Alash are masters of Tuvan throat singing (xöömei), a remarkable technique for singing multiple pitches at the same time. 7:30 p.m.
Discover Flagstaff — Alash, Coconino Center for the Arts on Jan. 21
Category: Seniors
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 15-19, 2024
Did you catch the pink glow the morning of January 17?
Hello, atmospheric optics! The sun emits white light, however, as the sunlight passes through the atmosphere during sunrise or sunset times, long-wavelength (red) light is scattered less than short-wavelength (blue) light. Therefore, red-ish colored light reaches the observer’s eyes and clouds aid to the pink color that could be observed.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 8-12, 2024
Grand Canyon Dispatch reminds all residents, locals, and visitors that road information can always be found at 928-638-7496. This recorded line is updated with real-time information directly from units opening and closing the roads.
For State Route closures and other road closures within the state of Arizona, call Arizona DOT at 888-411-7623, visit them at AZ511.gov, and download the app.
Residents and employees are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications in order to receive up to date inclement weather and roads information as they occur. To sign up, residents can follow this link.
Discover Flagstaff — Discover Winter Events with Flagstaff 365
Cocoon Monthly Dance Party w/Bear Cole, The McMillan
Cocoon – Come Out Of It – Every First Saturday at The McMillan in Historic Downtown. 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6.
Learn More
Through June 8 — Grand Canyon National Park hosts 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party
GRAND CANYON — The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held from through Saturday, June 8, 2024, on the South and North Rims of Grand Canyon National Park. National Parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States.
Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 18-22, 2023
We’ll be taking a break next week on the Wrap Up in observance of Christmas. Our next issue will be sent on Thursday, January 4.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 11-15, 2023
Portions of the North Kaibab trail, between Manzanita and Supai Tunnel, will be closed beginning at sunrise on Monday, December 18 and ending at sunset on Sunday, December 24. Closures will be in effect from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. to allow for contractors to install seismic survey nodes in Roaring Springs Canyon.
Work crews will be installing survey nodes in highly technical terrain above the trail, which may result in inadvertent and unpredictable rock fall onto the North Kaibab Trail. These survey nodes are small, wireless sensors that will be able to detect and record seismic activity in the area.
For the latest trail updates, please visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Discover Flagstaff — A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy, Theatrikos Playhouse Dec. 15-17
Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square on Dec. 1
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 6:30 p.m.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2023
North Rim transitions to winter operations; Hwy. 67 closed at Jacob Lake
Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 30, the North Rim was closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15th, 2024 (subject to change).
As in years past, the North Rim campground will be available for winter camping and is accessible via hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in advance through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Give the Gift of Learning & Discovery
Your support is critical to growing and sustaining MNA’s work. In 2023, we:
Opened three new exhibitions;
Welcomed nearly 2,000 students on school visits;
Shared the MNA collections with hundreds of members of the public;
Provided over 200 researchers with in-depth access to collections;
Hosted numerous educational events that connect visitors with the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau through authentic experiences;
And so much more!
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 13-17, 2023
InterTribal Economic Summit recap
Last week, the park hosted the Emergence Summit, the second Grand Canyon InterTribal Economic Summit. More than 60 participants were in attendance including Tribal vendors, tour operators, entrepreneurs, partners, and park staff. The purpose of the summit was to discuss ways the park and its many partners can best work together to improve economic benefits for the park, private companies, Tribal partners, nonprofit partners, and the surrounding communities.
Keynote speaker Natasha Hale (Navajo and Saudi Arabian and pictured above), cofounder of Change Labs, offered lessons from her 15 years of experience supporting Native entrepreneurs and economic equity on the Colorado Plateau.
“To move past these wrongs, we still have to keep talking about them. But I think we’re all eager to move past it,” said Hale. “That’s what Emergence is about – we want to be able to co-manage these lands, but we also want to be able to have access to that economic power.”
You can learn more about the summit from Grand Canyon Trust’s website here.
Discover Flagstaff — Opening Day, Arizona Snowbowl on Nov. 17, more events
Join us for the exhilarating kick-off to the winter season as Arizona Snowbowl unveils its slopes for Opening Day! 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17.
Grand Canyon National Park ALERT: Roaring Springs System Failure to Meet Water Treatment Requirements
GRAND CANYON, AZ — During the early morning on Thursday November 9, 2023, our water system did not provide adequate levels of chlorine in the water being used from Roaring Springs.
As a result, our water was not disinfected as the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requires. Therefore, our water system violated a treatment technique standard for maintaining adequate disinfection for water delivered to customers from Roaring Springs. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation. After this problem was identified, Operators immediately notified the State Drinking Water division and Grand Canyon started the process to identify the source of the failure. The source was identified, and adequate chlorination was restored on Friday morning, November 10, 2023.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 6-10, 2023
Rock Your Mocs Week November 12-18
As part of Native American Heritage Month, next week is Rock Your Mocs Week, when Indigenous people across the country show their cultural pride by wearing traditional moccasins.
Moccasins are not always worn in public by Indigenous people. They hold special significance and are most often worn for ceremonies and other cultural events. During Rock Your Mocs Week, the National Park Service encourages Indigenous employees to take pride in their heritage by wearing moccasins. A flyer for this week can be found here.
Grand Canyon National Park is proud to celebrate Native cultures and traditions by helping to share their rich histories and ongoing contributions to our park and our country.
So rock those mocs!
Discover Flagstaff — Easton Collection Tour, Museum of Northern Arizona on Nov. 10 and more events
Join Museum of Northern Arizona docents for a behind-the-scenes tour of the collection inside the Platinum LEED-certified, architectural masterpiece Easton Collection Center. 3 p.m.
Learn More
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023
We commemorate and celebrate Native American Heritage Month throughout the month of November to recognize the important contributions Indigenous people have made and continue to make to the country and to the Grand Canyon. This year’s theme is Celebrating Tribal and Indigenous Sovereignty and Identity. Tribal sovereignty ensures that any decisions about Tribes about their property and citizens are made with their participation and consent. The federal trust responsibility is a legal obligation under which the United States “has charged itself with moral obligations of the highest responsibility and trust” toward Indian Tribes.
Grand Canyon National Park is built on Native lands, and although we cannot change the past, we can change the present and ultimately the future by strengthening our relationships with the associated tribes and the land we all share.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 23-27, 2023
Halloween Carnival at Grand Canyon School October 28
Grand Canyon School and the High School Student Council will be hosting the All Hallows Halloween Carnival on October 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be a haunted house, activity booths, and games for all ages. Be sure to wear your costume!
If you are interested in having a booth there, you can contact rrobertson@grandcanyonschool.org.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 16-20, 2023
North Rim Atoko Point prescribed fire
If you were near the rim or in the canyon this week, you probably noticed smoke on the North Rim and below the rim.
This is a prescribed burn in the Atoko Point unit, which is on the eastern edge of the Walhalla Plateau. Park fire staff are working with the Kaibab National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management to treat this unit and others, for a total of about 1,700 acres. They plan to continue burning through October 31.
Smoke impacts are anticipated along Cape Royal Road, the North Rim developed area, and the inner canyon from Bright Angel Point to Clear Creek. Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the land, and prescribed burns are carefully planned and only initiated under very specific conditions.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 2-6, 2023
We’re getting a new look!
Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.
Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 6:30 p.m.
North Rim Transitions to Day Use Operations Beginning October 16, 2023
GRAND CANYON — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2023. Grand Canyon Lodge will close and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors to the North Rim. Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day.
The following services will be available:
The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
After October 31, water will only be available at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023
Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations
The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.
Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.
If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Newsletter
Dear District 5 Residents,
As the morning air becomes cooler and more refreshing, it signals that autumn has arrived. Use this opportunity to enjoy a bountiful harvest with your loved ones. Next month is the Navajo New Year -Gháájí, which means ‘The joining of season.’ It is a time for harvesting and getting ready for the upcoming season. This year, preparing for inclement weather during the colder seasons is crucial. It’s critical for our communities to take essential measures to ensure safety, security, and structure. Before traveling, please seek weather advisories. Start preparing your homes for the cold by weatherizing them for safety and comfort.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 18-22, 2023
Federal agencies need appropriations to operate. You may have seen news accounts as we approach the new fiscal year of the possibility of a lapse in appropriations, which would lead to a government shutdown. Based on my years as the senior appropriations lawyer for the Department of the Interior, I can tell you that a lot of people in the Administration and Congress are working hard to avoid a shutdown.
The Park Leadership Team and I are watching this situation closely along with our regional and Washington office colleagues. We will be ready if there is a shutdown.
I understand that many employees depend on their biweekly paycheck to meet their families’ expenses and there may be some anxiety about the possibility of a shutdown. In case it helps, in 2019, Congress passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act ensuring full pay for federal employees during government shutdowns. Everyone will be paid, and retroactive pay will also reflect what is typically withheld from checks such as rent, insurance and retirement contributions.
For the time being, park operations are continuing as normal, and we encourage you to check on our park website at www.nps.gov/grca for the most up to date information on park operations. As we get additional information from the Department, we will keep employees and residents updated through this newsletter and the weekly employee, community, and stakeholder call. Thank you to all employees who have been fielding visitor questions and concerns over the last several days; it is important work that you do.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 11-15, 2023
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.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2023
Volunteer Cleanup Day slated for Tusayan this Saturday
While the recent flooding in Tusayan was short-lived, residents are still cleaning up the aftermath. But Tusayan is not just a town – it’s a community. And members of a community take care of each other. So on Saturday, September 2, the town is planning a Volunteer Day.
If you’re willing and able to help neighbors and residents rebuild and repair their property, come to the Tusayan Sports Complex at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 2. If you need help with a project, contact the Town of Tusayan.
You can also apply for emergency assistance through Coconino County online. Please apply before Friday September 1.
There is still food and clothing available until Tuesday, September 4 at Tusayan Townhall.
North Country HealthCare ‘2023 Cultural Competency Report’
As we head into the final months of 2023, North Country HealthCare is pleased to provide our 2023 Cultural Competency Report. This report provides insight into our cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion-related efforts for the year prior. It gives our employees, patients, and community members a snapshot of where we have been, where we are now, and what we have in store for the future.
CCC Community Education — September Schedule: Poetry | Tiramisu | Stained Glass | Jungian Journey | String Art | Comet Talk
Reading and Composing Poetry
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
5 to 6:30 p.m.
This four-part course will immerse you in the world of poetry! We’ll cover select poems from some of the world’s master poets, and work on your own compositions.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of Aug. 14
Kane Fire wrapping up
The Kane Fire, located about 13 miles southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, is currently about 2,854 acres and 84 percent contained.
The fire was detected on August 3 after a lightning storm, and fire managers immediately implemented a full suppression strategy. Ensuing precipitation over the next several days curtailed fire activity considerably, and a Type 3 team took over on Tuesday, August 15.
Current and expected fire activity is minimal, and crews are now focused on cleanup and suppression repair.
In the interest of public safety, a portion of the Kaibab Plateau area east of Highway 67 leading to the North Rim will remain closed. Highway 67 is open.
You can visit the Kaibab National Forest website or Facebook page, or InciWeb for more information.
Grand Canyon National Park — Weekly Wrap-Up Week of Aug. 7, 2023
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, President Biden visited the park after announcing the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon as a National Monument. Baaj nwaavjo means “where Indigenous peoples roam” in the Havasupai language, and i’tah kukvenimeans “our ancestral footprints” in the Hopi language. The new monument encompasses about 917,618 acres of the Kaibab National Forest (both north and south of the park) and portions of the Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip District (BLM), lands already part of the 2012 mineral withdrawal Environmental Impact Statement. These lands will continue to be managed by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, and Tribal Nations will be included in decisions about managing the areas. The national monument only includes federal lands and does not include State and private lands within the boundary.
Discover Flagstaff — 8th Annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Aug. 12
8th Annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 8th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada, Mariachi and Folklórico Festival. 12 p.m. Free.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of July 31
A welcome break from the summer heat
After our recent rainfall, Grand Canyon is no longer in an excessive heat warning, but Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are still in effect for the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Discover Flagstaff — Lend Me a Tenor, Doris Harper-White Playhouse on Aug. 4-6 and more events
Join Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival on the campus of Lowell Observatory under our festival tent for Shakespeare under the stars! Fri. 7 p.m., Sat 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of 7/24 – 7/28
Coconino Fire burns close to park
On Thursday, July 27, a wildfire was reported approximately 5 miles southwest of Grand Canyon Village.
The Coconino Fire is a lightning caused fire first detected around 10 a.m. on the Kaibab National Forest. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 118 acres.
Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park responded quickly and aggressively, with containment estimated at 40%.
An Incident Management Team was mobilized in the park in case an evacuation order was given.
At this time, fire managers are confident that the fire is under control.
For more information, you can check our Facebook page or call 928-638-7688 for the latest updates.
While this fire never materialized into a credible threat, it serves as a great reminder to review the Ready-Set-Go evacuation plans and procedures for you and your family. We would also encourage Grand Canyon and Tusayan residents to sign up for Coconino County emergency notifications. Please help yourself and the community in becoming prepared and ready for a wildland fire.
Discover Flagstaff — Twelfth Night, Lowell Observatory on July 28-29 and other events
Join Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival on the campus of Lowell Observatory under our festival tent for Shakespeare under the stars! Fri. 7 p.m., Sat 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun 2 p.m.
Discover Flagstaff — Discover summer events with Flagstaff 365
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 17-21, 2023
Fire restrictions and heat danger continue through the weekend
Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Through Monday, July 24, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon.
All Xanterra passenger mule rides to Phantom Ranch continue to be cancelled through at least July 24.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 10-14, 2023
New Trail Alert QR codes posted at trailheads
This week, in collaboration with the Grand Canyon Office of Communications and the PEP Division, the Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) team launched new QR codes posted to trailhead signs. Visitors can simply scan the Trail Alert barcode using a digital device that will take them to our trails webpage that is updated daily. Information on the webpage will include trail alerts, weather, safety messages, and tips on how visitors can hike smart.
If you interact with the public, feel free to disseminate and use this flyer that contains the QR code. Visit the new webpage here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/key-messages.htm.
District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez May – June Newsletter
May-June, Welcoming Summer and Recognizing Accomplishments of County
In this Edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Preparation, Prevention, and Information
District 2 Highlights
Service Positions & Job Listings
Services and Programs
And more!
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Newsletter
Dear District 5 Residents,
As we transition into the planting season and celebrate our graduates’ achievements, I am again reminded of the Navajo teachings of T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego, “It is up to you.” Whether preparing for uncertain times ahead or getting ready for a change in season, this teaching rings true – it is up to us to take essential steps to ensure our lives’ safety, security, and structure. In this time of preparation, Coconino County and my office are committed to meeting each of you on those steps.
For those in Coconino County who need assistance in flood preparation or mitigation, looking to sign up for important emergency alerts, browse the various health and assistance programs available from Health and Human Services, or keep up with the Board of Supervisors meetings and even watch us live, please visit our website www.coconino.az.gov. For all County resources, it is a significant first step.
Discover Flagstaff — July 1-3 Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park and other 4th of July events
Tuesday, July 4 Flag 4th Fest, Fort Tuthill County Park. Laser Light Show and family activities at Fort Tuthill County Park! Presented by City of Flagstaff. 5 p.m. Free. 928-679-8000 • flagstaff.az.gov
Tuesday, July 4 Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade, Downtown Flagstaff. Show off your red, white, and blue at the parade! 9 a.m. Free. 928-774-4505 • flagstaffchamber.com
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 26-30
Fire restrictions go into effect across Northern Arizona; Grand Canyon NP remains in stage 1
Beginning Thursday, June 29, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Tusayan and Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff will also be in fire restrictions on this date.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Your 2023 Volunteer Opportunity Guide
Summer’s here and it’s the perfect time to make a difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors by becoming a volunteer.
Donating your time and work to our local nonprofits helps these organizations fulfill their shared mission of improving our communities.
If you’d like to volunteer but don’t know where to start, we have something that might help. It’s a 2023 Guide to Volunteering in Northern Arizona, featuring dozens of opportunities currently available with our nonprofit partners in Coconino, Yavapai and Apache counties.
Discover Flagstaff — Pride in the Pines, Thorpe Park on June 17
Pride in the Pines, Thorpe Park
Family friendly Pride Festival of Flagstaff, honoring acceptance, diversity, community, and Fun. We will also have our 1st Annual Flagstaff Pride Parade! Parade, 9 a.m., Pride, 11 a.m.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 12-16, 2023
2023 Star Party
The annual Grand Canyon Star Party will conclude this Saturday, June 17. On the South Rim, events include a nightly presentation from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, followed by telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30 and 10 p.m..
The list of speakers can be found on our Grand Canyon Star Party webpage, in the attached flyer, and also in the NPS Mobile App.
During Star Party week, the Education Staff is conducting family hikes during twilight (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 14 through 16) to celebrate Grand Canyon’s dark skies!
Kids of all ages and their families are invited to join a ranger to experience and explore nightfall during a 45-minute walk. Meet outside Shrine of the Ages Auditorium (Parking Lot A) a 7:30 p.m. More information, including a flyer can be found here.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 5-9, 2023
Updates from the North Rim
Friday, June 2 kicked off the opening of the 2023 season on the North Rim with water conservation measures in place. With emergency funding assistance, water hauling operations began on June 4 and the North Rim water tanks are slowly refilling to meet visitor and residential demand. Construction contractors arrived on the North Rim this week and have begun the preliminary stages of rebuilding the broken section of pipeline, with work slated to continue through the coming weeks.
Fee staff are anticipating a full campground for the campground’s opening weekend beginning Friday, June 9. Trail crew staff continue to repair sections of the North Kaibab Trail and have cleared areas of major rockfall in the vicinity of Supai Tunnel. Project work continues with the North Kaibab Trail opening for hiker traffic beginning on Friday, June 16. Following this date, trail crew will continue working on the trail and hikers may encounter intermittent trail closures of up to 30 minutes.
Thank you to all staff, contractors, and concessions employees who have and continue to work tirelessly to reopen the North Rim to the public and provide quality visitor services during these extenuating circumstances.
June at the Museum of Northern Arizona
NOTE NEW DATES for 2023: We are counting down the days to one of the biggest events of the year – the Heritage Festival of Art and Culture. This year the festival will be on June 24 and 25. We moved the date in response to artists and attendees who overwhelmingly agreed that moving away from the busy 4th of July weekend would be better for everyone.
I am so excited that this festival brings together Indigenous artists from across the Colorado Plateau, the only such festival that I know of. These artists will all share and celebrate their cultures from under the shade of tents among the tall pines surrounding the museum. What a beautiful setting! In addition to over 100 artists from 10 different tribes, highlights include flute workshops with Aaron White, a presentation by fashion designer Patricia Michaels, as well as performances by the Zuni Water Striders, Dilzehe’e, Apache Singers, and Yoyhoyam Hopi Youth Dancers. I am looking forward to an exciting an inspiring weekend! I hope to see you at the Heritage Festival, and at the museum.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 29-June 2, 2023
What’s that clicking noise?
Pretty much everyone on the South Rim during the last two weeks has noticed the ‘click click click click click’ sounds coming from pretty much everywhere.
On the South Rim, we’re hearing Putnam’s Cicada, (Platypedia Putnami) — large, dark-colored insects with bulging eyes and membranous wings that are folded tent-like over their bodies. Putnam’s Cicadas are only found in the western states, and have a three to five year life cycle, unlike some varieties of cicadas found in the eastern U.S. that have 13 to 17 year cycles. Like other cicadas, they don’t bite or sting, just go around feeding by using their straw-like mouth to drink watery nutrients from plants and trees.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 22-26, 2023
Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland, visits Grand Canyon
Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, and her team were in the park this past weekend to meet with the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition and community leaders about the efforts to create the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
This effort, spearheaded by the tribal coalition and supported by Representative Raul Grijalva and Senator Krysten Sinema, is a continuation of efforts to provide permanent protection from new uranium mining on over 1 million acres of land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
In addition to the meetings with the coalition and local stakeholders, the Secretary held separate informal meet and greets with staff from the Horace Albright Training Center and Grand Canyon National Park. Members of the park leadership team also had the opportunity to talk to her about our big infrastructure projects (trans-canyon waterline) and provide an aerial tour for she and Rep Grijalva of the area and proposed boundaries of the new national monument. Thanks to all the staff who helped support the Secretary’s visit and who came out to meet her on Saturday afternoon!
Discover Flagstaff — ArtX: Art + Ideas Experience Arizona, Heritage Square May 26-27 and more events
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Various Times. Free.
District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — April/May 2023 District 1 Newsletter
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Schultz Creek/Pipeline West – Flagstaff May 8th
Community Meeting
Mt. Elden Estates Community Meeting
Ft. Valley Rd/Baderville Community Meeting
County and Flagstaff Host a Thank You for DFFM,
DEMA, and FEMA for State Funding to Assist in
Flood Mitigation
Flagstaff Ranger District Cancels its Proposals for
Commercial Outfitter and Guide Services
Attorney General Kris Mayes and Secretary of
State Adrian Fontes Visit Coconino County
2023 Coconino County Teacher of the Year
Mountain Line: It’s Electrifying
Every Day is Earth Day
Opioid Crisis Settlement
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Tuba City Election Office Renamed the Alta
Edison Native American Outreach Center
County Declares May 11, 2023, as” Carol Dykes
Day”
Miss Cleo’s Tea Party. A Southside Community
Tradition
Community Events and Resources
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 15-19, 2023
Messages and Grand Canyon News-Week of May 15, 2023 Sign up for the Weekly Wrap Up Here North Rim to reopen June 2 with limited services available The North Rim will open as scheduled, on June 2, with limited visitor…
Discover Flagstaff — Discover spring events with Flagstaff 365
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.
District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez April – May Newsletter
I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather as the sun begins to shine
more often. As the weather warms, it is important to keep in mind how the
changing weather will also affect the landscape of our district. It is
important to keep in mind what preventative measures we can take as a
community to protect ourselves and our community. April is coming to a
close and I would like to recognize the proclamations we have created as
the Board of Supervisors and county. I would like to honor that April is
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and
Earth Month. As we continue with our year, it is important to keep into
consideration the discussion and actions we have taken as both a county
and community to continue the dialogue of the issues we are facing
holistically. That said, I would like to highlight all county employees for
continuing to create discussion and honoring the topics that affect our
community.
Discover Flagstaff — Find spring events this week with Flagstaff 365
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Appreciating Our Volunteers and Remembering Gene Munger
This is National Volunteer Week, a time to appreciate and celebrate the people who invest their time and talent to better their communities.
United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is blessed to have many individuals who work tirelessly to improve early childhood development, promote positive youth development, and assist neighbors in times of crisis.
Their work ranges from leading our Board of Directors, to serving on Community Investment Teams that evaluate grant requests, to filling sandbags before monsoon season.
One of the most remarkable volunteers to ever lend his talents to UWNA and numerous other organizations was Eugene Marvin Munger Jr., who we lost last month at the age of 88.
When he received the Arizona Daily Sun Citizen of the Year Award in 2013, Gene was asked why volunteering was important.
“Volunteering is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to give back,” he replied.
Discover Flagstaff — Sammy Kershaw is coming to Flagstaff!
Tuesday, April 24
Sammy Kershaw, The Orpheum
Disciple Live Events Presents Sammy Kershaw LIVE at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff! 6:30 p.m.
Learn More
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 17-21, 2023
California Condor Update
Free-flying California condors in Arizona continue to be confirmed with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
As of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement.
Report bird mortalities to NPS wildlife immediately so that bird die-offs can be investigated and tested for avian influenza. Report dead wild birds to Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805 and they will call the on-call wildlife specialist to assist.
Coconino County announces new evacuation zones….
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Emergency Management announce the creation of evacuation zones in Coconino County. In an effort to further enhance emergency messaging to the public, the evacuation zones focus on neighborhoods, communities, and residential areas throughout the county.