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.).
2026 Lineup:
October
October 15 ~ Jeremy Buck ~ Mill Creek Canyon – What Was, What Is, and What Could Have Been ~ Mill Creek has served as a vital water source for both wildlife and humans since time immemorial. Over the past 200 years, substantial changes have altered the flow of Mill Creek – for better or worse. Historical journals, newspaper archives, and water management proposals document how the modern settlement of Moab has forever changed the flow of water.
October 29 ~ Chrissy Noel Kinslow ~ SEUG Community Artist in the Parks ~ The Community Artist in Parks program is a partnership between the National Park Service and CNHA. Join Chrissy Kinslow as she discusses her seven-month term creating works of art inspired by Southeast Utah's national parks and varied landscapes. She will share some of her favorite stories and images, discuss her artistic process, and answer questions about the program.
September
September 10 ~ Dr. Kohi Lau-Ozawa ~ The Moab Citizen Isolation Center Archaeology Project ~ With the Moab Museum ~ This summer marks the first field season of the Moab Isolation Center Archaeology Project, an initiative that seeks to uncover the history of Japanese American confinement at the former Dalton Wells Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. Led by field director Koji Lau-Ozawa, a team of archaeologists and students from UCLA is employing a range of archaeological methods—including drone surveys, ground-penetrating radar, and hand excavation—to identify and document the site's surviving physical remains. During the 1930s, Dalton Wells was home to a thriving CCC camp, where young men from across the United States participated in conservation and infrastructure projects throughout the Colorado Plateau. After the CCC camp closed, the site was converted into an isolation center for Japanese American citizens whom the U.S. government labeled as "troublemakers" during World War II. By combining historical research with archaeological investigation, the Moab Isolation Center Archaeology Project is providing one of the first comprehensive studies of this historically significant site, shedding new light on its layered past and the experiences of those who lived there.
September 17 ~ Isabelle Jones ~ Invasive Plants ~ Discover the fascinating—and often surprising—world of invasive plants in the desert Southwest! Join Isabelle Jones and the Grand County Noxious Weeds Department as we explore the history of invasive species, how they made their way to our region, and why they pose a challenge to our landscapes. From neighborhood gardens to public lands and national parks, learn about the ecological impacts of invasive plants and the tools land managers use to protect the unique ecosystems of the Southwest. Whether you're a gardener, outdoor enthusiast, or simply curious about the natural world, this program offers valuable insights into one of the region's most pressing environmental issues.