Petrified Forest National Park has reopened, along with Painted Desert Visitor Center and Rainbow Forest Museum. There are no limitations on access to most of the park attractions and established trails.
Unfortunately, the remainder of the Field Institute events have been canceled as we rework the guided hiking trips and workshops to implement necessary safety measures. Our hope is to be able to bring these workshops and more back next season in a way that protects participants and instructors.
- This event has passed.
Ancient Landscapes of the Painted Desert
April 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Free
Most everyone has heard of the famous petrified wood in Arizona. But did you know that the layers containing the wood are just one of dozens of other layers that record the ancient geography of this corner of the American Southwest?
Additional layers, either preserved in the subsurface or exposed on the surface nearby, record the presence of warm, tropical seas; wind-blown dunes in Sahara-like deserts; coastlines stalked by large dinosaurs; and rivers that once flowed towards the Rocky Mountains.
These long-lost and surprising scenes from the past come alive in beautifully created maps that depict these ancient geographies. And they are visually stunning and scientifically accurate.
Join geologist and award-winning lecturer Wayne Ranney on a fantastic journey through time in the Painted Desert!
The lecture will be held at the Holbrook Public Library and is free to the public!