Every year, spring through fall, the Canyonlands Natural History Association hosts experts to speak on Moab science, culture, ecology, and history. These talks are free, and are held at the Moab Information Center. It's a great way to learn more about this fascinating place—and get ideas for more things you'd like to do in Moab.
Talks are held at 6 p.m. at the Moab Information Center (25 E. Center St.).
Upcoming talks:
August 13 ~ Rhodes Smartt ~ Desert Nights ~ Southeastern Utah is home to some of the darkest skies in the country, with some incredible nocturnal nightlife thriving under its stars. However, with urbanization and population growth, there are threats on the horizon. Join Ranger Rhodes as we explore what makes the night skies of Canyonlands and Arches special, how we can continue to protect them, and what differences we can make at home to save our night skies for future generations.
August 27 ~ Brad Ryan ~ Grandma Joy and Me: A Journey of Healing, One National Park at a Time ~ 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 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.