Fun at the Fort Summer Camp
8 Weeks this Summer
Spots are filling quickly! Secure your child’s spot for an unforgettable summer now.
Several weeks still have availability and each week is a different theme.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — Hikers, parents and children enjoyed a beautiful spring day to take in some fresh air in celebration of the annual 2026 Walk for Wellness — Physical & Mental Health held on May 9 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff.
The 5th annual event was held in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Organizers said event was designed to make taking care of your physical and mental health a habit, raise awareness, reduce the stigma of mental health and enjoy a walk with family and friends.
Some of the organizations participating in the event include Anderson General Tire, Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), the Narbha Institute, National Fire Prevention Education Team from the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona Healthcare — Office of Philanthropy, Oxford House, Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County announce the opening of the third annual Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Tuesday, May 19, at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. A reception begins at 10 a.m. and includes a welcome by Vice-Mayor Miranda Sweet and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s exhibition features large-scale sculptures by artists Pamela Ambrosio, Anjola Ayodele, Robert L. Barnum, Nathaniel Trygg Patterson and Joe Ray. Artworks reflect diverse cultural representation and explore themes of nature, history and inclusivity. Together, they infuse the park with an engaging visual experience that highlights storytelling and community, while inviting the public to experience the park in new ways as they explore its sculpture pathway.
The Regional Plan Special Election ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
Your ballot must be received by the Recorder’s Office no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday May 19, 2026. Postmarks do not apply when considering this deadline. There are no polling places on Election Day.
If you haven’t mailed your ballot already, please use one of the drop off locations listed below to ensure it is counted. Click here for additional election information.
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
Get ready to fall in love and laugh until it hurts! The hilarious musical revue I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is coming to the Theatrikos stage this July. This crowd-pleasing production takes a deep dive into the modern jungle of dating and relationships, offering a fast-paced look at the trials and tribulations of the human heart. From the nail-biting awkwardness of a first date to the chaotic bliss of marriage and beyond, the show explores universal truths with wit, soul, and a necessary touch of insanity.
The Flagstaff Festival of Science calls for presenters to host an event in this year’s Festival!
During “Driven by Curiosity” taking place from September 25 – October 5, 2026, the Festival explores automotive ingenuity, engineering and technology. Your program is welcome to align with the theme, but if not, that is OK too.
What is your area of STEAM expertise? What science topic drives your curiosity? We want to know about it!
T-minus 8 days until the North Rim reopens for the 2026 season! NPS staff from the Planning, Environment, and Projects Division assist with installing barrier fencing on Thursday, May 7, in preparation for reopening.
Dear Museum Friends,
May brings a sense of anticipation at the Museum of Northern Arizona as we prepare for a vibrant summer season of exhibitions, programs, and other opportunities to connect with the Colorado Plateau. Before the busy months ahead, we invite you to enjoy a special start to the season with a colorful new exhibition and a day dedicated to celebrating museums as places of discovery and community.
Artist Hopid Unveiled, opens May 16 in the Courtyard Gallery and highlights the groundbreaking collective formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema. Drawn from MNA’s fine art collection, including recent acquisitions, the exhibition explores how these artists created bold contemporary visuals rooted in Hopi life, tradition, and storytelling. Presented in three thematic installations, the exhibition offers fresh perspectives on modern identity and cultural continuity.
We also look forward to celebrating International Museum Day on May 16 with free admission and activities for all ages. From hands-on art and science experiences to touch tables, guided tours, and family-friendly exploration throughout the Museum, it’s a chance to experience MNA as a place of creativity, learning, and connection.
I hope you’ll join us at the Museum as we welcome the season ahead.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Grand Canyon National Park PO BOX 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE 2026 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan As we enter wildfire season,…
Cesar Duarte
From launching a campus engineering community to advancing cutting-edge exoskeleton research, this first-cohort mechanical engineer has been building impact from day one. His journey blends innovation, leadership and purpose, marking him as an emerging voice in the next wave of engineering talent.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Christopher N. David, chief executive officer of Native Americans for Community Action Inc., will be the opening speaker. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
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This month, we are excited to present a new exhibition, FORM and FACE: Abstract Bodies + Masked Identities, in our Special Exhibit Gallery. Featuring work by Zarco Guerrero, Mike Medow, and Kevin Titzer, this dynamic show runs through May 31. Exploring the intersections of abstraction, the human form, and identity, the exhibition uses sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials to examine how identity is constructed, concealed, and revealed. It’s a truly compelling experience—don’t miss it.
If you’ve been a part of the United Way of Northern Arizona community for a while, you are already familiar with what KinderCamp™means for scores of preschoolers.
You’ve heard how this targeted intervention program, provided free to families, helps prepare 4- and 5-year-olds with little to no preschool experience so they are ready for that first day of school.
It’s the difference between a child walking into kindergarten ready to learn – and one who feels overwhelmed.
KinderCamp returns this June in Flagstaff, Williams, Holbrook and Pinetop-Lakeside, but we’re coming up on a critical deadline.
Application Deadline: May 8, 2026
(This Friday)
Notification: May 15, 2026
Program Dates: June 1–25, 2026
Sedona Arts Center invites teens and college-age students (ages 15–22) to apply for Gallery 928, a paid summer art apprenticeship that pairs emerging artists with a master artist to design and create a public mural on the Sedona Arts Center campus.
Up to 12 apprentices will be selected for this immersive program. Each participant receives a $500 stipend and three free college credits through Yavapai College, along with hands-on experience in the full public art process — from concept to completion.
Gallery 928 also helps artists build essential professional skills, including teamwork, leadership, presentation, and résumé development, preparing them for future opportunities in the arts.
Conscious Writing & Sharing
Wednesday, June 3, 10, 17, 24
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Through writing prompts, the group will reflect, renew, share stories, and enhance their creativity. The class will also focus on building trust and learning how to offer constructive feedback.
Writing – Learn more and register!
Do you have questions about the Regional Plan?
Click here to visit the Regional Plan FAQ page, which has been updated to include these topical questions:
What does the Regional Plan propose for the AZ State Land parcels known as Section 10 and Section 20?
Why is there an Employment District near Ft. Tuthill?
Does the Regional Plan 2045 require new homes to be all electric?
City of Flagstaff voters,
There’s a lot of misinformation being spread in our community, on social media and by word of mouth, about ratifying the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
F3 would like to directly address this misinformation by providing direct answers to specific misinformation. The questions and answers below are taken directly from the City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045 website FAQs.
Does the Regional Plan 2045 require that all new homes must be electric?
No, there is no policy that directly states that all new homes should be all electric. There is an action item in Chapter 10 to “Update the City Sustainable Building Resolution and Sustainable Residential Building Incentives to further implement net-zero energy standards.” The incentives could include points or options for all electric homes.
(This) week is the 11th annual Economic Development Week, created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016 to increase awareness of local efforts to promote economic vitality and highlight programs that create jobs and opportunities for individuals and businesses.
Throughout the week there are opportunities locally and nationally to celebrate and access resources that help businesses – and communities – continue to prosper.
By Indivisible Northern Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — (The Boycott) lays the foundation for future economic disruption.
LET’S SHOW OUR COLLECTIVE POWER!
What to do instead? Celebrate collective bargaining.
And if you must shop, SHOP LOCAL!
Event details:
Water Conservation Remains Critical Following New Pipeline Break
Grand Canyon continues to operate under water conservation measures. A new break in the Transcanyon Waterline was identified the evening of April 29 and as of Thursday afternoon, the break has been located along the North Kaibab Trail north of Phantom Ranch near the 4th footbridge. This latest development is a reminder that the system remains fragile and conditions can change quickly.
The Scavenger Hunt is THIS WEEKEND!
REGISTER SOON! Don’t miss your opportunity to save your spot for one of Flagstaff’s most memorable spring events.
Join us May 2nd for the Science Scavenger Hunt—a city-wide adventure where teams build communication skills, creatively solve problems, think flexibly, and develop leadership strengths.
Teams of up to four will solve rhyming clues, discover science artifacts all over the city, and have a blast with friends and family!
Perfect for families, friends, coworkers, and curious minds of all kinds.
Don’t miss out!
https://scifest.org/scavengerhunt/
Warmer streams may weaken river food webs
Can you tell the difference when a stream gets warmer? The tiny living things that make that ecosystem their home can. In a new study, researchers from Ecoss found that microbes and aquatic insects are processing fallen leaves, twigs and bark more rapidly and releasing more carbon dioxide into the water and air. The findings could have implications for plants and animals in rivers across the western United States.
Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
May is a perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our May classes and workshops — from oil painting and jewelry making to iPhone photography — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Winds exceeding 40 mph didn’t deter youth and parents from attending at the 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds on April 25.
In fact the youth appeared to have plenty of fun running down the stomp and air bottle rockets courtesy of the Coalition’s display at the annual celebration.
“Despite the cool and blustery weather, we had a turnout of close to 1,000 folks and certainly seemed like everyone had a great time,” said STEM City Coordinator Eli Cohen. More than 50 exhibitors took part in the free event.
“What an amazing day! Thank you to all of the incredible exhibitors who brought hands-on STEM experiences to life and shared your passion with our community. Your creativity, energy, and dedication made the event truly special,” the organization stated on its Facebook page.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Superior Court will present new installation during Flagstaff First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. May 1.
This event will feature new art on display inside the courthouse from the CJCC Indigenous Initiatives Committee, along with opportunities to connect with various county departments and learn more about the services they provide. It’s a great chance to experience the courthouse in a new way while supporting community collaboration.
The Scavenger Hunt is THIS WEEKEND!
REGISTER SOON! Don’t miss your opportunity to save your spot for one of Flagstaff’s most memorable spring events.
Join us May 2nd for the Science Scavenger Hunt—a city-wide adventure where teams build communication skills, creatively solve problems, think flexibly, and develop leadership strengths.
Your guide to NAU Giving Day 2026
Not sure where to swing your Axe of Kindness this NAU Giving Day? Let us help! We’ve shared a few inspiring stories that illustrate the power your gift can wield, whether you donate to NAU’s general fund or choose a specific area of impact. Your Axe of Kindness will change lives and transform Arizona for the better, no matter how you give.
The Regional Plan provides a broad vision and guides future land use. The 2045 Plan improves significantly on the Regional Plan currently in place because its core priorities are housing attainability and climate action, two recognized emergencies in Flagstaff.
The 2045 Plan recognizes the need for diverse housing types including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and town homes in all neighborhoods throughout the city—options that will help expand opportunities for housing attainability. This reflects zoning changes required by Arizona’s Middle Housing Bill (HB 2721), and will result in incremental changes in existing neighborhoods.
This ballot asks voters in the City of Flagstaff to vote on whether to ratify or not ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045. Return your ballot by 7pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The special election is a vote-by-mail only election. There are no polling places on election day.
Click here for ballot drop-box locations and additional election information.
Form and Face explores abstraction, the human figure, and the layered construction of identity through the visionary work of Zarco Guerrero. Featuring sculptural masks, figurative assemblage, and evocative materials, this Special Exhibition invites viewers into a bold meditation on body, persona, and transformation.
2026 STEM Celebration
Fort Tuthill County Park
The 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration is an opportunity for all of Flagstaff to engage with the STEM community. 1 p.m. Free.
Cover photo: The final section of new pipeline for the Transcanyon Waterline Project was installed this week just above the River Trail. (NPS Photo)
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — The Coalition will participate in the 2026 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.
THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!
The Coalition’s display will feature the return of its stomp air rockets, a water bottle rocket display and plenty of informational handouts on the U.S. space program including the recent successful Artemus II journey around the moon.
This year’s STEM Celebration will include the return of the Lunar Legacy Invitational – bringing even more opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration.
The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.
NAU’s 2026 class of changemakers
At a ceremony on Tuesday, NAU celebrated the 2026 President’s Prize winners, Gold Axe winners and Distinguished Seniors who made enormous positive change as Lumberjacks. “Their impact reaches far beyond campus—into neighborhoods, organizations and communities that are better because of them,” said President José Luis Cruz Rivera. Meet the outstanding seniors.
The Greater Flagstaff Region is hosting a public meeting on April 23 from 5:00-8:00 p, at the Flagstaff Aquaplex for the community to learn about the current process to update the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Attendees will be able to visit with staff from local fire departments, talk with subject matter experts, and provide comments to inform the CWPP’s development, as well as learn about wildfire risk reduction recommendations for the forest and for homes.
Our 29th Annual Adult Mountain Spelling Bee Bash was a celebration of literacy and community, and your support helped make this event a huge success! If you joined us, thank you to bringing your energy and making the night so much fun. If you didn’t make it this year, follow this link to watch the video with pictures from the event.We hope to see you there next year!
Beyond this event, your generosity allows us to support adults, families and students throughout the year. The letter below shares one parent’s experience and the powerful difference your support can make in a child’s life.
The Viola Awards are this Saturday, April 25, 2026!
Grab your tickets and get ready to rally with friends, celebrate our incredible arts community, and dance the night away like it’s the ultimate homecoming game.
We can’t wait to see you there, let’s bring the spirit and celebrate together!
“(April 14) the Week of the Young Child proclamation was read at the Flagstaff City Council meeting, recognizing the importance of the early years and their impact on lifelong success,” said Pearl Santillan of First Things First.
“Our PPO Shawn Soumilas, shared powerful remarks highlighting that nearly 4,000 young children in Flagstaff are in their most critical years of development and how access to affordable, reliable child care is directly tied to workforce stability, education, and the overall strength of our community.
“I had the opportunity to briefly close by grounding the moment in the people behind this work recognizing the providers, families, and partners who show up every day to support young children across our region.
“We were proud to stand alongside our Regional Partnership Council members, staff, community partners, and Rebecca Cirzan’s son, Hayden, who even joined me at the podium, a sweet reminder of who this work is ultimately for. Grateful to be part of this work and this community.”
FLAGSTAFF — What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community or something else, you can find your joy at the Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library.
National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
FLAGSTAFF — Dora Rodríguez, who nearly perished while fleeing El Salvador and crossing the AZ border in 1980 will give to readings of her memoir, A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain, . Dora’s survival is credited with helping to spark the Sanctuary Movement. She is a committed humanitarian and an incredibly inspiring speaker.
On Thursday April 23 you have two different opportunities to hear Dora read/present:
@ 4 pm in Liberal Arts 120 at NAU
@ 6 pm in the Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd
Please join United Way of Northern Arizona on Thursday, April 30th as we celebrate a year of impact and achievement and the many things we have done – together – to ensure that all can thrive in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our community breakfast will feature a panel discussion highlighting UWNA’s partnership with organizations that serve youth, including representatives from Homeless Youth Connection, Stuck Community Acupuncture, Boys and Girls Club, and the Flagstaff Unified School District.
We’ll also talk about the success of this year’s Annual Campaign and hold our annual meeting, including the installation of Kyla Garrison of Mission Driven Finance as the Chair of the UWNA Board of Directors.
Continued Water Conservation Remains Critical for South Rim Community
As announced in this morning’s news release, the park will begin gradually easing water conservation measures on the South Rim starting Friday, April 17 at 12 p.m., following progress in repairing the South Rim water pipeline and restoring pumping capacity. While this marks an important step forward, the park continues to operate on a constrained, aging, and vulnerable water system. Additional pipeline breaks remain possible, and water use must remain careful and intentional.
2026 OIE Annual Summit
September 8-10, 2026
Registration is now open!
Interested in presenting? Call for session proposals are now open! We hope to see you there! Visit website to learn more.
Vendor and Exhibitor applications closed now.
Support Youth Arts Education & New Interactive Space Hello, After a recent field trip to Coconino Center for the Arts, students in a high school English class for nonnative speakers reflected that it was the best experience of the school…
Also see:
• Arizona Daily Sun (subscription) — Gallery: Northern Arizona University students protest outside ICE office in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — More than 100 Northern Arizona University students took part in a march and protest from the campus to the newly-leased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office on Plaza Way, just to the east of Home Depot.
The students, some of whom identified themselves as members of the new NAU Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) organization, carried a variety of protest signs, shouted slogans and held a rally directly across the street from the new ICE office, who officials said may serve as a center for their Northern Arizona operation.
As the students protested, nearly a dozen police vehicles could be seen scattered on both sides of the street to monitor the situation. Most of the vehicles appeared to be Flagstaff Police Dept. units. More unidentified law enforcement units could also be seen directly behind the building at 1585 S. Plaza Way.
What started as a compost project using human stool has turned into an experiment that could open the door for colonizing another planet. Researchers at NAU are simulating the barren soils of Mars and the Moon to turn human waste into resources that will help grow food in space.
Get ready for a hilarious, heartbreaking, and “sort of” Chekhovian experience as Theatrikos presents Life Sucks., opening May 21. Directed by John Forsythe, this bold adaptation of Uncle Vanya tackles life’s biggest questions with modern wit and a healthy dose of fourth-wall-breaking honesty.
We are thrilled to announce an incredible ensemble of local talent bringing this “beautiful mess” to life:
Joel Austin
Andrew Dzeguze
América Fregozo
Leslie S. Jones
Nick Rabe
Vicki Thompson
Audrey Young
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2026 Firewise Residential Cleanup will occur April 18-26, 2026.
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 begin hauling debris the week of April 27.
Last week, 11 graduate students stood in front of an audience and shared their research. That’s par for the course for any researcher. What was different this time? They had only three minutes and one slide to sum up months, or even years, of research. See what students have worked on during their careers at NAU and which students walked away with a cash prize.
Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center
A perfect time to step into something new.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our upcoming classes and workshops — from oil painting and wet concrete carving, to no solder chain making, alternative pottery finishing and iPhoneography — our classes are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring.
Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites community members to join three signature events this spring: the Earth Day Celebration on April 18, Drop Off Day on April 25, and the Fix-It Clinic on May 2.
Earth Day Celebration
The annual Earth Day Celebration will be on Saturday, April 18 at Bushmaster Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Listen to live music, attend a free workshop, eat food from a local food truck, and discover dozens of sustainable-minded organizations and activities.
