The Sonoran Speaker Series will host a public lecture on November 11, 2025, focusing on indigenous rock imagery found across the American Southwest. The event, titled “Southwest Rock Imagery,” will feature Dr. Aaron Wright from Archaeology Southwest and will take place at 6:00 PM at the Valley of the Sun J in Scottsdale.
Dr. Wright’s presentation will explore petroglyph and pictograph traditions created by indigenous communities. Rather than centering solely on the meaning of these images, he plans to discuss their functional significance within the societies that produced them. Dr. Wright said, “While it’s natural to ask what the petroglyphs mean, it’s more important to ask why people created them.” The lecture aims to highlight both shared themes among different traditions and unique regional characteristics.
The Sonoran Speaker Series is an ongoing program that offers free lectures to help community members connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Sonoran Desert. The series is intended to provide accessible educational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
The event is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. More information about the Sonoran Speaker Series and future events can be found at dflt.org/speakerseries.
The Valley of the Sun J, which will host the event, has served as a community hub since 1945, offering programs for children, fitness activities, and cultural engagement for people of all backgrounds. Details about their offerings are available at valleyofthesunj.org.
Desert Foothills Land Trust, one of the organizations involved in presenting the series, works to conserve sensitive lands and species in the Sonoran Desert. The nonprofit operates throughout the north Valley and has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves. The organization was re-accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission in 2022 and continues efforts to protect local desert landscapes while balancing conservation with development needs.
For additional information, Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement at Desert Foothills Land Trust, can be contacted at 480-488-6131 x201 or rstringham@dflt.org.
