Speaker Series
Our Speaker Series hosts monthly presentations on subjects of community interest that are aligned with the Keep Sedona Beautiful Mission to Preserve the Wonder.
Upcoming Presentations:
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, Diane Kristoff will present “Discover the Wonder – An Adventure Approach to Learning About Nature!”
Diane will take participants on an adventure to learn first-hand about Sedona’s native plants and their uses by indigenous peoples and wildlife, identify local pollinators, examine the region’s unique geology, and learn principles of responsible land stewardship. Our adventure begins inside the KSB meeting room. You’ll experience a shortened version of the KSB’s Discover the Wonder field trips now offered at no cost to area middle and high school students to learn about Sedona’s geologic history and the Leave No Trace 7 Principles in a fun and interactive way. Then the group will conclude outdoors with a self-guided exploration of the KSB educational garden using a Field Journal developed by Kristoff and guided by KSB Adventure Guides. The program kicked off in 2026 with a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, and will expand in the 2026-2027 school year in part supported by a new grant from the City of Sedona. This program is now providing hundreds of students the opportunity to learn about nature interactively in a meaningful, memorable, and enjoyable way.
Adventurer, author and award-winning educator Diane Kristoff earned her degree in geology with an emphasis in paleontology from Arizona State University, where she also received her teaching certification and gifted endorsement. She began her career teaching eighth-grade science in Tempe, Arizona. There, she founded an environmental awareness club and guided as many as 50 eighth-graders backpacking into the deserts and canyons of Arizona and Utah. She has inspired hundreds of teens to learn how to survive in the wilds, become courageous adventurers, and appreciate and respect nature. Regarded as a master educator, Kristoff was awarded the prestigious Silver Apple Award by Channel 3 and the Dial Corporation and received the Arizona Science Teacher of the Year Award by the Salt River Project.
On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Joan Meiners will share “The Arizona Trail: An 850-mile Mountain Bike Exploration of Climate Change”
Along the 850-mile Arizona Trail, which spans the length of the state from Utah to Mexico, diverse ecosystems showcase how climate change is actively altering life as we know it across the Southwest. During fall 2025, The Arizona Republic newspaper’s climate reporter, who earned a Ph.D. in ecology before becoming an award-winning journalist, spent seven weeks traveling the full trail on her mountain bike to witness these threats, document their impacts, and consult with experts on solutions. Rich with photos and video from the journey as well as scientific expertise and cultural context, this presentation takes audiences through the state’s biggest environmental challenges and opportunities, mile by mile. Joan Meiners’ trail journey is a scenic and dynamic window into some of Arizona’s most pressing problems, told from the frontlines of journalistic exploration through literal living landscapes. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.
Joan Meiners is the climate reporter for The Arizona Republic, the state’s largest newspaper. In this role, she has won awards for her investigations into electricity generation, her deep-dive series on the intersection of extreme heat and housing shortages in the state, and her commentary on how Arizonans think and approach the existential challenges of climate change. She has previously written and received recognition for her environmental work in outlets like Discover Magazine, National Geographic and the Washington Post Magazine. Before being lured into the colorful and dynamic world of journalism, she completed a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology and published research papers on the biodiversity of native bees. She spends most of her free time trail running, backpacking, or mountain biking through as many diverse landscapes and regions as she can.
On Wednesday, November 18, 2026, Jeffrey Lazos Ferns will discuss “Living Landscapes: Food, Memory and the Sonoran Desert”
Jeffrey will share how to explore Arizona’s Indigenous Foodways and the Sonoran Desert as a living archive of cultural knowledge, focusing on how Indigenous foodways and ecological relationships have shaped Arizona communities over generations. Through stories of indigenous plants, including the Sonoran Desert tree pantry, Sonoran Desert cactus pantry, and the Sonoran Desert shrub apothecary, the presentation highlights how plant, food, and wildlife traditions are deeply tied to land, identity, and survival. Ferns connects desert ecology to themes of history, migration, and cultural resilience. Audiences will see Arizona’s landscapes not as passive settings but as active forces shaping community life, offering insight into sustainable practices and cultural continuity in the face of environmental change. Note: This presentation will include tasting samples from the Sonoran Desert plant scape. This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities.
Jeffrey Lazos Ferns is an Arizona-based arts and culture professional, educator, and curator whose work centers on Indigenous foodways, Sonoran Desert ecology, and community storytelling. Through interdisciplinary programming and public engagement, he explores how landscapes shape cultural identity, memory, and lived experience in the Southwest. He works with organizations including the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation on Indigenous Food Ways and Sonoran Desert Plant Hikes/Landscape tastings and is the founder and voice behind initiatives such as the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience and the Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium. His work brings together chefs, knowledge keepers, artists, and community members to elevate Indigenous perspectives and deepen public understanding of Arizona’s living landscapes.
Speaker Series events are sponsored by our KSB Business Sponsors at the Mingus Mountain and Cathedral Rock sponsorship levels. These events are held at 5:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise noted) beginning in September and ending in May. Admission is free and open to the public, and donations are appreciated. Speaker Series visitors may sign up for membership at this event.
Unless otherwise noted, events are held at:
Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB)
360 Brewer Rd.
Sedona AZ 86336 (map)
Past presentations include:
On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Margaret Zhao presented “Harmony in motion: Qigong in the Keep Sedona Beautiful Garden.”
Margaret’s presentation included both indoor and outdoor components. She started indoors with a discussion of how to experience nature from a Chinese perspective, aligning with nature’s 5 basic elements to thrive in life, and how to apply ancient wisdom to balance body, mind, home & surroundings. The group then moved into the KSB garden to put some of these principals into action.
Margaret Zhao is an award-winning author, acclaimed standup comedienne, renowned motivational speaker and teacher of Taoist Qigong. Weaving together humor, art, and profound knowledge, Margaret creates her unique way of teaching Qigong and Self-Healing Therapy that inspires and benefits students of all ages in a fun, unforgettable way.
On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Andrew Grossman, Tourism Manager – City of Sedona discussed the evolution of tourism management in Sedona. He spoke about how over the past two decades, communities across the United States have been rethinking the role of tourism, moving beyond traditional marketing toward strategies that support local quality of life and protect the character of the places people love to visit. In this session, he also explored the national shift toward destination management and stewardship while sharing how Sedona’s approach to tourism has evolved since the City established an official Sedona Destination Marketing and Management Organization in July 2023.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Wendy Hodgson discussed agaves and their significance to indigenous peoples. With researchers revealing pre-Columbian farmers grew no less than six and possibly eight or more domesticated agaves in Arizona dating to at least A.D. 600, Wendy went into detail about these relic agaves. They have persisted in the landscape to the present, unchanged since they were last cultivated within a prehistoric cultural context, thus providing a rare opportunity to study pre-Columbian nutrition, trade, migration and agricultural practices. Wendy also noted that understanding these plants and their ecological/cultural roles requires interdisciplinary collaboration that must involve Indigenous.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Dr Tom Ginn presented a review of the ecological relationships among important aquatic species in the Verde River. He also discussed the limiting factors for native fishes, including the negative effects of introduced species, an overview of fishing opportunities in the Verde River, and various restoration projects that have been implemented in the Verde River system, including invasive species controls and riparian habitat improvements.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Sedona’s Fire Chief Ed Mezulis discussed the services the Sedona Fire District provides as well as some context to the area we serve. He also discussed Firewise and how to become a Firewise community.
On Wednesday, November 19, Ken Zoll, Executive Director Emeritus of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum in Camp Verde, presented on “The Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site and V Bar V Historic Ranch.”
On Wednesday, October 15, Bruce Babbitt, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Governor and former Attorney General of Arizona, discussed “Protecting the Waters of the Verde Valley.”
On Wednesday, September 17 Master Gardener Graelyn Deslauriers presented “Attracting Backyard Birds with Fire-Wise Native Plants.”
Handouts from presentation: Fire-Resistant and Fire-Prone Plants Common to the Verde Valley; AZ Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desk Info; MG Attracting Birds with Native Plants + Firewise
On Wednesday, March 19 Jim Turner presented “The Colorado River and Its Wonders.“
You can click here to access a recording of this presentation.
On February 19 Janie Agyagos, Wildlife Biologist for the Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest gave a presentation on “Landscaping with Natives – Without Attracting Nuisance Wildlife”.
You can click on the links below to access:
On Wednesday January 16 20, Win Holden, former editor, presented – “100 Years Grand – The Story of Arizona Highways Magazine.”
Because many of the stunning images Win discussed are copyrighted, KSB cannot offer a recording of the presentation. We urge you to attend another of Win’s presentations if you have the opportunity. You can also subscribe to this award-winning magazine at www.arizonahighways.com.
This presentation was made possible with the support of Arizona Humanities.
On Wednesday November 20, Mike Dechter spoke about “Southwestern Native American Use of Fungi.”
You can view a recording of his presentation by clicking here.
On Wednesday October 16, naturalist and guide at Enchantment Resort Rita Faruki spoke about “Our Animal Brothers and Sisters, Their Biology and Spiritual Significance.”
You can view a recording of her presentation by clicking here.
On Wednesday, September 18, Barry Mallis returned as a speaker, giving a presentation titled “Sinaguan Echoes in the Verde Valley.” Facts and artifacts illuminated the presence, over hundreds of years, of pre-contact indigenous people in our region.
On Wednesday, May 15, Denise Gibbs gave a presentation on Monarch Butterflies via Zoom.
CLICK HERE to view a recording of this presentation.
These are her recommended Arizona native plant nurseries that sell pesticide-free plants for Monarchs:
- Arizona Milkweeds for Monarchs, https://www.azmilkweedsformonarchs.org/, NAU Flagstaff greenhouses, pre-order and pick up plugs of native AZ milkweed species. They sometimes sell plugs at farm markets and/or The Arboretum at Flagstaff plant sales.
- Borderlands Nursery, https://www.borderlandsplants.org/, Patagonia, pre-order and pick up plants from their greenhouses, or attend one of their public plant sales at various locations around the state; mail-order seeds
- Desert Survivors Nursery, https://desertsurvivors.org/, Tucson, buy plants there, become a member and get a discount at their public plant sales
- Spadefoot Nursery, https://www.spadefootnursery.com/, Tucson, order plants online then pick-up at their nursery
- Underwood Gardens, Terroir Seeds, https://store.underwoodgardens.com/, Chino Valley, mail-order native milkweed seeds online. Become a member and get a 20% discount.
For a list of Monarch-friendly plans for the Sedona area, CLICK HERE.
For a list of Monarch-friendly plans for the Greater Verde Valley area, CLICK HERE.
On Wednesday, April 17, KSB hosted a panel discussion on Sedona’s OHV Crisis
CLICK HERE to view a recording of this discussion.
On Wednesday, March 20, Roxanne Holland, Director of Wastewater for the City of Sedona spoke on “City of Sedona Treated Wastewater Quality and Management.”
CLICK HERE to view a recording of her presentation.
On Wednesday, February 21, Lisa Grubbs spoke on birds of the Verde Valley.
CLICK HERE to view a recording of her presentation.
On Wednesday, January 17, Isaac Dudley from Friends of the Verde River spoke on rainwater harvesting and River Friendly Living.
CLICK HERE to view a recording of his presentation.
On Wednesday, November 15, Environmental Toxicologist Dr. Tom Ginn, Environmental Toxicologist spoke on “Sedona Water – Sources, Discharges and Quality.” Watch a recording by clicking here.
On Wednesday, October 18, we had a panel discussion on “Community Activism – How to Get Involved“.
Our speakers covered the gamut from involvement in the arts, citizen services, environmental concerns, local politics and more.
Panelists included:
Charlotte Hosseini, currently a Sedona Planning and Zoning Commissioner and Sedona Community Food Bank volunteer.
Ann Kelley who the founder of Sedona Residents Unite (SRU), serves on the Sedona Community Plan Work Group, and supports two initiatives designed to bring people together: Paul Friedman’s Conversations to Weave Community and The Gathering by the Sedona Public Library.
Kevin Adams is active throughout the Verde Valley. Under his direction, the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRTF) has raised nearly $2.5 million for the maintenance and enhancement of trails on the Red Rock District. He co-founded Wheel Fun, a group that uses mountain bikes to create community and improve mental and physical health while cultivating a love for the outdoors in underserved rural Arizona youth.
Craig Swanson currently serves as President of Keep Sedona Beautiful and as a member of the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative that is working to implement solutions to the OHV crisis in Sedona.
On Wednesday, September 20, Janie Agyagos, Wildlife Biologist in the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest discussed, “Human-Caused Effects to Flora and Fauna in the Verde Valley.”
On Wednesday May 10, Assistant Chief of the Sedona Fire District spoke on “Preparing for Wildfires in Sedona: Insights from a Seasoned Firefighter”
On Wednesday April 14, Tom O’Halloran, former US Representative from Arizona’s 1st Congressional district and Past President of KSB spoke about “How Congress Does and Doesn’t Work – Misperceptions and Changes Needed”.
On Wednesday March 8, Mike Dechter, NEPA, Appeals, and Litigation Coordinator at Coconino National Forest and Executive Director of the Arizona Mushroom Society, discussed “The Fungi Kingdom and Sedona Specific Fungi and Edible Mushrooms.“
On Wednesday January 11, Steve Ayers, Camp Verde’s of Economic Development Director, spoke on “Managing Growth, Wisely and Effectively”
Wednesday December 7, Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Director of Lowell Observatory spoke on “Telescopes Around (And Out Of) This World.”
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, Dr. Tom Ginn spoke on “The Role of Nuclear Power in Our Energy Future”.
Wednesday, September 14, 2022, District Ranger Amy Tinderholt and Friends of the Forest President Annie Glickstein spoke on “The State of the Red Rock District.”
On Wednesday, May 11th, Janeen Trevillyan, and KSB President Craig Swanson discussed “50 Years of Sedona and KSB“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
On Wednesday, April 13, Dr. Nancy Steele discussed “What About Water in the Verde Valley?“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Panel Discussion on OHVs
Wednesday, February 9, 2022, Garry Neil answering the question “What the Heck are Lichens?”
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022, Wendy Hodgson, Title: “Agaves in the Southwestern United States: Discovering Lost Crops Among the Hohokam and Other Pre-Contact Arizona Cultures“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, November 10, Ted Grussing, Title: “Why We Keep Sedona Beautiful”
Wednesday, October 13, Janie Agyagos, U. S. Forest Service District Wildlife Biologist, Title: “Special Status Species in the Verde Valley“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Steven Prager, Title: “Keeping Beer and Rivers Flowing”
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, July 14, Wayne Ranney, Title: The Mogollon Rim: Arizona’s Other World-Class Landscape
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, June 9, Nikki Cooley, Diné; Co-Manager, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professional’s (ITEP) Tribes & Climate Change Program, Title: Tribal/Indigenous Knowledge & Actions to Address the Climate Crisis
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, May 12, Wendy Hodgson, Herbarium Curator Emerita and Senior Research Botanist at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Title: The Grand Canyon – Stories of its Green Heart.
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, April 14 at 5:00 PM, Dr. Nancy Steele, Executive Director and CEO of Friends of the Verde River, Title: The State of the Verde: Where do we go from here?
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, March 10 at 5:00 PM, Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, Title: Artists, Celebrities, and Good Places to Drink.
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 5:00 PM, Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt, Title: The Red Rock Ranger District: 2020 Review and 2021 Outlook
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 5:00 PM, Dr. Ed Wolfe, Title: “Our Water – A diminishing Resource”
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 5:00 PM, Barry Mallis, “Paleogeology of Sedona“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 5:00 PM, Jeff Hall, Director of Lowell Observatory , “Dark Skies and All the News from Lowell Observatory by Jeff Hall“
Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 , Gwen Waring, Writer, Ecologist and Artist, “The Natural History of the San Francisco Peaks“
Via ZOOM Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020, McKenzie Jones, Sustainability Coordinator, City of Sedona, “City of Sedona’s Efforts on Climate Action Plan“
Via ZOOM Watch a Zoom Recording at this link. This is being provided by KSB for personal use only.