Celebrate Bears Ears 2026

Join us March 6-8, 2026 for Celebrate Bears Ears, our signature biennial event. Registration is open for this special weekend of educational panels and discussions, celebration, and partnership to deepen your connection with the landscape we are all working to protect.

Student Discount: Students can use coupon STUDENT to get $20 tickets for Saturday's program.

Our theme for Celebrate 2026 is The Land Can’t Wait. Today, as we face increased uncertainty around the future of the Bears Ears region, we’re steadfast in our commitment to increase our efforts to implement vital on-the-ground education and conservation programs to protect this sacred landscape. Learn more about The Land Can’t Wait campaign on our website.

We are thrilled to welcome Joy Harjo as our keynote speaker at the main event on Saturday. In addition, our Friday Night Fundraiser Dinner will provide an opportunity to visit with her in a small, intimate setting.

Joy Harjo, the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate and member of the Muscogee Nation, is the author of ten books of poetry, several plays, children’s books, two memoirs, and seven music albums. Her honors include Yale’s 2023 Bollingen Prize for American Poetry, National Book Critics Circle Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ruth Lily Prize from the Poetry Foundation, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Tulsa Artist Fellowship. She is a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets and Chair of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, and is the inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she lives.

Celebrate Bears Ears Events

Friday, March 6

On the evening of Friday, March 6, we will be hosting a VIP Fundraiser Dinner at Twin Rocks Cafe. This memorable evening will provide a special opportunity to visit with fellow supporters as well as our keynote in a small, intimate setting. Enjoy delicious food, and bid on unique travel experiences in a silent auction. Visit the event page to learn more – space is limited, so REGISTER NOW.

Saturday, March 7

Join us at the Bluff Community Center (3rd East & Mulberry) for an inspiring day of educational panels, discussions, and presentations, featuring Tribal, agency, community, and other partners alongside BEP staff. Light breakfast and lunch are both included in your registration fee.

Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Morning Program:

8:00am Doors open, light refreshments, registration

9:00 Welcome remarks, opening prayer, State of Bears Ears address

Joe Neuhof | BEP Chief Executive Officer

9:20 Tribal Leaders Panel

• Davina Smith | BEP Board of Directors, BEITC Representative (Navajo)
• Octavius Seowtewa | Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team
• Facilitated by Carleton Bowekaty | BEP Policy Director (Zuni)

10:10 Beyond the Glittering World authors in conversation

• Stacie Shannon Denetsosie | Editor (Navajo)
• Cheyenne Dakota Williams | Author (Navajo)
• Kirsten Johanna Allen | Publisher, Torrey House Press

11:00 BREAK 

11:15 Low-Tech Processed-Based Restoration Presentation and Panel Discussion

• Juli Scamardo | Utah State Univ., Watershed Science
• Alix Pfennigwerth | The Nature Conservancy
• Kristen Redd | The Nature Conservancy

Afternoon Program: 

12:05pm LUNCH provided by Twin Rocks Cafe

1:15 Visit With Respect 10-Year Anniversary Presentation and Volunteer Award

Semira Crank | Program Director (Navajo)

1:35 Keynote Address

Joy Harjo | US Poet Laureate (2019-2022) (Muscogee Nation)

2:25 Canyon Country Youth Corps Film 

2:35 Canyon Country Youth Corps Past, Present, and Future

Janet Ross | Former Executive Director 

3:05 BREAK 

3:20 Reading from A Cowgirl’s Conservation Journey 

Heidi Redd | Author

3:50 Growing Roots in Local Land Stewardship  

Reagan Wytsalucy | USU, Agriculture. and Natural Resources (Navajo)

4:30 Reading in Memoriam of Joe Pachak 

• Zak Podmore | Introduction
• Vaughn Hadenfelt | BEP Board of Directors

4:55 Recognition of Board 

Dave Nimkin | BEP Board President

5:05 Closing Announcements

7:00 BEEC After Dark – Bears Ears Education Center opens to the public

7:15 Dark Skies Presentation

Michael Rymer | Dark Skies International 

8:00 Remarks and Conversation

R.E. Burrillo | Author & Archaeologist 

Sunday, March 8

Guided Hikes

Experience the landscape on one of our four guided hikes! Each hike is offered at 9 AM and 11 AM on Sunday, March 8, and will be led by an expert familiar with the location and/or cultural resources. Hikers will meet at the trailhead of their respective hike.

** Hikes are limited to 10 participants each and you must register in advance. Reserve your spot using this form.

Cottonwood Wash* with Dave Herrero (9 AM & 11 AM)  – Approximately 2.5 mile round trip over easy uneven terrain on the Speaking Springs Preserve in Cottonwood Wash with a representative from The Wildlands Conservancy. *west side, parking at trailhead on W 3rd street. 

Upper Sand Island interpretive loop trail with Janet Lever-Wood (9 AM & 11 AM) – Easy 1.2 mile loop (or out and back depending on needs) that traverses the rock imagery panel. Very even terrain. Open to humans of all ability levels.

All hikers need to have the following to participate in the BAF Hikes:

• Solid footwear
• Water
• Snack
• Sun protection/glasses/hats
• Layers consistent with the elements
• Binoculars (suggested)

Guided Tours of CCDC

You are invited to join guided tours our new shared Canyon Country Discovery Center campus – a great opportunity to explore the grounds, meet with staff members, and mingle with fellow BEP supporters.

Guided tours will start at 10 AM and 12 PM and last about an hour. Meet at the foyer at 1117 N Main St, Monticello, UT 84535. 

We can't wait to Celebrate with you!

Art by Kate Aitchison