The Museum of Northern Arizona’s mission spans across all aspects of the Colorado Plateau—geological, biological, and cultural―however, biology has been missing for some time from the Museum’s active research program. In an effort to put another piece in place in MNA’s sciences, Director Robert Breunig, with concurrence from the Board of Trustees, has appointed Lawrence E. Stevens as the new Curator of Ecology and Conservation.
Stevens is an independent ecologist and a recent board member, with an M.S. in biology and a Ph.D. in zoology, both from Northern Arizona University. He has accepted this position with the hopes of developing projects and funding to support his full-time efforts.
“Larry Stevens is perhaps the most gifted scientist ever to work on the Colorado Plateau, exploring more dynamics of the natural world in this region than any other biologist or geologist in history,” says Gary P. Nabhan, Director of NAU’s Center for Sustainable Environments. “He offers more than just his technical skills to safeguard and restore this ecosystem of global renown; he is also a compelling storyteller and an ardent and effective conservation advocate. He embodies all the values and skills that MNA has dedicated itself to since its founding.
“If a single person can be said to serve as the eyes and ears of the Grand Canyon, it would be Larry. He is intimately aware of subtle changes in its insect, bird, and fish faunas; in its flora and vegetation; in its flooding regimes and responses to drought and damming. No scientist has collected more specimens, made more field observations, or detailed more ecosystem processes in the Grand Canyon than Larry has. And no one has fought harder and more effectively to maintain its integrity.”
Stevens supports Director Breunig’s goal of restoring biology at MNA to a prominent position in the eyes of the local community, and to re-establish its credibility in the scientific community. Asked for a historical perspective of his new position, Stevens responded, “In science, we stand on the shoulders of giants. Some of those who have held this position include Lyndon L. Hargrave, Walter McDougall, Steven W. Carothers, among other great scientists.
Stevens says, “The Coltons, MNA’s cofounders, clearly stated the need to protect the wildlife and habitats of northern Arizona from needless destruction. Most of us live in northern Arizona because we love the environment, but we are loving it to death. In this new position, I will continue to work with the Grand Canyon Wildlands Council and the Grand Canyon Trust to figure out how to maintain the natural ecosystems and native species here.
“MNA is unique, as far as I can tell. No other museum in the world has taken on the task of preserving and promoting all aspects of regional culture, from the sciences to contemporary fine arts and education. As MNA promotes appreciation of the Colorado Plateau by developing a “sense of place,” those of us in the sciences labor to understand the region’s mysteries, helping to make this also “a place of sense,” making sense of this fascinating place.”