MIC Lecture Series

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 | Grandma Joy and Me: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time by Brad Ryan

In this inspiring talk, veterinarian and author Brad Ryan shares the extraordinary, history-making journey behind his memoir, Grandma Joy and Me: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time. What began as a simple trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after nearly a decade of estrangement became a seven-and-a-half-year adventure to visit all 63 U.S. national parks with his grandmother, Joy Ryan—better known as Grandma Joy.

Through powerful storytelling, Brad explores how America’s public lands can serve as a catalyst for healing, helping individuals navigate mental health struggles, repair fractured family relationships, and rediscover a sense of purpose and belonging. Their journey challenges conventional ideas about aging and adventure, highlighting the vitality, wisdom, and resilience of older adults.

At a time of growing loneliness and division, this talk is a call to reconnect—with nature, with one another, and across generations.

September 10 | The Moab Citizen Isolation Center Archaeology Project by Dr. Kohi Lau-Ozawa

This summer marks the first field season of the Moab Isolation Center Archaeology Project, which seeks to understand the history of Japanese American confinement at a the former Dalton Wells Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Led by field director Koji Lau-Ozawa, a team of archaeologists and students from UCLA are using a range of archaeological techniques from drone survey and ground penetrating radar to hand excavation to identify the physical remains of this site. During the 1930s Dalton Wells hosted a vibrant CCC camp with young men coming from across the nation to participate in projects along the Colorado Plateau. After the CCC camp closed it was converted into an isolation center for Japanese American citizens deemed troublemakers by the US government. This project provides one of the first archaeological investigations to understanding the complex history of the site.

This lecture is presented in partnership with the Moab Museum.

September 17 | Invasive Plants by Isabelle Jones

More information coming soon.

October 1| Stars of the America’s by TBD

Learn how different cultures through the Americas have used the stars within their cultures and lives, and how visiting your park after dark is become a part of Moab culture.

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

The Community Artist in the Parks program is a partnership between the National Park Service and CNHA. Join Chrissy Noel Kinslow as she discusses her seven-month residency creating artwork inspired by the diverse landscapes of southeast Utah’s national parks. She will share some of her favorite stories and images, discuss her artistic process, and answer questions about the program.

*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 July through October dates (opens in a new tab)

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