Cerca Calendar, April 2012

Spring brings warmth and beauty to Cerca country.

Thursday, Zion National Park, Utah: Thursday Trek. Join a naturalist and learn about the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of Zion. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Friday through April 1, Valley of Fire State Park: World Atlatl Contest. The World Atlatl Association invites the public to learn about this ancient weapon that predates the bow and arrow. Demonstrations, target contests and an Atlatl Endurance Challenge. (702) 397-2088. www.parks.nv.gov.

Friday, Zion National Park, Utah: The field institute teams with the Utah State Poetry Society for their third annual "Poetry in the Park" at the Zion National Park Nature Center. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Saturday and April 1, Reno: Nevada Women's Expo. More than 170 exhibits, workshops and demonstrations filled with information on money management, fashion and food. Free health screenings. Reno-Sparks Convention Center. (775) 750-0841. www.nevadawomensexpo.com.

April 6, Zion National Park, Utah: Geology of Zion. This workshop will focus on the continual geologic processes in the park. Enjoy short hikes and trailside lectures and learn how the power of water has shaped this majestic park. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (435) 772-3264. www.zionpark.org.

April 8, Brian Head, Utah: Easter Egg Hunt. Adults race around the mountain collecting Easter eggs (one egg even contains a season pass for 2012-13). Children's egg hunt at Navajo Mountain and also a cardboard box race. (866) 930-1010. www.brianhead.com.

April 12-15, Logandale: Clark County Fair and Rodeo. This annual event features day and evening rodeo events with more than 500 participants. Exhibits, entertainment and livestock show. (888) 876-3247. www.ccfair.com.

April 13, Cedar City, Utah: Thunderbird Film Festival. This independent filmmaking competition features family friendly films by students and professionals. Film screenings, seminars and tours of Southwest movie locations. Southern Utah University. (435) 586-7861. www.thunderbirdfilmfestival.suu.edu.

April 20, Eureka: This evening concert features singer Joni Morris and takes place at the historic Eureka Opera House. (775) 237-6006. www.co.eureka.nv.us.

April 21, Pahrump: Earth Day 2012. This event will promote green living options to reduce carbon footprints at home and in the garden. Ian Deutch Memorial Park. (775) 727-7727. www.earthday.org.

April 22, Sedona, Ariz.: Earth Day 2012. Displays by local nonprofits and green businesses and the screening of the film "Avatar." Sedona Performing Arts Center. (928) 282-2690. www.sustainablearizona.org.

April 22-24, Zion National Park, Utah: Zion through the Lens. Learn about the park and photography with a professional photographer and former field archaeologist with extensive knowledge of the area. Topics to be covered include controlling depth of field, exposure, contrast control and appropriate use of filters. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (435) 772-3264. www.zionpark.org.

April 23, Zion National Park, Utah: Zion's Low Desert Wildflowers. Learn about the Mohave flora in the southwest region of the park's Coal Pits Wash and Petrified Forest areas. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (435) 772-3264. www.zionpark.org.

April 25-29, Laughlin: Laughlin River Run. More than 50,000 bikers descend on this Colorado River town each year for entertainment, poker runs, competitions and to visit the booths of thousands of vendors set up throughout the area. (949) 502-3434. www.laughlinriverrun.com.

April 26-28, Reno: Reno Jazz Festival. This event features competitions, clinics and more than 300 performances by amateurs and professionals alike. UNR campus. (775) 784-4046. www.visitreno.com.

April 26-29, Genoa: Genoa Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. This event features well-known entertainers including Waddie Mitchell, Dave Stamey, Juni Fisher, Pail Zarzyski and Cowboy Celtic. (775) 782-8696. www.cowboypoetrygenoa.com.

April 28, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Arbor Day at the Arboretum. This celebration of trees includes a general tour of the gardens, wildlife programs and a mass tree planting. (928) 774-1442. www.thearb.org.