Color Country Podcast

#17 As flames scar the landscape, the spirit of Grand Canyon Lodge endures in my heart

For journalist & storyteller Stephanie DeGraw, childhood summers at the Grand Canyon's North Rimwere filled with the scent of juniper, ponderosa pine, and summer rain. Those days shaped her love for public lands and inspired the work she does today. Hear Stephanie's story on the Color Country Podcast, wherepersonal memories meet timeless landscapes.

# 16 American Red Rock Wilderness Act with Travis Hammill, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance

'The stakes have never been higher': What is America's Red Rock Wilderness Act? Advocates say the passage of America's Red Rock Wilderness Act is crucial for protecting Southern Utah's economies dependent on tourism, wildlife and cultural resources. The region is the ancestral home of many Native American tribes. Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Director Travis Hammill speaks with host Stephanie DeGraw about how these lands are vulnerable to destruction due to plans to potentially drill for oil in Southern Utah.

#15 - Devan Chavez, Utah Division of State Parks associate director, discusses As visitation to Utah's state parks soars, here's how to beat the crowds

As the call of the wild beckons, the number of visitors to Utah's state parks continues to climb. As a result, officials are asking visitors to do more preplanning and responsible recreating this season. Devan Chavez, Utah Division of State Parks associate director, tells Host Stephanie DeGraw that Utah's state parks experience a significant increase in tourism yearly. He said that with a 33% rise during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor numbers jumped from 7.9 million in 2019 to 12.9 million in 2024. "The word is out on Utah, especially Southern Utah. Year over year, especially at state parks, we're seeing increases," Chavez said. "So, know before you go. Check before you outdoor recreate. Look at park conditions before getting on the road. I do not want people to arrive at a park and be surprised that there might be a line or a wait to get in."

# 14 Caroline Weiler, from the Utah Department of Natural Resources discusses the “Starry Skies” Challenge at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park an Every Kid Outdoors event

April is Dark Skies Month, and the Coral Pink Sand Dunes event hopes to encourage families to explore nature’s wonders after dark through hands-on activities. Attendees will have educational telescope-viewing sessions, free sand surfing, a s’mores bar, and a night sky-themed craft station. Participants will earn the specialedition “Starry Skies” sticker to add to their collection. Weilersaid the StarrySkies Challenge offersfamilies away tounplug, look up and discover the wonders of Utah’s dark skies. Shesaid that its a fun way for childrent to not only connect withastronmers and outdoor educators but they can learn about nature,astronomyand night sky preservation. When:Friday,April 25 7:00 pm.– 10:30 p.m. Where:CoralPink Sand Dunes State Park Coral Pink Sand Dunes Road, Kanab, Utah

#13 - Jim Kirkland, state paleontologist with the Utah Geological Survey, discusses the paleontological jackpot discovered in Southern Utah

Jim Kirkland, state paleontologist with the Utah Geological Survey, discusses the “paleontological jackpot” of one of North America’s top Jurassic period track sites recently discovered in St. George, Utah, hosted by Stephanie DeGraw.