Former Office of Community Services Director Honored by Palmer Land Trust

The Center of Southwest Studies is pleased to share news of former Office of Community Services director Ken Francis’ recognition in October for his extensive efforts in developing the San Juan Skyway National Scenic Byway here in southwestern Colorado. On October 3^rd the Palmer Land Trust Honor presented Mr. Francis with its Friends of Open Space Award at a dinner in Colorado Springs. Based on nominations from the public, a blue ribbon committee chose to honor Mr. Francis for work performed since the early 1990s in the development of the San Juan Skyway Corridor Management Plan (1995), and for his continuing role through the recent year as the executive director of the San Juan Skyway. Ken served as director of the Office of Community Services from 2004-2012, and as the Center's interim director from 2010, until his retirement in July 2012. We congratulate Ken on this particular honor, and for his years of dedicated service here and at large in the greater Four Corners community.

Richard B. Williams to speak at CSWS

Lynell Schalk to speak on her forthcoming book "Plunder on the Plateau: A Ranger's Fight to Save the Past"

The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College will host a program by Lynell Schalk, “Plunder on the Plateau: A Ranger’s Fight to Save the Past”, on Wednesday, October 24th.

Lynell Schalk worked for the Department of the Interior for 28 years, spending all but one of those years with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). She was the only woman in the first group of 13 uniformed rangers who were delegated with federal law enforcement authority within the BLM. She later became the Special Agent-in-Charge, administering a federal law enforcement program on 16.5 million acres in Oregon and Washington. Her investigations across the Western U.S. included timber theft, archaeological theft and trafficking, and instances of wild lands arson, among other crimes. Lynell is finishing her book, “Plunder on the Plateau: A Ranger’s Fight to Save the Past”

Refreshments will be offered beginning at 5:30pm, with the program to begin at 6:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. 

Dr. Emmons to speak October 18th at Center of Southwest Studies

Mountain Lion exhibit travels to The Museum of Northern Arizona

Mountain Lion!, opened at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff on Saturday, September 15, 2012 and will run through Sunday, August 4, 2013.

Known by many names—mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther, ghost cat, and catamount, depending on the region—these cats are solitary hunters at the top of the food chain, who rely on their camouflage, superb eyesight, and speed to survive. Like other predators, they play a critical role in the balance of nature and contribute to biological diversity and a healthy environment.

Mountain Lion! was developed by the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, in partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, to address the need for greater public awareness. The Museum of Northern Arizona is able to host the exhibit with support from Arizona Commission on the Arts, BBB Revenues from the City of Flagstaff, and Flagstaff Cultural Partners.

The Museum of Northern Arizona sits at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, the tallest mountain range in Arizona. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180, scenic route to the Grand Canyon. Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors (65+), $7 students (with student ID), $6 American Indians (10+), and $6 youths (10–17).

For further information, call 928.774.5213 or go to musnaz.org.