Yolonda Youngs

Photography by Daniel Perales

Dr. Yolonda Youngs is a broadly trained geographer with a passion for exploring and writing about the people, places and changing landscapes. Combining her training as an academic scholar with her background of as a professional whitewater river rafting and wilderness kayak guide, her publications reveal often overlooked places in iconic sites. Her books include "Framing Nature: The Creation of an American Icon at the Grand Canyon" and "The American Environment Revisited: Environmental Historical Geographies of the United States."

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Awards: Outstanding Researcher Award from Idaho State University; Distinguished Educator Award from Apple Inc.; International Cartographic Association U.S. Scholar Award; International Geographical Union Scholar Award; Association of Pacific Coast Geographers Lary Ford Fieldwork Award in Cultural Geography; American Association of Geographers Carville Earle Award

Communities: Academic (professor, field scientist), rafting and kayak guide

The Canyons of the Colorado River

Enshrined in public memory and the American psyche, the canyons of the Colorado River have a magnetic draw for visitors and play an integral role in the ecosystem of the American West. Join these authors for an engaging conversation that proves cherished public lands are more than just a destination.

WNPA Stage (Seats 146)  
Sat, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Nature / Environment
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - National Parks (following presentation)  

Panelists: Kevin Fedarko, Zak Podmore, Yolonda Youngs
Moderator: Marie Buck

Crazy Iconic

From the iconic Grand Canyon to the people and places that bring out Arizona's wild side, these authors share how they approach their subjects past and present.

UA Library/Special Collections (Seats 110)  
Sat, Mar 15, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
History / Biography
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelists: Richard Grant, Kyle Paoletta, Yolonda Youngs
Moderator: Tom Zoellner

Book:

Framing Nature

The Creation of an American Icon at the Grand Canyon
Nature / Environment
U of Nebraska Press
June 2024
ISBN 9781496202185
408 pages