Steve Schwartz
Steve first came to Flagstaff in the late 1970s to study at Northern Arizona University, where he obtained a master’s degree in biology, and he feels fortunate to have been able to call Flagstaff home for over thirty years. Recently retired after a long career in healthcare administration, his retirement allows him to spend large amounts of time exploring the rich diversity of the Colorado Plateau. Steve considers himself a lifelong learner and he can often be found exploring with his two dogs, Quinn and Rosie, indulging his passions for biology and the natural world.
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The Dilophosaurus is probably the best-known dinosaur whose fossil remains have been found in Arizona. That’s because the movie "Jurassic Park” made it famous — or at least a version of it. -
The Relict Leopard Frog was once found in wetlands throughout northwest Arizona, southeast Nevada and southwest Utah. It was thought extinct until isolated populations were found in Nevada in 1991. -
Jumping spiders are common on the Colorado Plateau but are also found worldwide. These daytime predators are great leapers — some can jump nearly 40 times their body length. -
Many would guess a dog has the strongest nose in the animal kingdom, but actually, bears are believed to have the most acute sense of smell. -
Unlike their nearest relatives, zone-tailed hawks display slightly V-shaped wing postures and rock from side to side when soaring. That’s the same way turkey vultures soar. -
No bird species is more closely associated with the ponderosa pine than the pygmy nuthatch. These tiny, highly social birds are year-round residents with white breasts and grey heads and wings. -
Forest managers are researching fungi as a surprising new tool to aid restoration projects that ease the risk of wildfire.