Colorado National Monument Association

Flora in Fiber
2026-06-11 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | Otto’s Trail
Join us at Otto’s Trail and discover how to use embroidery and thread painting to create beautiful native flower art. Thread painting, also known as needle painting, is an embroidery technique that uses long and short stitches to mimic the look of brushstrokes. This program is open to beginners with no prior experience to novice stitchers looking to improve or try a new technique. Katelyn will provide pre-stitch stick and stitch stickers of native flowers to help beginners get started.
Choose from a variety of pre-stitch stick-and-stitch floral designs to inspire your embroidery creation.
Katelyn Pierce is a fiber artist specializing in thread painting and CNMA’s June Community Artist in Park. She began embroidering three years ago as a creative hobby while caring for her firstborn child and has since refined a style inspired by the plants, landscapes, and wildlife of the high desert. Through layered stitching and rich texture, Katelyn captures the beauty of the natural world in fiber art.
Details:
Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm– 8:00 pm
Location: Otto’s Trailhead – We will meet at the Saddlehorn Visitor Center Parking Lot
Distance: 1 mile, easy hike roundtrip- Plan for a total of two hours of hiking and embroidery time.
Bring: Thread- DMC embroidery floss(standard floss found at all craft stores) Suggested colors:
Poppy: Petal-741 Stems= 581
Desert Marigold: Petal- 444 Stems- 3053
Yucca: Petal- 746 Stem- 988
Paintbrush: Petal-817 Stem- 3346
Globemallows: 3777, 922 for flowers and buds
936, 3052 for steam, leaves and buds
Prickly Pear: 150, 151 flower and its details 937 and 936 for cacti
Embroidery hoop(4-6 inch), needle, scissors, and fabric of choice- Can be anything- A square of fabric, a shirt, a backpack or even a tea towel!
Registration: RSVP required. Risk forms must be signed prior to beginning the hike.
Cost: Free and open to all – no payment required to participate. Optional Support: If you’d like to support CNMA programming like this, we suggest a donation of $10 – this is completely optional. Donate here.
Note: Hike may be cancelled or postponed due to weather conditions. Park passes are required. Carpooling encouraged.

Community Artist in Park Meet & Greet
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
We’re excited to feature Katelyn Pierce as our June artist. Stop by the Visitor Center to meet Katelyn as she works on a unique piece of fiber art, which will be donated to CNMA and auctioned to support the National Park Service.
Katelyn Pierce is a fiber artist, specializing in thread painting. She began embroidery three years ago as a hobby to have while caring for her first born. Over the years, she has refined her style and takes inspiration from the high deserts plants, landscapes and animals. To read more about Katelyn’s art and her process, find her at Substack.
Details:

Date : Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Registration: Not required- Open House
Note: Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Among Canyon Shadows Book Signing with Joyce B. Lohse
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
On June 20, 1911, a dozen or so invited local guests arrived in Monument Canyon on horseback and in horse-drawn buggies to witness the marriage of Beatrice and John Otto. They traveled for miles along a winding, rocky trail. John Otto had cleared and built the route through the rugged canyon, though guests still had to walk the final portion of the trail to reach the wedding altar. ~Joyce Lohse, Among Canyon Shadows, Filter Press,LLC
To help celebrate the 115th wedding anniversary, Joyce Lohse, author of Among Canyon Shadows, will be signing books on the back lanai of the Saddlehorn Visitor Center alongside our Community Artist in Park, Katelyn Pierce from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Among Canyon Shadows: An Eastern Artist in Western Colorado by Joyce B. Lohse is a historical biography that tells the true story of Beatrice Farnham, an independent Boston artist who traveled to western Colorado in 1911 to paint the region’s dramatic canyon landscapes. The book explores Farnham’s artistic journey, her connection to John Otto, and the enduring spirit of the early Monument landscape.
Joyce Lohse, author of Among Canyon Shadows
Joyce B Lohse combines her journalism background with western history research to write historical biographies for readers of all ages. She is a former administrator for Women Writing the West and has written history articles for magazines including True West, Steamboat, Colorado Central, and Women Out West. Lohse is a fiber artist and a member of the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA).
Details:
Date and Time : Saturday, June 20, 2026 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: Saddlehorn Visitor Center
Registration: Not required- Open House
Note: Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged. The event may be cancelled or postponed due to the weather.

Desert Mala Necklace Workshop
2026-06-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter, 2300 Monument Rd, Grand Junction, CO, 81507, United States
In this four-hour workshop, Lynnea of DarcMoon will guide you through the process of setting intentions and hand-tying them into your own 108-bead mala necklace. With more than 20 types of gemstones to choose from, you’ll create a piece that is both meaningful and uniquely yours.
Held just before the Strawberry Full Moon and the Summer Solstice, this workshop offers a perfect opportunity to harness seasonal energy and set intentions for the months ahead. Surrounded by the beauty of Colorado National Monument, you’ll find inspiration as you create in a peaceful outdoor setting.
15% of the ticket sale will be donated to CNMA to further our mission of supporting knowledge, passion, and dedication to enable stewardship and preservation of Colorado National Monument.
Participants are welcome to bring a journal to reflect on and record their intentions, as well as a personal bead to incorporate into their necklace if desired.
We will be set up in the shade, but please come prepared for changing weather conditions. Reading glasses are recommended for detailed beading work, and you may wish to bring snacks and drinks to stay comfortable throughout the workshop.
Details:
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 am- 1:00 pm
Location: Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter
Cost: $100
What to Bring:

Water, snacks, picnic lunch.
Hat and sunscreen.
Reading glasses.

What’s Included:

All materials for a 108-bead mala necklace (with 20+ gemstones to choose from)
4 hours of hands-on instruction
Guided reflection on personal intention and lunar energy

Registration: Risk forms must be signed prior to the event.
Note: Program may be cancelled or postponed due to weather. Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Let's Go Birding!
2026-07-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Desierto Rojo, 233 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
“Accessibility” and “inclusivity” are often used interchangeably, but they describe two different ideas. Accessibility focuses on the physical design of spaces, while inclusivity reflects the attitudes and culture that help people feel welcomed and supported. In outdoor recreation, both can still be difficult to find.
Through a summer partnership with Environment for the Americas and Birdability, Lily Zavarella is serving as the Let’s Go

Birding intern at Colorado National Monument, helping create a more inclusive birding community for people with disabilities. She is a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing degrees in Environmental Science and Biology. As a neurodivergent individual, Lily hopes to help others discover a sense of belonging outdoors through birding. Her favorite bird is currently the Clark’s nutcracker — though that may change by next week.
Join us for this special Monument on Tap program as Lily shares what she has learned about building a more inclusive birding community while celebrating the remarkable diversity of Western Colorado’s bird species.
Monument on Tap is a Colorado National Monument Association lecture series that takes the learning out of the park and into the community—supporting local voices, shared knowledge, and meaningful connection. Please help support CNMA- Your donation directly supports CNMA programming and helps advance the mission of the National Park Service by providing meaningful special events, presentations, and educational opportunities that connect our community to the Colorado National Monument. Donate to CNMA.
Jeff and Marlen, the owners of Desierto Rojo, have generously offered to close their restaurant to the public during our program so we can have a quieter space where everyone will be able to comfortably hear the speaker. In appreciation of their generosity, we kindly ask that each RSVP purchase at least one food or drink item from their menu during the event. Thank you for helping us support local businesses that support our community!
Details:

Date: Wednesday, July 15th 2026
Time: 6:00 pm- Please come early to order food and drinks. The talk will start at 6:30 pm
Location: Desierto Rojo- 233 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO 81521
Registration: Please make an RSVP for each attendee. You must have a RSVP to attend this program- There is limited seating.

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Can’t make this Monument on Tap? Lily is hosting weekly bird walks this summer, click this link for more information or visit Colorado National Monument’s calendar.

Ribbon Cutting- Colorado River Flow Exhibit
2026-08-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Confluence Center, 2596 Dos Rios Drive, grand junction, CO, 81507, United States
Come to the Confluence Center to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for our brand-new Colorado River Flow exhibit, generously made possible by the CWCB and Ute Water!
Afterwards, there will be a hydrology presentation that is part of the Common Grounds Speaker Series.
Title: The Future of the Colorado: Hydrology and Home Conservation
Presentation Description: How do we navigate a changing climate in an already arid landscape? Join us for an evening that bridges big-picture river science with actionable steps you can take in your own backyard.
First, Gigi Richard will set the stage by breaking down the current hydrology of the Colorado River, giving us a clear look at the vital lifeblood of our region. Then, Deb Kennard will bring the conversation home by providing practical, outdoor water conservation steps specifically tailored for individuals and homeowners. Whether you want to better understand the future of Western water or looking for easy ways to reduce your own footprint, this presentation offers the knowledge and tools our community needs to collectively shape a sustainable future.
Date: August 4, 2026
Schedule:

4:30 PM: Arrive and mingle.

5:00 PM: Introduction from Confluence Center staff, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Ute Water plus ribbon-cutting for the new Colorado River Flow exhibit.

5:15 PM– The Future of the Colorado: Hydrology and Home Conservation- presentation

6:30 PM: Event Concludes
No RSVP

Bison-tennial: A Monument on Tap Celebration
2026-08-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Desierto Rojo, 233 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
Join us for a special Monument on Tap with Resiliency Ranger, Amber Martin and Volunteer in Park, Terri Ahern as they uncover the story of the bison brought to Colorado National Monument by John Otto in 1925. Explore the history of the Monument’s bison herd, Otto’s vision for wildlife on the Monument, and the unintended consequences of introducing bison to this fragile desert landscape. The evening will also feature a rare bison skull from a distant descendant within Colorado National Monument’s original bison bloodline, now part of COLM’s collection and gifted by Badlands National Park.
Amber Martin, COLM Resiliency Ranger
Amber Martin is the Resiliency Ranger at Colorado National Monument and leads the National Park Service’s first resiliency-focused ranger program. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Amber blends her passion for mental health and outdoor healing with a deep connection to bison. While researching John Otto, she uncovered the Monument’s bison history and worked with Badlands National Park to preserve a skull from a distant descendant of Colorado National Monument’s original herd.
Terri Ahern, VIP – Volunteer in Park
Terri and her husband, Rick, moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country. She has been a volunteer at the Colorado National Monument since April 2006 as a Trail Ambassador, and assists with special projects in the Cultural & Natural Resources Division and enjoys the annual Desert Bighorn Sheep Count. Terri currently leads hikes for active adults & seniors through New Dimensions Lifelong Learning Institute.

Monument on Tap is a CNMA lecture series that takes the learning out of the park and into the community—supporting local voices, shared knowledge, and meaningful connection.
Please help support CNMA! Your donation directly supports CNMA programming and helps advance the mission of the National Park Service by providing meaningful special events, presentations, and educational opportunities that connect our community to the Colorado National Monument. Donate to CNMA
Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm- Please come early to order food and drinks. The talk will start at 6:30 pm
Location: Desierto Rojo- 233 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO 81521

Registration: Please make an RSVP for each attendee. You must have a RSVP to attend this program- There is limited seating.
Jeff and Marlen, the owners of Desierto Rojo, have generously offered to close their restaurant to the public during our program so we can have a quieter space where everyone will be able to comfortably hear the speaker. In appreciation of their generosity, we kindly ask that each RSVP purchase at least one food or drink item from their menu during the event. If you are not planning to order anything, we ask that you please leave the RSVP spot open for someone else who is willing to support Desierto Rojo.
Thank you for helping us support local businesses that support our community!

Then and Now - National Park Service 110th Birthday
2026-08-25 09:30 - 16:30 | Saddlehorn Visitor Center, 1750 Rim Rock Drive, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
The National Park Service (NPS) was established on August 25, 1916 and celebrates its birthday on this date each year. This year, 2026, marks the 110th anniversary of the NPS.
Join Terri Ahern as she shares her passion, history and knowledge of Colorado National Monument’s beautiful landscape through photos and storytelling.
Terri and her husband, Rick, moved to the “best slope” in 2000 after falling in love with the high desert canyon country. She has been a volunteer at Colorado National Monument since April 2006 as a trail ambassador, and assists with special projects in the Cultural & Natural Resources Division and enjoys the annual Desert Bighorn Sheep Count.
RSVPs not required – Park pass required for entrance to the park.

Out There: A National Parks Story
2026-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Rocky Mountain PBS, 158 S. Park Square, Fruita, CO, 81521, United States
Join us for a screening of the documentary film Out There: A National Parks Story to celebrate National Park Week.
This year’s National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” and our National Parks and Monuments offer us opportunities to create and share our own stories.
Thursday, August 27
Doors 6:30pm
Film Screening 7pm
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Documentary Summary:
In the centennial year of the U.S. National Park Service, a young filmmaker and his childhood friend set off on a 10,000-mile journey through America’s national parks, leaving home with little more than a camera and a desire to understand what connects people to these wild places. What begins as a summer road trip becomes a seven-year odyssey, capturing untold stories of those who protect, visit, and find healing in the parks.
Through intimate interviews, breathtaking cinematography, and a profound original music score, Out There uncovers a deeply human portrait of the parks – revealing them as places of reflection, resilience, and connection across generations and cultures.
A stunning visual tribute and grassroots love letter, Out There reimagines what it means to find belonging in the natural world, and the power of public lands to bring us back to ourselves.
Rated NR, 75 mins (All Ages)
View the trailer.
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Special Thanks:
Special thanks to Rocky Mountain PBS for co-hosting this event. Learn more about their organization here.
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Support Our Work:
Colorado National Monument Association provides financial support to Colorado National Monument through a variety of community engagements and sales from our gift shop. This support fosters knowledge, passion, and dedication to enable stewardship and preservation of Colorado National Monument. About us.

Desert Bracelet Workshop: Full Moon Evening
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter, 2300 Monument Rd, Grand Junction, CO, 81507, United States
Join Lynnea from DarcMoon and gather to create intentional, handmade bracelets using gemstones! This relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop offers space to slow down, be creative and connect with the desert. Ending the event with the beautiful sunset and moon rise.
DarcMoon is the creative vision of Lynnea, an artist and jewelry maker based in Grand Junction, CO since 2016. Named during her travels, DarcMoon reflects Lynnea’s adventurous spirit and unique approach to creativity. Beyond creating beautiful pieces, Lynnea leads workshops and collaborates with local artists, fostering a community where intention, artistry and connection come together.
Details:
Date: Friday, August 28th, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Devils Kitchen Picnic Shelter
What to Bring:

Camp chair or blanket

Water and snacks or picnic dinner
Readers

What’s Included:

Guided bracelet-making with over 15 gemstones options

Reflection on personal intention and lunar energy

All materials provided

No experience necessary

Note: Park passes are required. Carpooling is encouraged. The event may be cancelled or postponed due to the weather.
