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Fall is settling in across the Colorado Plateau, and there’s plenty happening across the public lands we support.
This month, we’re sharing details about our National Public Lands Day celebration, highlighting cultural programming at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges, introducing the BLM’s 2026 Canyon Country Artist-in-Residence, and sharing opportunities to get involved — including the 2027 Community Artist in Parks application and an open public comment period on proposed changes to the Roadless Rule.
You’ll also find upcoming events and more ways to connect with the places, people, and programs that make this region so special.
Thanks for being part of the CNHA community — we’re glad you’re here!
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CANYONLANDS NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Annual National Public Lands Day Celebration
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Join CNHA and the Moab community for an evening celebrating the public lands that inspire us all! Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 24, from 5–7 pm, at the Moab Information Center for our annual National Public Lands Day Celebration.
This free, family-friendly community event brings together public land partners, local organizations, and neighbors for an evening of live music, hands-on activities, educational exhibits, free swag, and plenty of public lands fun.
This year, we’ll be joined by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Science Moab, Bears Ears Partnership, Steward Moab, Rim to Rim Restoration, Friends of Indian Creek, Canyonlands Field Institute, and Returning Rapids — with more still to come!
Whether you’re a local, a longtime supporter, or just passing through, come meet some of the people working throughout our region, learn something new, and celebrate the public lands that bring our community together.
The event is free and open to everyone, we’d love to see you there!
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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE + CANYONLANDS NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Cultural Programs Bring Living Traditions to Visitors
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This summer, visitors at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges have had the opportunity to experience programs that bring music, art, history, and cultural knowledge into the park experience — with support from CNHA.
In August, artist and educator Ed Kabotie presented a special program connected with Hovenweep National Monument, hosted at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum. Through music, family artwork, storytelling, and his perspective on American history, Ed offered an engaging program that connected personal and family stories with the broader history of the region.
CNHA was proud to help make the program possible, with support from the National Park Service and thanks to Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum for hosting the event.
| | Ed Kabotie shares music, art, and stories during his August program at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum. | | | |
This September, that work continues at Natural Bridges National Monument with Shawn Price and the Dine'Tah Cultural Program. See Upcoming Events below for details on this program and more happening across CNHA partner sites.
Programs like these create opportunities for visitors to learn directly from cultural educators and experience the histories, perspectives, and living traditions connected to the landscapes they are visiting. CNHA is glad to support our partners in bringing more of these opportunities to public lands across the region.
Photo: N. Barber (NPS)
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BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT - CANYON COUNTRY FIELD OFFICE
Meet the 2026 Canyon Country Artist in Residence
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The Bureau of Land Management is thrilled to welcome Colorado photographer Josh Schutz as the 2026 Canyon Country Artist-in-Residence. Schutz will be in residence from October 12 to 25, using historic techniques like wet plate collodion tintypes, ambrotypes, and dry plate photography to create striking, one-of-a-kind images of the American West that echo the spirit of the region's earliest photographic expeditions.
Working with large-format cameras and a portable darkroom, Schutz's images explore the relationship between landscape, history, and stewardship. His work connects viewers to the cultural and natural heritage of public lands, using processes that were contemporary to the very first photographic expeditions through this country.
The residency also arrives at a meaningful moment for the nation. As America approaches its 250th birthday, this residency is proud to support the spirit of Freedom 250, honoring the people, places, and stories that have shaped our country's history. Schutz's use of 19th century photographic processes offers a fitting way to reflect on that legacy, connecting the earliest days of American photography to the landscapes that continue to define our shared heritage today.
Schutz's love for these landscapes runs deep, shaped by years spent exploring and working on public lands across Colorado. That hands-on connection to the land shows up in every photograph he makes.
“As an artist working in historical photographic processes, I am interested in how photography can influence the way people experience and value landscapes,” said Schutz. “Early images of the American West helped shape public understanding of wilderness and played an important role in building support for conservation and preservation. Through this residency, I hope to continue that tradition by creating work that encourages visitors to slow down, observe more carefully, and develop a stronger emotional connection to these fragile desert environments.”
Read the full announcement.
Photo: Bureau of Land Management via BLM Utah Facebook
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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Applications Open for 2027 Community Artist in the Parks
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The National Park Service is now accepting applications for the 2027 Community Artist in Parks program.
Artists living in Grand or San Juan counties in Utah, or Montezuma County, Colorado, can apply for the opportunity to spend part of next year creating art and connecting with visitors across the Southeast Utah Group parks and monuments.
From April through October 2027, the selected artist will spend at least 24 hours each month creating in the parks and talking with visitors about their work and process. Thanks to the partnership between the National Park Service and CNHA, the artist will also be able to sell their work in participating park visitor centers and online at shop.cnha.org during their term.
Applications are open through September 30, 2026.
View 2027 Community Artist in Parks Application Details
Photo: NPS
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U.S. FOREST SERVICE
Public Comment Open on Proposed Roadless Rule Change
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The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on a proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which currently limits road construction and reconstruction, and timber harvesting within inventoried roadless areas on National Forest System lands.
If finalized, the change would remove those nationwide restrictions and return management decisions for inventoried roadless areas to individual national forests and their land management plans. The proposal itself would not authorize any specific road construction, timber harvest, or other ground-disturbing project; future projects would continue to require applicable environmental review and compliance with existing laws.
The proposal has particular relevance across the West, including National Forest lands in Utah. Public comments are being accepted through September 21, 2026.
Learn about the Roadless Rule Proposal.
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Moab Information Center Lecture Series
The Moab Information Center (MIC) Lecture Series continues with free, in-person talks exploring the science, history, and culture of canyon country. Speakers include local experts and partner organizations. Lectures are held Thursdays at 6 pm at the Moab Information Center.
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September 10 | The Moab Citizen Isolation Center Archaeology Project by Dr. Kohi Lau-Ozawa (hosted in partnership with Moab Museum!)
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September 17 | Invasive Plants by Isabelle Jones
View the full lineup.
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Chrissy Noel Kinslow is a Moab-based community artist whose work weaves together art, nature connection, and shared experience. Rooted in the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, her practice centers on listening deeply and creating accessible, heart-led spaces for reflection and creative expression. Through guided art experiences, storytelling, and land-based practices, she invites participants to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the natural world.
See how she turns her inspiration into art, or join her (with your own art supplies) for a side-by-side creative endeavor. Bring water, sun protection, and your imagination.
Natural Bridges National Monument
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Thursday, September 24
Sipapu Bridge Hike
9 am – 5 pm
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Friday, September 25
Kachina Bridge Hike
9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, September 26
Owachomo Bridge Hike
9 am – 5 pm
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Natural Bridges National Monument: Dine'Tah Cultural Program with Shawn Price
Spend part of your Saturday at Natural Bridges with Shawn Price and the Dine'Tah Cultural Program! Shawn will share a program on the history of travel in the U.S. and its impact on Tribal Nations, followed by traditional dance.
No RSVP or additional charge required — just come learn, experience, and enjoy the program.
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 11 am
Location: Natural Bridges National Monument Visitor Center
Photo: Shawn Price via Natural Bridges Facebook
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Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Events
Star Party
Join Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument for a Star Party at one of the most beautiful sites in Colorado!
Bring your telescope, binoculars, red-light flashlights, chairs, and your curiosity!
Date: Friday, September 4
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm
Location: Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center
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National Public Lands Day Clean-Up
Join Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument for a National Public Lands Day clean-up at Lowry Pueblo National Historic Landmark!
Event highlights will include trail repairs, site cleanup, and picnic improvements. Light snacks and refreshments provided. Bring your favorite garden gloves, hat, sun protection, and plenty of water!
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 9 am - 12 pm
Meet: Lowry Pueblo (County Rd 725, Pleasant View, CO 81331)
Register for the Lowry Pueblo NPLD Clean-Up.
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Our Mission
Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) is a non-profit organization, which exists solely to assist the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management in their education and visitor efforts. Proceeds from sales support these agencies’ educational, interpretive, and scientific programs on the Colorado Plateau.
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