What did Gold Butte look like 500 million years ago? Or 2 million years ago? And what geological events produced the features that we see in Gold Butte today? Join us as we learn about the geologic evolution of the Gold Butte region and the dinosaurs, protomammals, and other animals that left their footprints in the rocks. The evidence of past worlds is in the rocks around us, and we are going to explore them. This is a fascinating look at the geologic forces and processes that have shaped the landscape of southern Nevada.

Steve Rowland is Professor Emeritus of Geology at UNLV. He retired from active teaching in 2019, although he continues to mentor several graduate students, He also works four days each week as manager of the paleontology lab at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Dr. Rowland’s presentation is titled Geology and Paleontology of Gold Butte, an updated version of a talk he presented to Friends of Gold Butte in 2015.