We’ve got a lot to share with you this month! From new Discovery Pool updates to our upcoming National Public Lands Day celebration, there’s so much happening on our public lands. You’ll also find details about a Zuni stone carver demonstration at Hovenweep and Natural Bridges, plus a save-the-date for our next member hike.

Thank you for supporting CNHA! Your dedication helps make all of this possible!

Rare Stonefly Research Progress Update

CNHA recently received a progress update for 2024 Discovery Pool project Surveying for the Rare Stonefly, Gaufinia cristata, to Inform Management. The team is working to map the Gaufinia stonefly distribution, study its genetics, and collect environmental data that could guide land management decisions, such as protecting headwater springs where the species is found.

In 2024, researchers located many larval nymphs from the right family, but since G. cristata is defined by adult male features, they needed to find males—a major challenge. None were found that season, but in 2025 they successfully collected several males, filling this critical gap.

Even so, the team made great strides in genetics, submitting 96 specimens for DNA barcoding. Once male genetic data is processed, it will serve as the reference needed to confirm whether other specimens are also G. cristata.

With CNHA’s support, this project spans two alpine field seasons (2024 and 2025)—a vital advantage given the short window when high-elevation streams are accessible and adults are active.

Check out the full progress report here.

Photo: A male Gaufinia stonefly by Scott Hotaling

Science Moab Podcasts

During September and October, Science Moab is releasing podcasts featuring scientists who have received Discovery Pool grants! The latest episode highlights 2020 grant recipient Randy Irmis, a paleontologist and curator at the Natural History Museum of Utah, who discusses his research on the Chinle Formation in southern Utah.

Listen here.

Apply for a Discovery Pool Grant!

Do you have a research project that could help inform management or deepen understanding of the Colorado Plateau? The CNHA Discovery Pool grant program supports innovative projects like the rare stonefly survey highlighted above.

Applications are now open online—and this year awards have increased to $30,000. Don’t miss your chance to apply! Applications are due November 1st.

Join CNHA, the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and local orgs for an evening of music by David Steward and Friends, free swag, and public lands appreciation! Stop by the Moab Information Center on Thursday, September 25 from 5-7:30 pm.

We will be joined by:

• Utah State Parks
• Science Moab
• Grand County Active Transportations and Trails
• Bears Ears Partnership | Visit with Respect
• Friends of Arches and Canyonlands
• ...and more!

We hope to see you there!

This September, visitors to Hovenweep National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument will have a unique opportunity to watch Zuni stone carver Jimmy Yawakia at work.

Jimmy will be demonstrating his craft by carving effigies from a variety of stone, sharing the cultural traditions behind his art, and answering visitor questions. His demonstrations offer a chance to experience living tradition firsthand and to learn more about Zuni culture through the eyes of a master carver.

Schedule:

• Hovenweep National Monument: September 18–21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
• Natural Bridges National Monument: September 25–28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

In Jimmy’s own words:

“I worked for 23 years as an EMT before retiring. Carving traditional fetishes on my days off helped me forget what I had encountered during my shift. I worked with many types of raw material and invested in tools, equipment, and time, which helped improve my art. Since then, I enjoy feeling the stone and seeing the animal's shape before starting. It is truly a blessing being a carver.”

These demonstrations are funded by Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) as part of our ongoing mission to support education, interpretation, and cultural programs on the Colorado Plateau. Your purchases directly make programs like this possible. By supporting CNHA, you’re helping bring traditional knowledge, artistry, and cultural experiences to our public lands.

We hope you’ll join us at Hovenweep or Natural Bridges this month to watch Jimmy bring stone to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to see traditional carving in action and connect with the artistry and culture of the Zuni people.

Photo: NPS

Join us and Ranger Rhodes for a 3-hour geologic adventure through Canyonlands Island in the Sky for a special members-only hike on October 7th!

We’ll begin with a 2.5-mile round trip hike along the Wilhite Trail, where we’ll uncover the story of how these canyon landscapes were formed and what makes Canyonlands so unique. The journey continues at Upheaval Dome with a short 1-mile round trip hike to explore one of southeast Utah’s greatest geologic mysteries. We’ll wrap up with lunch at the trailhead and a Q&A session.

Members - stay tuned for the full details in an upcoming email straight to your inbox!

Not a member yet? This is the perfect time to join CNHA and enjoy unique experiences like this one while supporting education and research on our public lands.

P.S. Our last newsletter mentioned White Rim Overlook — we’ve since switched the hike to Wilhite Trail & Upheaval Dome for a more personal experience.

Free Lecture Series at the Moab Information Center

We hope to see you at 6pm at the Moab Information Center for our lecture series.

• September 4 at 6pm | Wildlife Tracking: Unraveling the Mysteries Around Us by Jonathan Jessop
• September 11 at 6pm | 2025 Community Artist in the Parks by Charlotte Quigley

View the full lineup and descriptions here.

2025 Community Artist in the Parks

Charlotte Quigley has a deep well of experience with both art and national parks. A life-long watercolorist, she also works in pastels and, more recently, oil paints. She has a master’s degree in art history and experience as a youth arts teacher, arts council director, and member of the Gallery Moab cooperative. 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.

Can't make it but still want to support? Check out her artwork here!

Arches National Park

Tuesday, September 9 | Navajo Arch (Devils Garden) | 8 am – 11 am

Wednesday, September 10 | Turret Arch (Windows Area) | 8 am – 11 am 

Thursday, September 11 | Broken Arch | 8 am – 11 am

Friday, September 12 | La Sal Mountains Viewpoint | 8 am – 11 am

Monday, September 15 | Delicate Arch Trail | 8 am – 11 am

Wednesday, September 17 | Fins near Sand Dune Arch | 8 am – 11 am

Thursday, September 18 | Double Arch (Windows Area) | 8 am – 11 am

Friday, September 19 | Garden of Eden | 8 am – 11 am

Learn more about Charlotte and the CAIP Program here.

Canyons of the Ancients Upcoming Events

Star Party

Join Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients for a full day of engaging presentations exploring the connections between people, place and sky – ending with an evening of guided stargazing under the incredible dark skies of Canyons of the Ancients.

September 19, 2025 | Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center

Schedule Highlights (registration required):

• 9:30 am - Escalante Pueblo Tour with Greg Munson
• 3:30 pm - Sighting the Sun – and Moon? – at Stonehenge with Clive Ruggles & Amanda Chadburn
• 4:30 pm - Envisioning a Cultural Landscape with Greg Munson & Ric Alling

These programs weave together history, science, and culture for a full day of exploration.

Sign up here.

National Public Lands Day Clean-Up

Join Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance and Canyons of the Ancients for a hands-on stewardship project in honor of National Public Lands Day Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9 am - 12 pm. This year, they will be removing unauthorized fire rings at Big Point to help protect the cultural and natural resources of this special area.

Learn more here.

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Public Lands of the Colorado Plateau.

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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