MIC Lecture Series

April 16 | Navajo Stories About Ancient Astronauts and the Gila Monster by Pete Sands

Pete Sands brings Diné storytelling to life through the warm, playful humor of his Uncle Al and his unforgettable cast of puppets on his hit TV show Navajo Highways. Drawing from traditional oral narratives, the series explores legendary figures such as the Hero Twins—monster slayers who restore balance to the world—Coyote, the clever and chaotic trickster whose missteps teach hard lessons, and White Shell Woman, a sacred maternal figure tied to creation and harmony.

Through humor, song, and conversation, Sands guides viewers through Diné teachings about how the cosmos came to be, the emergence of the people into this world, and the ongoing responsibility to live in balance with the universe. Rooted in tradition yet told with contemporary creativity, Navajo Highways keeps ancient stories moving forward, one road at a time. This program is part of the Four Corners Lecture Series.*

April 30 | Visit with Respect: Reframing How Society Views Cultural Sites by Semira Crank

“Visit With Respect” is more than a phrase. It reflects a deeply ingrained cultural mindset that Indigenous Tribes have long practiced and continue to uphold today. Join us to learn about the educational campaign Visit With Respect and explore what it means to be an ally to the landscape while better understanding the cultural context of these important places. This program is part of the Four Corners Lecture Series.*

May 7 | Grove K. Gilbert by John Weisheit

Grove K. Gilbert (1843–1918) was a foundational American geologist and a “giant” of geomorphology who revolutionized the understanding of landscape evolution, erosion, and sedimentation. He was also a planetary geologist and atmospheric scientist. His language skills helped establish nomenclature for geologic specimens and features. Gilbert established the first hydrology laboratory at Berkeley, California. He served twice as president of the Geological Society of America, was chief geologist during the formative years of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and was a founding member of the National Geographic Society.

May 21 | Wildlife Tracking: Unraveling the Mysteries Around Us by Jonathan Jessop

Join Canyonlands National Park Ranger Jonathan Jessop as he explores the art and science of wildlife tracking. Discover how tracking can deepen your awareness and connection to the natural world, while learning the fundamentals through examples of local species that help guide and inform our understanding.

June 18 | Founding Fathers: The Creation of Canyonlands National Park by Robert Anderson

Join National Park Service Ranger Robert Anderson as he explores the visionaries behind the creation of Canyonlands National Park. Learn how Charlie Steen, representing the Atomic Energy Commission, helped provide access to the White Rim Sandstone via the White Rim Road, while Bates Wilson championed the idea of protecting the confluence and preserving a vast landscape of canyon country. Discover how Stewart Udall’s political leadership helped push the park’s establishment through Congress, and how their combined efforts shaped the Canyonlands we know today.

June 25 | Our Time in the Parks by Rhodes Smartt

Join Ranger Rhodes Smartt for a journey of introspection through our national parks as we explore the concept of time. What is time, and why does it matter? Through this engaging program, we’ll examine the many ways we experience and understand time, and how these perspectives influence our appreciation, conservation, and management of public lands.

July 9 | Arches and Canyonlands: Tracing the Historical Relation by Blaine Reniger

Join History Moab founder Blaine Reniger as we explore the captivating history of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Discover the historical connections between these parks, from their origins to their official establishment. Drawing on years of dedicated research, Blaine shares the inspiring stories of individuals like Dr. J.W. Williams, Alex Ringhoffer, Bates Wilson, and Stewart Udall—visionaries who played crucial roles in the creation of these parks, despite the many obstacles they faced.

July 16 | Geology of the La Sal Mountains by Christopher Benson

More information coming soon.

July 23 | Bears Ears Digital Cultural Heritage Initiative by Ben Bellorado and Eric Heller

More information coming soon.

August 13 | Desert Nights by Rhodes Smartt

Southeastern Utah is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, where incredible nocturnal life thrives under the stars. Join Ranger Rhodes as we explore what makes the night skies of Canyonlands and Arches so special, the growing threats from urbanization and population growth, and what we can do—both locally and at home—to help protect these dark skies for future generations.

August 27 | Soundscapes by Robert Anderson

From rustling cottonwoods to the distant call of a canyon wren, the natural world is alive with sound—and those sounds matter. Join National Park Service Ranger Robert Anderson for a fascinating exploration of how sound shapes our experience of public lands. Learn how the National Park Service works to preserve natural soundscapes and why they are vital to both ecosystem health and visitor experience.

September 17 | Invasive Plants by Isabelle Jones

More information coming soon.

October 29 | SEUG Community Artist in the Parks by Chrissy Noel Kinslow

More information coming soon.

*Select programs in the Moab Information Center Lecture Series are part of the Four Corners Lecture Series.

The Four Corners Lecture Series is produced by several local organizations who sponsor speakers each year. The series features presentations on the archeology, current Native American cultures, history, and natural resources of the Four Corners area. Guest lecturers will share their knowledge, interpretations, and experiences in the Four Corners Region.

View April through June dates here.

View July through October dates here.

For the most up-to-date information, please check the Four Corners Lecture Series Facebook page.