CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF STEWARDSHIP AND 150 YEARS OF GEOLOGY AT GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

Geology, one of Grand Canyon’s primary resources, surrounds and is linked with many other features that make Grand Canyon one of the natural wonders of the world and one of the most visited parks of the National Park System. This year, we expect 6-7 million visitors. The 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park came on Feb 26, 2019, but we have planned activities all year that help us both look back, and look forward, to highlight our mission to preserve and protect all Park resources, and also to provide for their appreciation by the American public. Numerous events sponsored by the National Park Service and partners show how science and people shape and interact with this natural wonder. Some special geology-related events include: 1. February 20-23- Grand Canyon Historical Society Symposium (3 days, hundreds of participants on a cold snowy week); 2. February 28-March 1- Mapping the Grand Canyon (two-day program at ASU of map-based story-telling, a history of map making, and community dialogue). 3. April 18-20- Geoscience Symposium and celebration of Earth Day (update on research progress and innovations in geoscience education to promote a next century of geology and outreach). 4. May 19, 2019- Powell Sesquicentennial Memorial Plaque Dedication (celebrating the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s famous 1869 expedition that marked the first significant geo-scientific survey of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon), 4. June 7- The Making of the Blue Dragon (a talk at NAU Cline Library by the authors of the best-selling geologic map of all time). 5. September 28- Public Lands Day (free entrance in honor of the National Public Lands Day and preservation of diverse wildlife, iconic landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history). 6. September 28- National Fossil Day- (join National Park Service paleontologist and educators to celebrate and learn about Grand Canyon's paleontological resources). Geology has also formed the backdrop of for archeology and Native peoples. Many events all year celebrate how interactions between human cultures and the canyon have been shaping each other for over 12,000 years with many associated tribes continuing to work with the Park on many issues. These events reinforce the importance, and continued challenges, of preservation and sustainable management of the Grand Canyon region.