Join us for the March edition of Juniper Hour as we sit down with Tyson, a new member of our local community who is working with a nonprofit focused on native plants and regional flora. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of documenting local plant species and how community members can get involved in learning more about the landscape around them.

Tyson shares his interests in the work he is doing with the nonprofit and his passion for learning about local plant species. We also discuss recent workshops and a few field trips where participants explored the outdoors while contributing observations through iNaturalist.

Tune in for a discussion about plants, community science, and ways to connect with the land through observation and learning.

This month on Juniper Hour, we begin with a pre recorded interview featuring Emmanuel Santa-Martinez, professor at Salt Lake Community College. Emmanuel recently traveled to Moab to present at Science Moab’s Science on Tap, where he shared his knowledge about bees and pollinators in the Southwest. In our conversation, we discuss the importance of pollinators in desert ecosystems, community science, and their broader environmental impact. We also touch briefly on the recent Super Bowl, exploring cultural perspectives, representation, symbolism, and what the event meant within broader community conversations.

Next, we sit down with Val Calloway from Grand County School District, who leads the Beacon High School after-school clubs. Val shares updates on what’s been happening in the Beacon program, her experiences working with students, and some exciting upcoming activities.

We close with an update from the Native American After School Club. Ricky Begay, after-school club lead, shares what students have been working on and highlights preparations for graduation. Eagle feathers are being prepared for graduating Indigenous students, honoring their accomplishments and celebrating the pride, strength, and cultural representation they carry into this next chapter.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation connecting science, culture, education, and community here in Southeast Utah.

Cell: (505)675-5810

Moab UT, 84532

For the first part of the Juniper Hour, we speak with Jesse from the Grand County Library about upcoming Native American Heritage Month events and the importance of working respectfully with Indigenous communities.

Next, we interview Taylor from Seek Haven, who shares details about their partnered events with the Grand County Library, including a Native American Heritage Month trivia game, prizes, and additional insights on engaging with Indigenous communities.

We are then joined by special guest Sandra Billies from the Moab community, who reflects on the Veterans Day butchering of a churro sheep and the cultural teachings shared between elders and younger generations, highlighting kinship and cultural significance.

To close the hour, we interview Adam from Desert Soul Villas in the Spanish Valley area, who discusses affordable housing opportunities for Moab’s workforce.

In this episode, we open with a lively conversation featuring Tia Wood, a talented songwriter and Indigenous musician who shares her cultural insights and heartfelt perspectives on MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives). Together, we reflect on the deeper meaning behind this movement and the power of awareness in creating change.

I also share highlights from Moab’s Indigenous Peoples Day on October 13 — including a webinar I presented for Utah State organizations on working with Indigenous youth, and a local fundraiser supporting Native American students, where the Mayor of Moab read the official Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation.

We continue with updates from Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated at the middle school with host Jeremy Spaulding, and from the HMK Elementary Student Club, where students created moccasin ornaments and Christmas gifts for their Indigenous families.

We wrap up with the Cultural Fires event, featuring a drum-making workshop with Jacob Crane, traditional dancing, and cultural exchange — a beautiful close to a season of celebration, learning, and connection.

Stay tuned until the end for a few upcoming community events you won’t want to miss!

• Wildbloom Fermentation – I sat down with Cody and Lisa, the local owners, to talk about their recent move to 550 North Main Street in Moab. They shared their vision for the future, including bringing kombucha on tap into the community, along with the story of how they started and grew their business.
• Multicultural Center of Moab – I interviewed Bradia Holmes, Education Coordinator, who spoke about the Center’s programs, their plans for the future, and the impact they’ve had over the last few years. Bradia also shared a personal note on why she came to Moab and why she continues to call it home. Contact: bradiah@moabmc.org Website: moab.org
• Clay Artisans of Moab – I wrapped up with Abi Taylor, Organizer and Volunteer, who discussed their upcoming fundraiser and the work the group is doing to support local artists and community creativity.

If you’d like more information on these programs or interviews, feel free to call me at 505-675-5810 or email me at outsidermoab@gmail.com.

Thank you for tuning in and supporting Juniper Hour!

 A check in with Carrie Schwartz ED of Science Moab, sharing information of what they have been up to for the last year and the work they do in data collection. Sharing topics like Heat Monitoring here in Moab and their school to science program. Carrie shares their journey here to Moab and how she got into her role.

For more information reach out to Carrie or her staff at info@sciencemoab.org or (435) 610-1280

The Native American Club has grown since the time Ricky Begaye took on the Position back in fall, T’aatsoh being “Growth of bigger leaf on plants” which reference to the growth in plants, Like the club it has gone thru change and has rooted it self in the school and Community . This being the last month of school, Students off to college, starting their summer journey. With a collaboration with Moab Museum We had the opportunity to invite a Native teacher and keeper of Basket Maker from the Navajo Nation. A pre- recorded Interview with Leander Goldtooth and Jaden Nez, Both Navajo teachers coming from Tuba City Listen and hear Leander POV. 

Join host Ricky Begaye on this episode of Juniper Hour as we dive into exciting updates from the Native Club! We’re sitting down with our local Native Club officers as they share their enthusiasm for stepping into greater leadership roles within the community.

Ricky also reflects on personal experiences with the club and the exciting future ahead as it continues to grow. Plus, we’ll discuss upcoming events and ways you can show your support.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, culture, and community!Release date:4 April 2025

This hour of Juniper Hour with Ricky Begaye features an interview with the Executive Director of Transportation at Grand Schools Bus Barn, followed by a conversation with Anna Conrad. Next, there’s a check-in with GCHS college adviser Sally Sederstrom and a follow-up interview with Seek Haven’s youth and Indigenous community coordinators. The hour focuses on the significance of K’é, a Diné (Navajo) concept meaning “system of kinship”—a deep connection to others and an understanding of one’s roots. The individuals interviewed play a vital role in supporting youth and the community through their programs, serving as the backbone of the community.