Sedona AZ (December 22, 2015) – Join artists, scientists, and authors for informative and insightful discussions when the Sedona Muses of the Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) present “Water on the Colorado Plateau,” an annual monthly lecture series beginning January 11. The lecture series runs the second Monday of the each month from January through April at the Sedona United Methodist Church, 110 Indian Cliffs Road, and begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets, $6 for MNA and Sedona Muses members and $7 for nonmembers, are available for purchase at Bashas’ in Sedona, Weber’s IGA at the Village of Oak Creek, or at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. the evening of the event.
“This series is a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn more about the art, archaeology, geology, biology and cultures of Northern Arizona and the Colorado Plateau from experts in their fields,” said Sedona Muses board member Rebecca DeVault. “This season’s presenters will provide great insight into the scarcity, fragility and diversity of the Colorado Plateau’s water sources. In addition, important water issues facing the region will be examined.”
Author and geologist Christa Sadler kicks off the series with “Our Region’s Water: How, Why and Whither” Monday, January 11. An avid adventurer and naturalist, Sadler received her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Anthropology and Archeology from the University of California at Berkeley, and her Master’s degree in Earth Sciences from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She has traveled the globe contributing to research in the fields of archaeology, geology and paleontology.
Sadler will discuss how and where water forms on the Colorado Plateau. She will explore the water cycle, the region’s unique geography and geology and how this contributes to the plateau’s groundwater and surface water. In addition, she will briefly discuss the “Law of the River” and explorer John Wesley Powell’s prescient ideas for settlement of the West in the context of the Colorado Plateau’s current and future water supplies.
To learn more about the 2016 Sedona Muses lecture series, visit musnaz.org.
2016 Lecture Schedule
January 11
Our Region’s Water: How, Why and Whither
Author & Geologist Christa Sadler
Author and geologist Christa Sadler will discuss how and where water forms on the Colorado Plateau. She will explore the water cycle, the region’s unique geography and geology and how this contributes to the plateau’s groundwater and surface water. In addition, she will briefly discuss the “Law of the River” and explorer John Wesley Powell’s prescient ideas for settlement of the West in the context of the Colorado Plateau’s current and future water supplies.
February 8
Hidden Waters
Dr. Larry Stevens & Dr. Abe Springer
Learn about the biological and cultural significance of the Colorado Plateau’s “hidden waters” in this revealing and insightful presentation. Go below to explore the mysterious journey of groundwater―from aquifers to springs. Presented by Dr. Larry Stevens, Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) Curator of Ecology and Conservation and co-founder of MNA’s Springs Stewardship Institute, and Dr. Abe Springer, Northern Arizona University Professor of Hydrogeology.
March 14
Running the Colorado River
Photographer David Edwards
Renowned photographer and river guide David Edwards takes his audience on a thrilling row down the Colorado River. Favoring exotic destinations, Edwards captures the power of water as it shapes and reshapes the Grand Canyon―from roaring rapids to tranquil springs.
April 11
Water and the Navajo Nation
Bidtah Becker, Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources
Bidtah Becker, acting Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, will discuss the Navajo Nation’s multi-faceted view of water. She brings to the discussion her own perspective as a Diné person, a water rights lawyer, and as an administrator overseeing all the Nation’s natural resources.