Arizona Strip March 2017 Free Interagency Brown Bag Lecture Series

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Arizona Strip District Office

Media Contact:

Rachel T. Carnahan, BLM Arizona Strip District Public Affairs Officer

Arizona Strip Brown Bag Lecture SeriesFor Immediate Release March 10, 2017                               

ST. GEORGE, Utah - Every Friday, from October through April, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and its partners host the popular Brown Bag Lecture series which provides unique opportunities for members of the public to learn more about the area’s natural resources and public lands. Speakers include geologists, range specialists, biologists, archaeologists, rangers and other specialists who cover subjects tied to the Arizona Strip and surrounding public lands. For those who want to learn more before venturing out or are curious about these remote and rugged landscapes, the lectures are an excellent way to bring the resources and related issues to the community’s doorstep.

 

The lectures, which begin at noon and last one hour, are held at the Interagency Information Center, located at 345 E. Riverside Drive in St. George, Utah.  Admission is free, but space is limited for this popular lecture series.  Attendees are advised to reserve their free seating early; tickets are available one week prior to each program. To obtain tickets visit the Interagency Information Center or call (435)688-3200 for more information.

The lecture series is sponsored by the Dixie/Arizona Strip Interpretive Association, BLM, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. 

 

March 10  Paleontology of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument with Dr. Alan Titus    The Kaiparowits Plateau of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has been called a “Dinosaur Shangri-La” by the New York Times.  Dr. Alan Titus has been a key force behind thousands of paleontological discoveries over more than three decades. 

 

March 17  Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park with Park Manager Mike Franklin

The Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Kanab, Utah is a shifting sea of red sand. Frequently changed and shaped by the wind, these mountains and hills of sand can move as much as 50 feet per year. The dunes offer adventures for everyone from off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to those who enjoy photographing the parks’ unique landscapes.  Park Manager Mike Franklin will describe the history and opportunities to explore this wonderland of sand.

 

March 24  Frontier Homestead State Park with Museum Curator Ryan Paul

Visitors to the Frontier Homestead State Park will discover the pioneer and early industrial history of Cedar City, Iron County, and southwest Utah through the museums’ extensive horse-drawn wagon collection, historic buildings, Native Heritage exhibit, sawmill and replica blast furnace. Paul will discuss the many hands-on activities and interpretive programs offered throughout the year, including Sheep-to-Shawl, Archaeology Day, Iron Mission Days, cemetery tours, and Christmas at the Homestead.

 

March 31  How Horses Helped Settle the West

During settlement of the American West, large draft horses were a key factor in pursing agriculture.  Keith Davis will share stories from history of the use of draft horses in southwest Utah, which were not only for important work, but also for recreation.

 


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.