Foothills Speaker Series Presents: ''Deep History of Arizona'' with Dr. Steve Semken

FOR RELEASE February 1st, 2026

Foothills Speaker Series Presents:
"Deep History of Arizona" with Dr. Steve Semken
Explore Arizona's ancient past with leading expert

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - The Desert Foothills Land Trust and Holland Center are pleased to present the next installment of the Foothills Speaker Series. Dr. Steve Semken from Arizona State University will present "Deep History of Arizona" on Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:00 PM at the Holland Center.

Dr. Semken will take audiences on a journey through nearly 2 billion years of geologic changes that shaped the state's distinctive landscapes. The presentation offers a non-technical narrative of how ancient environments and natural forces created the Arizona we know today – from the red rocks of Sedona to the saguaro-studded Sonoran Desert.

"Arizona's rocks tell stories that span almost half of Earth's history," said Dr. Semken. "This talk will help people understand how time, geology, and climate worked together to create the places we treasure today."

Dr. Semken is a professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, where he specializes in geology education and how cultures intersect with the geology around them. His research focuses on how people connect with and understand the places around them, making him uniquely qualified to present Arizona's geological story in an engaging and accessible way.

"Understanding Arizona's geological story helps us appreciate not just the beauty of our landscapes, but the incredible forces and time scales that created them," said Vicki Preston, President and CEO of Desert Foothills Land Trust. "This presentation offers everyone a chance to see familiar places through new eyes and understand why protecting these landscapes matters for future generations."

This presentation is designed for anyone curious about the world around them, no geology background is required. Whether you're a long-time Arizona resident, a recent transplant, or simply someone who enjoys learning about nature, this talk will provide new insights into the forces that made Arizona so stunning.

Event Details:
• What: Foothills Speaker Series: Deep History of Arizona
• Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:00 PM
• Location: Holland Center, 34250 N 60th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85266
• Admission: Free and open to the public, all ages welcome. Due to limited seating, registration is required.

The Foothills Speaker Series is a joint initiative of Desert Foothills Land Trust and Holland Center, offering free educational programming that connects community members with the natural and cultural heritage of their Sonoran Desert home. This ongoing lecture series brings together residents and expert speakers to explore local ecology and cultural history, creating accessible opportunities for lifelong learning and fostering a deeper understanding of the unique Sonoran Desert environment.

For more information about the Foothills Speaker Series and to register for "Deep History of Arizona," visit dflt.org/speakerseries.

The Holland Center enriches the Desert Foothills community by celebrating arts and culture, treasuring our desert environment, assisting those in need, and encouraging lifelong learning. The Center provides support, opportunity, and connection for area residents through diverse programs including classes, fine arts exhibits, community theatre, and more. Through these offerings, the Holland Center aims to foster a vibrant, engaged community in the Desert Foothills area.

Desert Foothills Land Trust connects people to nature by working with communities and partners to conserve and steward sensitive lands and species for the survival of our Sonoran Desert. Operating in communities across the North Valley, this nonprofit has conserved nearly 1,100 acres across 29 preserves, many open for public exploration. Re-accredited in 2022 by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the organization continues its vital work protecting the region's unique desert landscapes, balancing conservation with community needs in rapidly developing areas.

Media Contact:
Rachel Stringham, Director of Community Engagement, Desert Foothills Land Trust
rstringham@dflt.org, 480-488-6131 x 201