Arizona Celebration of The International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026

Join us Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 6:00 pm for the first in a series of three important programs focused on the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026. Each program will include an hour of in-depth discussion followed by a courtyard reception with your fellow attendees and presenters.

The first program, Arizona Celebration of the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026, is designed to introduce the “International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026” with a focus on our diverse rangelands and how they benefit ALL of us! Rangelands in Arizona are important for livestock production, wildlife habitat, and recreational activities. They are valuable sources of clean water, fresh air, open space, and renewable and extractive energy resources. As such they support local, rural communities with economic opportunities through livestock ranching, energy production, clean water, and recreational opportunities. The IYRP presents an opportunity to highlight the incredible value of Arizona rangelands in a global context to new audiences and to positively influence public policy.   

Presentations at this program will include: 

• Overview of the IYRP and Outreach Plans including the Documentary Film by Barbara Hutchinson, PhD, Librarian Emeritus of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona

• Rangelands Defined and Their Importance by George Ruyle, Professor and Specialist Emeritus, Range Management, University of Arizona 

• Rangelands Stories through Imagery by Scott Baxter, professional fine art photographer who focuses on the American West  

• Tribal Perspectives on Arizona Rangelands by Michael Kotutwa Johnson, PhD, member of the Hopi Tribe, Assistant Professor, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Associate Faculty, Indigenous Resilience Center, University of Arizona

Program Info:

Thursday, April 3 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program