Every Friday, the Bureau of Land Management and its partners host the popular Brown Bag Lecture series, which provides unique opportunities for members of the public to learn more about the area’s natural resources and public lands. Speakers include geologists, range specialists, biologists, archaeologists, rangers, and other specialists who delve more deeply into subjects tied to the Arizona Strip and surrounding public lands. For those who want to learn more before venturing out or are curious about these remote and rugged landscapes, the lectures are an excellent way to bring the resources and related issues to the community’s doorstep.
The lectures, which begin at noon and last one hour, are held at the Interagency Information Center, located at 345 E. Riverside Dr. in St. George. Admission is free, but space is limited for this popular lecture series. To obtain tickets, visit the Interagency Information Center, or call (435) 688-3200 for more information on obtaining tickets.
The Brown Bag Lecture series is sponsored by the Dixie/Arizona Strip Interpretive Association, the BLM, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Brown Bag Lecture series schedule:
On Jan. 8, join Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Field Supervisor Luke Thompson for a discussion on wildlife strategies on the Arizona Strip. Thompson will also share more information about the species within Game Management Unit 13B on the Arizona Strip, including antelope, bighorn sheep, Merriam’s turkey, mule deer, quail, and even feral pigs.
On Jan. 15, John Kellam, wildlife biologist for the BLM St. George Field Office, will present information on the elusive Florida panther. These magnificent cats can weigh up to 150 pounds, reach up to 7 feet in length and typically live 10-15 years in the wild. Since 1967, the Florida panther has been listed as an endangered species. Today, there are an estimated 100 to 160 panthers living in the remote swamps and forest of southern Florida. From 2006 to 2015, Kellam was a member of the National Park Service Florida panther capture, research, and monitoring team. Come hear stories about his adventures on the team.
On Jan. 22, join Arizona Strip geologist Rody Cox to learn more about how our region’s unique landscape was formed. If you’ve ever looked at the fascinating features that are so unique to this region, you may have wondered how these undulating, colorful rock formations came to be. Places like the world famous “Wave” and the majestic Virgin River Gorge inspire us and create a sense of wonder and appreciation for the magnificent natural resources that surround us.
On Jan. 29, discover more of southwest Utah and northwest Arizona’s natural wonders with Bo Beck, co-author of the popular guidebook “Favorite Hikes In and Around Zion National Park.” Born in Phoenix in 1956 and raised in Albuquerque, Beck joined the Air Force in 1975 where he taught global survival to U.S. Air Force crew members. In 1996, Beck became an active member of the Zion National Park High Angle Search and Rescue team and today he enjoys sharing his extensive outdoor experience with adventurers seeking gear and advice at the Desert Rat.
