Residents of The Bluffs of Flagstaff crowded the room for an educational presentation when local geologist Wayne Ranney came back to the community to present his lecture, “Volcanoes of Northern Arizona.” It became so popular that chairs filled quickly, and some residents stood along the walls to hear the presentation.
Ranney led residents through the San Francisco Volcano Field, an area spanning about 1,800 square miles and home to more than 600 volcanoes in Northern Arizona. The presentation explored one of the largest fields of young volcanoes in the contiguous United States, including the San Francisco Peaks stratovolcano complex and Sunset Crater, which last erupted about 900 years ago.
For many residents who have lived in Flagstaff for years, the lecture revealed an aspect of a familiar landscape they hadn’t examined in a while. The presentation also revealed the geological history beneath the daily surroundings and instilled a greater sense of appreciation for the region they call home.
A Community Favorite Returns
“We’ve had Wayne here so many times now that he’s practically family,” said Andy Auteri, Executive Director at The Bluffs of Flagstaff. “Our residents request him by name. When we announced this volcano presentation, I knew we’d need to borrow chairs from other rooms, but even that wasn’t enough. He makes geology come alive in a way that keeps everyone glued to their seats, or in this case, standing against the back wall.”
One of the community’s residents, Marlene, introduced Ranney to The Bluffs of Flagstaff and helped establish the educational lecture series. Since then, his presentations have been a staple of the community’s programming and in residents’ hearts.
At The Bluffs of Flagstaff, Learning Never Stops
Lifelong learning is at the heart of life here at The Bluffs of Flagstaff. Through engaging educational programs and guest speakers, residents have the chance to discover new interests, expand their knowledge, and stay connected to the world around them.
We are proud to serve Flagstaff, AZ, and the surrounding communities by offering senior living that centers on connection, curiosity, and meaningful experiences every day. We invite families to contact us today and see firsthand how residents at The Bluffs continue to learn and grow together.
