CEDAR CITY – Join Dixie National Forest and Southern Utah University to celebrate Earth Day with free events planned between, April 19 to 21.
The Dixie National Forest is a landscape of contrast in color, climate and culture through its geology, world class recreation, scenery and natural and heritage resources. The spectacular landscape of the Dixie National Forest will be presented in a special art exhibition entitled, “Into the Woods: A Painted Diary of the Dixie National Forest by Arlene Braithwaite.” Southern Utah University’s Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery offers a chance to see over 20 works depicting the landscapes within the Forest, by the well-known regional artist Arlene Braithwaite, including work commissioned by the Dixie National Forest.
“The Dixie National Forest is proud to be in partnership with SUU and the gallery opening. Arlene’s paintings provide a glimpse into the natural beauty that connects people to the Dixie National Forest.” said Forest Supervisor, Rob MacWhorter.
This special exhibit will be featured in the newly created gallery in SUU’s Hunter Conference Center, second floor. There will be an opening reception Thursday April 19, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The show continues through Saturday, August 25. The exhibit’s hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays and special events in the Conference Center. Admission is free and the general public is encouraged to attend.
In conjunction with Arlene Braithwaite’s opening exhibit, the Dixie National Forest and SUU will host a free screening of the film “Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time,” the first full-length, high definition documentary film ever made about the legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold. The film explores Aldo Leopold’s life in the early part of the twentieth century and the many ways his land ethic idea continues to be applied all over the world today.
“Green Fire” is a production of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Center for Humans and Nature. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation in the 20th Century and still inspires people today. Although probably best known as the author of the conservation classic “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold is also renowned for his work as an educator, philosopher, forester, ecologist, and wilderness advocate.
Two free showings will be held on April 19 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Hunter Conference Center. Learn more about the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the “Green Fire” movie at www.aldoleopold.org.
On Friday, April 20th, visit the free Earth Day fair located on SUU’s upper quad from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fair will feature interactive projects for youth, free giveaways, informational booths, including one from the Forest Service. Visit http://www.suu.edu/pva/artgallery for additional information.
Saturday, April 21, two free guided hikes on the Dixie National Forest will be offered in partnership with the SUU Outdoor Recreation Center, the Lions Mouth and the Silver Rim trails. Meet at 10 a.m., at the SUU Outdoor Recreation Center, Sharwin Smith Center. Bring water, snacks and plan to carpool. Contact the SUU Outdoor Recreation Center at 435-865-8704 for information on these hikes.
For additional information or general Forest questions, please contact the Dixie National Forest at 435-865-3200.