Pine & Peaks Post | Our Brand-New Newsletter!
Welcome to your go-to source for everything Coconino County Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick satisfaction survey to let us know what you’d like to see more of!
2025 Coconino County Fair Entries Are Open! Think you’ve got a winner? Enter your exhibit by clicking here!
“Coconino County implements fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. CCEM continues to work closely with our fire mitigation partners at the federal, state, and local levels to determine if fire restrictions are needed, and if so, to what extent,” said Tim Carter, acting Emergency Management Director. “In coordination with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ decision to enter Stage 2 restrictions, Coconino County will also enact Stage 2 restrictions for all private lands within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in southeastern Coconino County.”
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has announced dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in additional neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The schedule is listed below.
• Rock Ridge Estates, Ridge Crest, and Anasazi Ridge – Friday, May 16 – Friday, May 23
• Lynwood and Cheshire – Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 9
• Country Club Estates – Friday, June 16 – Friday, June 23
• Boulder Point – Monday, June 30 – Monday, July 7
You asked, we listened! Early bird pricing is back for one final encore—but only through May 19.
Register for the Beethoven 5K today and help support Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, one step at a time.
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.
The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.
According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.
Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly-visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors.
Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor the suite of “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate.
Join us at MOCAF for Daago, a springtime exhibition of contemporary work by Diné painters and weavers, curated by artist Corey Begay. 6 p.m.
• Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight China’s Fentanyl and Human Trafficking
• Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Efficiency in Federal Housing Programs
• Gallego, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Share of Energy Assistance, Lowers Costs in Hot Weather States
2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan
As we enter wildfire season, the newsletter released this week provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready.
It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.
The full newsletter can be viewed here. If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, please share with family, friends, and coworkers widely.
On Friday, May 2, the Flagstaff City Council, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the Planning and Zoning Commissions for the City and County met at City Hall to discuss important components of the Regional Plan: the priorities and goals, the Future Growth Illustration, land use categories, trail maps, and sense of place.
Thank you to all who took time out of their day to attend, provide comments, and contribute to this productive session!
FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, May 12, closures will be implemented on portions of Riordan Rd and Riordan Ranch St to facilitate the installation of a new water meter and underground utilities. Vehicles parked along the impacted portion of Riordan Ranch St must be moved or may be towed. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2025.
Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 27, 2025 – Tuesday, 9am-12pm
In this half-day camp class, kids will learn all about local bug species and paint rocks to look like their favorites! Arizona is home to so many incredible creatures; from dragonflies and butterflies to beetles and ants and many more, we’ll get into what makes these insects so cool and so important to our ecosystem. Campers will use acrylic paint to transform rocks into bugs. Weather-proof and perfect for the garden, kids can take home their new bug friends and create a lasting memory. This is the perfect activity for little artists AND little scientists!
Rocks and painting supplies provided.
FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin reconstructing the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive, as well as reconstructing the portion of Milton Road that was impacted by this project. This work will be done along half of the roadway at a time to maintain traffic along Milton Road.
As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.
The JWP Specific Plan applies to the areas made accessible by the planned John Wesley Powell Boulevard extension. The open house will feature stations with project team members and topic experts available for discussion. Topics covered by the plan include trails and open space, transportation networks, wildlife corridors, community character and the Rio de Flag. Community members are invited to attend any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and provide feedback on any topics of their choice.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) holds its next public in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 at the Grand Canyon Conference Room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.
The public can also click the Zoom link below to Join the Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84746979878
Meeting ID: 847 4697 9878 Phone: + 1 (719) 359-4580
CHAC generally holds its first •Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Contact Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-0886 for more information.
Featuring artists from across the state, this show explores themes of heritage, family, untold histories, and both personal and collective experiences. ¡Qué Hermoso! also honors the legacy of Gretchen Lopez, showcasing never-before-seen works from her estate. Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping this annual exhibition, and her influence continues to inspire.
¡Qué Hermoso! is made possible by an anonymous donor.
AI for Everyone
Mondays and Thursdays
June 2, 5, 9, 12
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Get comfortable using free AI tools to increase your business or personal productivity and creativity.
AI – Learn more and register!
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE
On Monday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
News updates for week of April 28
Gallego Visits Northern Arizona, Phoenix, to Address Medicaid Cuts, Tariffs, VA Layoffs, and More
Downtown Flagstaff
Enjoy a vibrant, pedestrian-focused ArtWalk filled with creativity, community, and all things bikes. 5 p.m
Help create a welcoming space for all
We value your input! As part of the Downtown Mile Project, the Milton Underpass Project aims to enhance a vital area of Flagstaff with creative, community-centered design. Your feedback is important in helping shape a public art installation that reflects the spirit, culture, and vision of our city. Whether you walk, bike, drive, live or work in the area, your ideas will help create a meaningful and welcoming space for all.
Complete the survey by May 5 and let your voice be part of the design.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to the additional traffic on Sawmill Road related to the Lone Tree Overpass detour route, pavement repair has been scheduled on a portion of Sawmill Road. The work will require overnight full closures of Sawmill Road from the Police Department public parking lot driveway to Kensington Drive for two nights.
May is a month of growth and renewal—and we’re celebrating both here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
International Museum Day is May 18 and we welcome everyone to the Museum with free admission all day. Enjoy hands-on activities featuring fossils, pottery, Indigenous games and arts. A heartfelt thank you to APS, our generous partner, for helping make MNA’s free admission days possible.
On May 24, come explore the beauty of the season at the annual Master Gardener Association Plant Sale and Garden Festival in the historic Colton Garden. Then, join us for the opening of our newest exhibit, Shifting Life Zones, which highlights the resilience and challenges of plant life in rapidly changing environments.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin the 2025 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) Project Phase 1 on Thursday, May 1. The project will address numerous roads around the City and will include crack sealing, chip sealing, curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs and pavement marking. The goal of the project is to update infrastructure for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Among the award recipients were Engineering Senior Lead Project Manager David Pedersen, Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, and Water Production Manager Brian Huntzinger, who along with city contractors Hunter Contracting and Jacobs Engineering, won the Project of the Year Award for their work on the Inner Basin Waterline Restoration Project. Substantially completed in fall 2024, the project restored drinking water production from the Inner Basin after the 2022 Pipeline Fire. The subsequent monsoonal flooding damaged this critical waterline infrastructure which the project restored. The team was recognized by the Flagstaff City Council this week for their achievement.
Meet this third-generation Flagstaff resident whose unique approach in the classroom earned him the distinction of 2025 College of Education Teacher of the Year. Learn how he fell in love with teaching and what advice he gives future educators.
“The EPA’s decision to terminate this grant is deeply alarming—not only for the City of Flagstaff, but for the many residents, community leaders, and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to enhance local preparedness. These community hubs were already delivering measurable impact, supporting those most vulnerable to extreme weather-related threats, as well as workforce development. We stand firmly behind this vital work and intend to challenge the EPA’s decision. Flagstaff remains unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and future of our residents.” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.
Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director for the City of Flagstaff, is the Vice Chair of the Executive Board of ECoNA. Originally from Delaware, she moved to Flagstaff when her father, a W.L. Gore & Associates employee, relocated to Arizona. After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Northern Arizona University, she spent more than 20 years in media advertising before becoming the City’s Convention and Visitor Bureau’s director in 2012.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite the community to attend the Citizen Review Session for the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045, which will be held on Friday, May 2 at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The session was originally to be held at the Aquaplex, but the location has changed to City Hall. The meeting can also be attended virtually, and the link will be available in the agenda.
The session is a Joint City-County Retreat, where elected officials will discuss important updates to the draft Regional Plan, which was revised following the 60-day public review process. Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the City and County Planning and Zoning Commissions will participate in the review and there will be an opportunity for public participation. The meeting agenda and packet will be available on Monday, April 28 at flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) is pleased to announce the debut of the County’s new mobile incident command unit designed to enhance disaster response, emergency coordination, and reliable communications in remote areas.
This mobile command center will serve as a self-sufficient operational hub, providing the first responders from multiple agencies within the County with real-time situational awareness and improved decision-making capabilities.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to unforeseen logistical complications, the City of Flagstaff is updating the dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. Dumpsters will be placed in the University Heights neighborhood from April 25 – May 2 and the schedule for placement of dumpsters in other neighborhoods will be published when available.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) has officially approved the Fort Tuthill County Park Master Plan Update, setting in motion a bold, 10-year vision to elevate community recreation, sustainability, and cultural celebration across one of the county’s most beloved parks.
This plan outlines a flexible, phased roadmap to improve accessibility, sustainability, recreation, and cultural experiences at Fort Tuthill. While actual implementation will depend on future funding and evolving community needs, the Master Plan serves as a valuable guide for how the park may grow and adapt over time. Highlights of the planned improvements include:
FLAGSTAFF — On March 3, 2025, the Phoenix Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) agreed to begin developing a scope of work for an appraisal-level study for the City of Flagstaff’s planned regional water supply pipeline from Red Gap Ranch (Regional Project). The City acquired Reg Gap Ranch in 2005 with 71% voter-approved funding for future water supply. Together with continued conservation measures, the Regional Project at Red Gap Ranch can provide resiliency to the City’s existing water system and add needed protections against drought and natural disasters. Red Gap Ranch is located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff along the I-40 corridor.
Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 29, 2025 – Thursday, 1-4pm
In this half-day camp class, kids will learn about the tie dye process and experiment with pattern techniques as they create a wearable rainbow! Tie dye supplies will be provided as well as bandanas to dye, but campers are encouraged to bring their own white t-shirts from home or anything else cotton they’d like to transform.
The Arboretum opens to the public again for the 2025 season! 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 30
Learn More
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will have a new Chair and Vice Chair effective Friday, May 2, 2025.
At the end of their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Board elected District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman as Chair of the Board and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez as Vice Chair of the Board.
The nominations were motioned by District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros, with a second from District 4 Supervisor and outgoing Chair Judy Begay.
Elk Calving Season is Here!
It’s elk calving season, a time when adorable elk calves are born between late April and June. These little ones may only weigh around 35 pounds at birth, but they come with some very large bodyguards. Cow elk are devoted mothers and, understandably, don’t take kindly to anyone getting too close to their newborns. Even if you can’t see a calf nearby, mom might still be watching you.
Pregnant elk often seek out quiet, hidden spots to give birth—sometimes in places you’d least expect, like near your office, behind your porch, or along your favorite trail. So, whether you’re taking out the trash or heading out for a jog, keep your eyes open and give wildlife plenty of space.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 25, 2025
Teens ages 15-18 are invited to apply to Sedona Arts Center’s Gallery 928 program, a unique summer art apprenticeship that partners students with a master artist to create a work of public art.
This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its fourth year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s infamous Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.
Apprentices will receive art instruction, knowledge of the public art field and develop tangible employment skills like resume building, presentation development and public speaking. Students will also receive a $500 stipend from Sedona Arts Center and 3 free college credits through Yavapai College. Up to 12 students will be selected to participate.
FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Dr. Robert Neustadt will give an update on the progress of his latest book during the Sabbatical Talk “Music on the Line. Songs and Politics on the U.S./Mexico Border” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at NAU’s Liberal Arts Building, Room 136.
Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Center will open at 8 a.m. Rangers will be available daily from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. to provide information, trip planning assistance, and Park Ranger Programs at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2025 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2025.
FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District plan on continuing portions of the Horseshoe Maxwell Springs prescribed burn project located 9.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff, just north of Bellemont.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
The deadline to take the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan has been extended to Friday, April 25. Your input is needed! Survey results will inform the upcoming Joint Retreat on May 2nd, when City and County elected officials will discuss the plan.
Click here to start the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan
Grand Canyon National Park Night Sky Programming – 2025 Season Kickoff!
We’re excited to kick off our 2025 night sky programming season at Grand Canyon National Park! Join us for our first stargazing event on Friday, April 18 at 8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
These programs celebrate the park’s stunning dark skies and offer a chance to learn more about the cosmos through ranger talks, telescope viewing, and celestial storytelling. Events will be held throughout the week—not just on weekends—now through the end of the year. Topics, times, and locations may vary.
To stay up to date on upcoming night sky events, scan the QR-code flyer posted in park buildings or visit our webpage directly:
Earth Jam is an Earth Day celebration hosted by multiple NAU organizations!! Enjoy live music and performances!! 3 p.m.
Learn More
While we were excited to come together as a community to honor our planet and promote sustainable practices, the decision to cancel was made after careful consideration of current circumstances and with the well-being of everyone involved as our top priority. We recognize the disappointment this may cause and deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support and enthusiasm for sustainability actions. We encourage everyone to continue honoring Earth Day in their own way — whether through a neighborhood cleanup, planting native species, or reducing personal waste.
“We’re excited to hear from the community,” said Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Sciences program manager. “This is an opportunity to help create something lasting and meaningful in a space many of us pass through every day. Public input is essential to this process.”
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works Fleet Services’ spring online surplus property auction is underway and will run through Friday, April 25, 2025.
The auction is open to the public and features such items as used trucks, heavy equipment, and other surplus County property that has met replacement guidelines.
Photos and information for online auction items are available at coconino county | GovDeals.
FLAGSTAFF — Up to four prescribed burn projects are planned across Coconino National Forest next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels and reduce the risk of wildfires to many northern Arizona communities (listed below in chronological order).
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
Lane shifts along Cedar Avenue will be in place during this work to maintain eastbound and westbound traffic along Cedar Avenue. Pedestrian and bicyclist access will be maintained through the area during construction. Motorists are asked to follow the marked signage/detour to get to their destination.
The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, Flagstaff Police Department, and Coconino County invite the community to attend Drop-Off Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coconino County Health and Human Services building (2625 N King St) to properly dispose of batteries, lightbulbs, expired medications and more. More information is available at flagstaff.az.gov/3379/Drop-Off-Day
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE
Editor’s note: The following statement was released by the Office of the Gov. Katie Hobbs after the Republican-controlled Arizona Senate refused to confirm Board of Regents appointee Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta, former Coconino County Supervisor and a member of the leadership team of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Joseph Biden.
“It is a shame that the (Arizona) Senate refused to hear the nomination of Liz Archuleta, a fiscally conservative and fair-minded public servant and nonprofit leader, to the Arizona Board of Regents. This decision is a loss for higher education in Arizona and an affront to all Arizonans who care about higher education.
“Since I appointed Liz to the Arizona Board of Regents last year, Liz has brought accountability and transparency to the Board when it needed it most. She has helped guide the Board through several important decisions and critical moments, including enhancing financial oversight and accountability, hiring a new university president, managing the University of Arizona’s fiscal recovery, and addressing issues with FAFSA. …”
Speakers at the event include Heather Carter, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice CEO and the chair of the Roadmap Steering Committee. She’ll share new data on Arizona’s bioscience and hospital jobs, wages, venture capital, university tech-transfer, and other measurements of how the biosciences impact our economy statewide.
We’ll also learn about the opportunities and challenges surrounding bioscience research, commercialization, and healthcare during these uncertain times from Tomás Diaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Arizona.
And SRI International will provide a sneak peak of the new Bioscience Roadmap set to launch in September.
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
