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| As of February 2, Coconino County has remained at LOW CDC Community Level. Masks remain optional in all public buildings.
Total new COVID cases in Arizona for the week of Jan 19-26, AZ was 3,087, which is a slight decrease from the week before at 3,554 cases.
As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov. |
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In the coming years, NPS and federal partners will make investments that will support Grand Canyon’s Shuttle Bus Maintenance Facility, Bus Fleet Replacement and Charging Infrastructure project.
The project aligns with the sustainability and climate change goals of converting the federal fleet to zero emission vehicles. It consists of acquiring 10 new battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 new near-zero emission compressed natural gas buses (CNG) to replace the aging fleet; installing charging infrastructure to support the electric buses, including a solar parking canopy; and replacing an obsolete and undersized vehicle maintenance facility. |
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What is the status of the recycling program at Grand Canyon?
The program previously known as Co-mingled Recycling or Single Stream Recycling was discontinued due to changes in global recycling methods and logistics. Grand Canyon is currently in the midst of revitalizing its recycling program.
The park has received assistance from the Sustainable Operations branch (WASO), the National Park Foundation, and Subaru with a grant for the Don’t Feed the Landfills (DFTL) program. The DTFL team has just convened and is working on feasible steps to move GRCA towards a waste diversion program that includes comingled recycling. It will be a phased approach. Stay tuned for more information as we get the new program underway. |
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Kelkiyana Yazzie selected as Interpretation and Resource Education Staff Person of the Year
Kelkiyana Yazzie has been selected for the 2022 IRE Staff Person of the Year Award. Kelkiyana was nominated by her peers for her work amplifying indigenous narratives at Grand Canyon National Park. Kelkiyana’s influence has radiated outside of the park and across the National Park Service. A highlight of Kelkiyana’s work includes her invitation and participation in the Virtual Interpretation Leadership Training which targeted interpretation and education managers and leaders across the service.
Kelkiyana has served as a mentor to many employees, interns, and volunteers over the last year. Kelkiyana also developed programs for the public and for park staff focused on indigenous connections and traditional knowledge of the canyon.
A common thread in the nominations for Kelkiyana was the word “collaboration,” and her nominations highlighted the many instances where Kelkiyana has united staff to co-create and provide feedback on programming, training, and interpretive products. To quote one nomination, “Kelkiyana cares deeply about her colleagues and has used her voice on several occasions to support their work in elevating indigenous connections to the canyon and in promoting fair and inclusive treatment in the workplace.” |
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Cultural Demonstrators this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Lyndon Ahiyite, Zuni silversmith and Freddie Leekya, Zuni stone carver, will demonstrate their handicrafts and share their knowledge of Zuni culture and art, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 3, 4 and 5, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Visitor Center.
Lyndon has been creating jewelry for more than 20 years. He is moved by the art of jewelry making and is inspired by his culture and others in his community. He is known for his inlaid butterfly and dragonfly pendants that feature hand cut tiles of turquoise, spiny oyster, mother of pearl, and jet, set in sterling silver. Lyndon is honored to be a part of the jewelry-making tradition passed down from generation to generation in his community and is continuing to pass the tradition down to others.
Freddie was born and raised in the Pueblo of Zuni and is a third-generation carver from the famous Leekya Deyuse family. Freddiestarted working alongside his father and has been carving for more than 20 years. Most of his fetishes are carved from the travertine found on Zuni lands. Freddie says, “I never know what animals I will discover within each stone. You just look at it and eventually something starts popping out. It takes patience.” Freddie’s inspiration comes from his father, grandfather, his culture, and his respect for wildlife. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.
For a full flyer of the Cultural Demonstration Program from January 27-February, see the attached flyer here. |
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Leadership Spotlight!
David Pesnichak
Community / Transportation Planner
Division of Planning, Environment and Projects (PEP)
This is my first permanent position in the Federal government, and I am very excited and happy to be at Grand Canyon National Park! My wife, Sami Dinar, currently works for the US Forest Service in Carbondale, CO. Our 7-year-old rescue dog, Reuben, is splitting his time between Grand Canyon and Carbondale. Reuben enjoys bounding through all the snow and constantly losing his frisbee.
For the past 19 years I have worked in community planning, transportation, and community development with local governments in Vermont, Nebraska and throughout Colorado along with a two-year stint in Morocco as a Peace Corps Volunteer during the Great Recession. Upon our return from Morocco, Sami and I had the opportunity to ease our way back into life in the United States by driving a bus and guiding private tours in Yellowstone National Park for a summer which solidified our love for the Park system.
Before coming to Grand Canyon, I was the joint Regional Transportation Director for Pitkin County, the City of Aspen and the Town of Snowmass Village within the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. In addition to being a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), I also have a Master’s in Political Science and Leadership from the University of Colorado, Denver and a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.
How long have you worked at GRCA? Where are you based out of?
I started at Grand Canyon in October of 2022. I live in the Village and am based out of the South Rim.
What have you enjoyed the most about working and/or living at GRCA so far?
There are so many things that I enjoy about not only working at GRCA, but also living here. The PEP and Park Service staff have been amazing – constantly willing to help and support as I get up to speed. I also really appreciate that all the staff I have met are so dedicated to not only Grand Canyon but the mission of the Park Service.
As far as living on the South Rim, I love the easy access to great hiking as well as the quiet and dark skies. The dark really caught me off guard the first few times I was walking at night. I quickly learned the hard way that a headlamp is a necessity when leaving the house if there is even a remote possibility of walking around at night.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I love to travel both internationally and domestically. My wife and I recently got a slide-in truck camper which has helped extend our camping season and has since become our second home. It has been very fun to see and explore places in different seasons. We love everything from mountains and canyons to deserts and oceans. As far as sports, I love to hike, bike, cross country ski, downhill ski, snowshoe and get my ducky on the river. Truly I love anything that gets me outside. |
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AZ Tax Credit can benefit Grand Canyon School and the 8th Grade Field Trip
If you would like to choose to designate part of your tax liability to Grand Canyon School, please email jradarian@grandcanyonschool.org and/or use the letter that was placed in your PO box! This program supports many Grand Canyon School programs including the Washington, D.C. trip. See the attached promotional flyer here. |
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NPS job opportunity for local resident at Lees Ferry
Are you a local within a 90-mile commuting distance of Grand Canyon? Our Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park is currently seeking applicants for a Backcountry Visitor Technician duty stationed at Lees Ferry. This announcement is now open through February 13 on usajobs.gov.
Under the local hiring authority, only persons who have either lived or worked in or near Grand Canyon for the past two years are considered eligible (excluding Flagstaff). For more information, check out the link to USAjobs or see the attached flyer here. |
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Grand Canyon Rec Center announces February 2023 Calendar of Events
The Rec Center has a large variety of events scheduled for the month of February! For the complete schedule, see the attached flyer here. |
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Town of Tusayan February and March Calendar
The Town of Tusayan has recently announced an event calendar for February and March 2023.
For a full list of events, see the attached flyer here. |
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Next Tusayan Mobile Clinic on Tuesday, Feb. 7
On Tuesday, February 7, the Town of Tusayan and the Tusayan Fire Department will offer mobile health services. The mobile health services van will be stationed outside of the Tusayan Fire Department every first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Providers can offer the same basic medical care you’d expect at a regular doctor visit in a clinic setting. If a patient needs more advanced medical care than what the van is equipped to handle, the patient would be transferred to another medical facility. The services available in the unit include:
- Primary care
- Management of acute and chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Urgent care for sudden illness or injury
- Immunizations
- Labs & X-rays
- Testing and vaccines
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Othello to premier at this year’s Shakespeare Festival
The Utah Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2023 production of Shakespeare in the Schools, an annual touring production. A team of 10 members will travel to Grand Canyon for a performance at Shrine of the Ages on Tuesday, February 14 at 7 p.m.
Admission is free and an updated poster for the Grand Canyon event can be found here. |
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*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic
South Rim
Xanterra
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
- Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge is now offering dinner service from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily. Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
- Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge-Breakfast, 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Maswik Pizza Pub is open daily from 4-8 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Kennel is open seven days a week with hours from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Delaware North
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Camper Services laundry and shower, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Other
- Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (clinic is closed on holidays)
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting), Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Operations indoors for the winter season.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy stores regular hours: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, and Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
- Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Canyon Closet (located behind Community Library): Mondays 4:15-6 p.m., Wednesdays 12:15-2 p.m., Saturdays 3-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.
- Effective Feb 7, the Grand Canyon Food Pantry will suspend Tuesday night, 6-8 pm distributions. The pantry plans to restart when volunteer availability increases.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.
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Photo Credits (in order of appearance)
- Morning sunrise on January 31, 2023 (NPS Photo/K. Begay)
- Tusayan shuttle bus (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
- Photo of Kelkiyana Yazzie at the South Rim (NPS Photo)
- Works of Lyndon Ahiyite and Freddie Leekya (Photos courtesy of L. Ahiyite and F. Leekya)
- David Pesnichak (Photo courtesy of D. Pesnichak)
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| Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
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