The Desert Foothills Land Trust and the Holland Center will host Dr. Steve Semken from Arizona State University for a presentation titled “Deep History of Arizona” on March 3 at 6:00 PM. The event, part of the Foothills Speaker Series, will take place at the Holland Center in Scottsdale.
Dr. Semken’s talk will cover nearly two billion years of geological history that has shaped Arizona’s landscapes. The presentation is designed to be accessible to those without a geology background and aims to help attendees understand how ancient environments and natural forces contributed to the formation of landmarks such as Sedona’s red rocks and the Sonoran Desert.
“Arizona’s rocks tell stories that span almost half of Earth’s history,” said Dr. Semken. “This talk will help people understand how time, geology, and climate worked together to create the places we treasure today.”
Dr. Semken is a professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University with expertise in geology education and cultural connections to geology.
Vicki Preston, President and CEO of Desert Foothills Land Trust, emphasized the importance of understanding local geological history: “Understanding Arizona’s geological story helps us appreciate not just the beauty of our landscapes, but the incredible forces and time scales that created them,” she said. “This presentation offers everyone a chance to see familiar places through new eyes and understand why protecting these landscapes matters for future generations.”
The event is free and open to all ages; however, registration is required due to limited seating.
The Foothills Speaker Series is a collaborative effort between Desert Foothills Land Trust and Holland Center, offering educational programs focused on local ecology and cultural heritage in the Sonoran Desert region. The series aims to provide opportunities for community members to engage with experts on topics relevant to their environment.
For more information or registration details about “Deep History of Arizona,” visit dflt.org/speakerseries.
Desert Foothills Land Trust works across North Valley communities to conserve sensitive lands within the Sonoran Desert, managing nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves. The organization was re-accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2022.
