Governor Katie Hobbs visits Grand Canyon

Governor Katie Hobbs and Arizona tribal leaders met in the park this past Tuesday, September 12, to foster meaningful dialog about Arizona’s economic development and how to best work with tribal governments and communities.  Superintendent Ed Keable and Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO Theresa McMullen participated in the meeting, discussing the work the park and GCC are doing relative to indigenous programs.

The highlight for most participants was getting a tour of the work being done at Desert View to re-imagine the site as an Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.

Thanks to all who helped make this a successful visit, especially the Desert View staff and FMD folks (trails) who are working on the next phase of paving the new trail system.

You can learn more about Gov. Hobbs’ visit and its purpose on her website.

Water conservation measures still in place for South Rim

On Tuesday, September 5, park managers implemented mandatory water restrictions for the South Rim due to diminished water supplies in the South Rim holding tanks. Crews immediately began working to get the water flowing again and replenish the tanks.  The tanks are filling, but until water volume and pressure are adequate, restrictions will still be necessary. Park managers are hoping to lift restrictions by early next week. For more information on reducing water consumption, see the Every Drop Counts flyer here.

Current water restrictions for the South Rim include: 

• No watering lawns/plants 
• No washing cars, boats, bikes, or any outside vehicle 
• Run dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads
• Use disposable dishes when it makes sense
• Take shorter or less frequent showers 
• Flush the toilet only when necessary 
• Report leaks and drips to maintenance as soon as possible 
• Camper Services and employee/concessionaire laundromats may implement limited hours for showers and laundry services
• Restaurants will switch to paper or disposable plates and utensils to limit water usage, will provide drinking water only by request, and use low water cleaning techniques.
• Hikers in the backcountry should plan to carry all their water or methods to treat water.
• For the most up-to-date information on water availability in the inner canyon, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates Page.

While our Water Utilities team is working diligently to address the problem, events like this should serve as a reminder that water is a precious and limited natural resource in Grand Canyon and should be treated as such. Regardless of whether there are restrictions in place, we should all make a consistent effort to conserve water where and when possible.

We would also like to thank our Water Utilities staff for working hard to make sure we all have clean potable water.

Public Informational Meetings Scheduled for Construction Project Updates September 18-19

Join project management staff members at the Shrine of Ages Monday, September 18 from 7-8:30 p.m., or Tuesday, September 19 from 8-9 a.m. to learn about the current status of construction projects at the South Rim, including the construction schedule for the Transcanyon Waterline, the APS Substation, Desert View, and the South Rim and Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plants.

There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and a recording will be available following Tuesday morning’s meeting.

Celebration of Art underway

Since 2009, Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy have been hosting Celebration of Art.

Celebration of Art (CoA) brings artists from all over to paint the world-class scenery the canyon offers. The artists stay and paint for a week, and for four months afterward, their work is shared and sold online and at Kolb Studio.

On Friday, September 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., there will be an Artist Paint Out in the Village area of the South Rim between Verkamp’s Visitor Center and Thunderbird Lodge, so you may run into some painters on the rim.

Then on Sunday, September 17, Kolb Studio will hold the Grand Opening for the Celebration of Art exhibit from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The exhibit will remain at Kolb Studio from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day until January 15.

Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View Watchtower

There will be two cultural demonstrators at Desert View Watchtower from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 19 through Thursday, Sep. 21.

Beverly Blacksheep (pictured) is a Navajo painter inspired by the rich cultural heritage and traditions of her people. She works with a palette of soft, as well as vibrant colors, sometimes bordered by geometric designs, symbolic of Navajo weavings, revealing a sense of harmony and balance with Mother Earth.

Alice Arviso is a Navajo beader who learned her craft through her son Marco.  She uses sterling silver and natural stones to create contemporary jewelry.  She incorporates earth tones and prides herself in creating necklaces and earrings for people of many cultures and backgrounds.

A flyer on Cultural Demonstrators for next week can be found here.

Cultural Demonstrator at North Rim Heritage Center

Friday, September 22 through Monday, September 25, Hopi painter, carver, and sculptor Kevin Quannie will be at the North Rim Lodge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kevin specializes in carving contemporary kachina dolls using cottonwood roots. He has re-created some of his kachinas into bronze sculptures that capture the intricate textures of his original carvings. A flyer on these events can be found here.

Bike Your Park Day to be held September 23 in Tusayan

The Town of Tusayan is hosting National Bike Your Park Day on Saturday, September 23 from 9-11 a.m.A poker run activity will be set up and participants have the opportunity to win prizes during the event.

More information and registration details can be found in the attached flyer here.