astonishing and never ceases to amaze me each day. It’s truly a gift to learn from and share these meaningful connections with the people in our lives. The commitment to supporting our ecosystems through our daily choices and favorite activities is a significant step toward creating change. The shared visions within our communities enable collective action on a scale that drives positive impacts. Community-level efforts ignite conversations and connections, paving the way for even more climate solutions and increased awareness.
After conversing about what a future thriving with biodiversity could look like and exchanging recommendations on crags to explore, we began harvesting. Slowly, methodically, and with gratitude, we gathered the crops, pausing to embrace moments of reciprocity and honor the incredible effort these plants had made to grow. In a garden or farm where a nurturing kinship is cultivated, the produce thrives uniquely. The potatoes, onions, collard greens, beets, and carrots we harvested were vibrant, full of energy, and rich in nutrients. I was ecstatic to be heading to the desert with sustainable practices and fresh local produce ready to share conversations, climb, and cook with loved ones and new friends.
Fresh Onions at MadSnacks Produce. Photo - Liliane Chisolm
The connections that food fosters are truly remarkable. I was already planning what kind of burritos or hash I was going to make with plentiful produce from home. Rock climbing, eating, and building personal connections all require intention. Preparing food together outdoors cultivates an appreciation for the local environment and strengthens our understanding of the deep connection between agriculture and nature. A meal shared outdoors, especially at the crag, promotes a culture of sustainability within the climbing community. I am frequently drawn to the sense of community and opportunity for reciprocity that is deeply intertwined with my passion for life.
We all know how remote Indian Creek is, that’s what draws us in. It’s a beautiful escape from societal norms, where we can all come together to climb rocks for the sheer joy of it. However, it’s essential to recognize and respect the impact we have on this sacred landscape. These buttes aren't merely for our enjoyment—they play a vital role in supporting the various ecosystems for raptors, lizards, soil, and beyond. In the arid desert, it’s important to approach the natural environment with reverence and to educate oneself about the environments you step into. Promoting biodiversity and connection between the land, soil, rocks, and climbing routes enables climbers to create a sense of reciprocity in their creek experience. When a conscious decision is made to preserve and protect the surrounding land, significant progress is achieved. Earth is grieving the loss of compassion, marked by the depletion of clean air, lifeless soil, drying riverbeds, and the encroachment on open lands. As climbers, who travel to these sacred places and engage with sustainable practices, we have the power to reignite the drive for preservation and reciprocity. By cultivating compassion through these practices, we can climb and live in harmony with the land, fostering a deeper connection and respect for one another and the environment.
We encourage everyone to explore and learn about the remarkable Bears Ears National Monument and the vital efforts of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition in partnership with the BLM. Their work ensures that the Bears Ears region is managed with the utmost environmental care, creating a space where the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe can honor their ancestors, foster a connection to the land, and experience healing.
To learn more, visit their website at bearsearscoalition.org