Sedona, AZ: Mike Ward will be discussing his latest book, "So Why Are the Rocks Red? A Guide to the Magnificent Geology Surrounding Sedona." Copies of Ward’s book will be available for purchase and signing following the presentation.
It is almost impossible to view the magnificent red rock formations surrounding Sedona and not wonder how the sculpted scenery was created. Sedona is located in a geologically fascinating area. In addition to the natural arches, sink holes, fault lines and volcanoes that surround the area, nearly the entire known geologic history of the planet is recorded in the red rocks that can be seen and touched.
The author retired to Sedona in 2002 after teaching computer-aided design and parametric modeling at a Midwest community college. He became increasingly interested in the area’s geology as he hiked the many trails winding through Sedona’s red rocks. As a National Forest Service volunteer with Sedona's Friends of the Forest and as a part-time gondola attendant on the Verde Canyon Railroad, Ward was often asked questions about the local geology that he was unable to answer.
Not having had any formal training in geology, Ward enrolled in several classes in geology and did research on the geology questions that interested him. As he struggled to understand the complicated geologic processes of plate tectonics, volcanism, reverse faulting and erosion mechanics, a comprehensible story of the geology of the area began to take form.
Eventually this story evolved into his newly published book, "So Why Are the Rocks Red? A Guide to the Magnificent Geology Surrounding Sedona," now in its second printing. This book is written in decidedly non-technical terms to help the layman understand the geology that formed the landscape of Sedona.
Ward has been asked to be guest lecturer on the geology of the area at Mingus Union and Red Rock High Schools. He has also made several geology presentations to area residents. Ward serves as President of Sedona’s Friends of the Forest, a service organization supporting the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest, and volunteers with the Sheriff’s Verde Valley Search and Rescue Posse. He hikes extensively with the Sedona Westerners hiking club and has written many newspaper articles for the Friends of the Forest and the Westerners.
The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the Si Birch Community Room, on Friday, August 8, at 12 p.m. The presentation is being held as part of the 2008 50th Anniversary Sedona Public Library Celebration weekly Author Series.
The Sedona Public Library offers a myriad of programs for all ages and interests. These programs are free to all, although donations to support the Library's programming efforts are appreciated.
For information about this or other programs as well as the wide variety of services the library offers, please call 928-282-7714 or visit www.sedonalibrary.org.
Article courtesy of Suzi Chandler.
Posted August 6, 2008.
