Celebrate Cedar Mesa 2022 Agenda
Friday September 23
2-7pm- Sign-in and Pick Up Registration Materials at the Bears Ears Education Center
Swing by the BEEC to sign in, pick up your registration materials for the weekend, sign-up for Sunday stewardship projects, and say hello to our wonderful staff and volunteers!
The BEEC will be open, so feel free to take a look at the exhibits and peruse our gift shop.
6pm- Evening VIP Fundraiser at Twin Rocks Cafe
A small gathering, with dinner provided by Twin Rocks Cafe including locally-made appetizers, dinner buffet, and a cash bar. There will also be a short presentation.
Registration required ($75), with all proceeds going to Friends of Cedar Mesa.
8:15pm- Star Party at the Bluff Community Center
A star talk, constellation tour, and telescope viewing hosted by Ben Muhlestien from Canyon Country Discovery Center.
No registration required. Make sure to bring a red light (dark vision friendly), blanket, chair, and a warm layer if desired!
Saturday September 24
If you aren’t able to check-in and pick up your registration materials on Friday, there will be a sign-in table at the Bluff Community Center open Saturday morning, starting at 8:30am.
Please Note: N95 masks will be required while at the Bluff Community Center. These will be provided upon arrival at the Community Center.
8:30am- Partnership Educational Session at the Bluff Community Center
8:30am- Coffee & Light Breakfast
9:00am- Opening Remarks, Prayer, Land Acknowledgement
Joe Neuhof (FCM Executive Director) & Christopher Lewis (FCM Board Member)
9:30am- Panel 1: Cultural Site Stabilization in Bears Ears National Monument
Lyle Balenquah (FCM Heritage Coordinator), Britt Hornsby (FCM Field Director), Shanna Diederichs (Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants), Kevin Cooeyate & James Othole (Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps)
10:30am- Break
10:45am- Panel 2: What’s Next for Bears Ears National Monument
Speakers from Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition, Utah Diné Bikèyah, & Lyle Balenquah (FCM Heritage Coordinator)
11:30am- Panel 3: Panel for The Lands Between
Kurt Riley (Former Governor of the Pueblo of Acoma and Acoma Historic Preservation Advisory Board Member), Troy Honahnie (FCM TLB Consultant), Kenny Wintch (FCM Preservation Archaeologist)
12:15am- Keynote 1: Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk
12:45pm- Lunch & NGO Fair
Lunch includes a locally-sourced buffet, dessert, and refreshing beverage options.
2:30pm- Panel 4: Recreation and Resource Management in Bears Ears
Jake Palma (Bureau of Land Management), Elizabeth Hora (Utah State Historical Preservation Office), Speakers from the United States Forest Service & National Park Service
3:15pm- Break
3:30pm- Panel 5: Update on Cedar Mesa Chacoan Roads Project
Jonathon Till (Edge of the Cedars State Park)
4:15pm- Keynote 2: Vaughn Hadenfeldt
4:45pm- Closing Remarks
Dave Nimkin (FCM Board President)
Please Note: This schedule is subject to change- make sure to check back for updates on speakers and timing.
5:30pm- Bears Ears Blowout Dinner & Party at Twin Rocks Cafe
Join us Saturday evening at Twin Rocks Cafe for a party with a local band and BBQ. Admission covers dinner, music, and dancing. There will also be a cash bar.
Registration required ($15).
Sunday September 25
8:00am- Stewardship Projects in Bears Ears
Make a tangible difference by signing up for Sunday’s Stewardship Projects in Bears Ears! A light breakfast will be provided for volunteers. If you want to purchase a box lunch from Twin Rocks Cafe, see Sunday lunch ticket option.
8:00am- Meet at Bluff Community Center! Light breakfast from Twin Rocks Cafe for volunteers & sign-up for stewardship project.
You will sign up for a specific stewardship project when you check-in and pick up your registration materials on either Friday (2-7pm) or Saturday morning (8:30am-12pm).
9:00am– Leave for stewardship project!
What do you need to bring? Show up ready to spend a day outdoors on the land. Please have a small pack, water, snacks, layers, sun protection, and close-toed shoes. Friends of Cedar Mesa will be providing any project-related supplies (ie. gloves, eye protection, reflective vests, and any tools needed).
Visit our main event page to purchase your tickets for Celebrate!