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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 — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold two events this weekend beginning with the “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16 at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. After extensive renovations, the market has reopened at the site of the old Redwood Bar & Grill
The organization will then hold its traditional Fiesta de Mayo Celebration inside at the Flagstaff Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at 4650 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff.

The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opens next week and brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie. Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.

North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue
As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.
At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.

Ceramics: Independent Study
with Ben Roti
June 9-July 14, 2025 – Mondays, 3:30-6:30pm
*Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)
What You’ll Experience:

Get ready for an exciting adventure with TheatriKids! We’re thrilled to present our upcoming production of Shrek The Musical!
Step into a vibrant world where ogres are the heroes, donkeys have the gift of gab, and fairytales get a delightful twist. Join the grumpy but lovable Shrek and his endlessly entertaining sidekick Donkey on their quest to rescue the spirited Princess Fiona.

What is the County’s Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-range policy document. It provides a twenty-year vision and guide for future physical, economic, and social development for the entire county, and contains maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions that guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular with regard to land use decisions.

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!

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host a community meeting on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. to gather input and feedback from the public on the future Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center. The meeting will be held at the Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St).

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — From hikers to bikers to strollers, a variety of individuals and families enjoyed a beautiful spring day in Flagstaff, and gained some valuable information on physical and mental health, at the 4th annual Walk for Wellness event held on Saturday, May 10 at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. The event is a celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month nationally and in Coconino County.
Flagstaff City Councilmember Khara House read a proclamation during the event recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Flagstaff.
A total of 140 people signed up for the walk, beating last year’s total, said Theresa Kulpinski of Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone/First Things First Quality First, who organized the event with Kathy Farretta of First Things First.
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.
Those participating in the event as sponsors and supporting organizations included Anderson General Tire, Arizona State Parks & Trails, Coconino Anti-Tobacco Students (CATS), Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health and Human Services AZ Health Zone, Girl Scouts, The Guidance Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Pioneer Title Agency, Terros Health, Tynkertopia and We Care Northern Arizona.

FLAGSTAFF — Proudly wearing their colorful sarape-style sashes/stoles, hundreds of Northern Arizona students walked off the stage to their cheers of their families, friends and fellow students at the 2025 NAU Hispanic/Latine Convocation held on May 8, 2025 at NAU Ardrey Auditorium.
The event included a video congratulations by NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera and on stage presentations by NAU Professor and author Monica Brown and United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuelta.
Following presentations of the Sylvia Mendez Award for Academic Excellence; Sonia Sotomayor Award for Cultural Impact; and Cesar Chavez Award for Graduate Student Excellence, students then proceeded onstage to receive their colorful sarape sashes/stoles.
The students will next take part in formal graduation ceremonies this weekend when more than 5,700 students graduate in four ceremonies at the Skydome.

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.

Lyndel Manson, a Northern Arizona University alumna and 8-year member of the Arizona Board of Regents; Flagstaff City Councilwoman Deborah Harris, who worked at NAU for several years in various roles; Emmett Burnton, a history teacher at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem and Arizona Teacher of the Year; and activist and former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez will be recognized with honorary doctorates. Each will provide the keynote address during one of NAU’s four commencement ceremonies.
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.

As we conclude Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 75th season, we’re filled with gratitude for the music, the momentum, and most of all, for you.
This spring reminded us how powerful live orchestral music can be. We shared joy with over 1,000 students through our educational Link Up program in March. We welcomed new families and longtime supporters to the cinematic world of Heroes and Villains. And the season came to a stunning conclusion with Verdi’s Requiem, a performance that showcased the extraordinary scale and artistry of this orchestra and our partners.

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!

United Way of Northern Arizona’s signature program, KinderCamp™, is turning 20 this year and undergoing one of its biggest expansions yet.
This summer, our free camps are launching in Holbrook and Joseph City, joining existing sites in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside.
Held in June, KinderCamp advances kindergarten readiness by preparing students with limited preschool experience transition successfully into kindergarten.
From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO
This vital foundational experience includes the instruction of early literacy skills such as: letters and sounds, numbers, classroom routines, cafeteria behavior, and how to work with others.
Students are still being accepted for KinderCamp programs. Click on the community below to fill out an interest form for your area:
Flagstaff
Williams
Pinewood-Lakeside
Holbrook
Joseph City

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.

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.

As the Summer rapidly approaches and the traditional school year comes to an end (have you checked out your local Summer Camp options, started planning for at-home activities for your children, started planning for summer travel?), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.
To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.
Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.
Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

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.

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.

Nation’s Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms
Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.

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.

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.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1. 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.
Scheduled guest presentations include Rene RedDay of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, speaking on Family Resource Centers; and Jennifer Cohan of Denova Collaborative Health.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
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.
READ MORE

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the United Way of Northern Arizona’s (UWNA) Community Impact Luncheon last week! Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity were truly inspiring.
At this special gathering, we celebrated the life-changing power of literacy and the many ways your support is helping young readers thrive throughout Northern Arizona.
We also welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors and gave an update on our Annual Campaign.

“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.

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 — 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:

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.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
The Coalition will participate in the 2025 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.
THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!
This year’s event is extra special as, for the first time ever, it will be held in partnership with 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.
The STEM Celebration is a unique opportunity for Flagstaff residents to dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging demonstrations, attendees will experience STEM as more than just a subject—it’s a pathway to education, careers, and groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s come together to celebrate Flagstaff’s designation as “America’s First STEM Community” and inspire the next generation of innovators!
READ MORE

Story/photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org
FLAGSTAFF — Local residents once again turned out in force during a National Day of Action rally held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Flagstaff City Hall.
With a crowd that easily exceeded 1,000 people, local residents once again assailed the Trump administration with an event that coincided with the anniversary of first shots of the American revolution in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, along with weekend activities designed to recognize Earth Day, which will be officially to be recognized on April 22.
To recognize those events, a number of protestors carried “No to Kings” signs, as well as a variety of climate change banners, signs and Earth Day flags.
The local event was initially promoted by the Coconino County Democratic Party, with additional support from a variety of groups from Indivisible of Northern AZ, 50501, Catch Fire Movement, Women’s March and others.
SEE MORE PHOTOS, VIDEOS AT WWW.MOSAICNAZ.COM

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.

At NAU, coveted research positions aren’t just for graduate students. Each year, hundreds of undergraduates participate in, and even lead, research projects across dozens of subjects. The NAU and Flagstaff communities can learn all about their groundbreaking findings at the annual Undergrad Symposium, happening April 25. In preparation for the big event, we’re spotlighting a handful of student research projects in zooarchaeology, communication sciences and more.

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.

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

FLAGSTAFF — In one classroom, an emotional roller coaster with students in the space of 10 minutes baring their souls and sharing the highs and lows of their personal experiences to total strangers.
In another room, students debated on the efficiency of having the U.S. education system controlled by officials in Washington, D.C, versus an educational system guided by state officials who understand the unique cultural, economic, financial and social challenges facing their local students
So went the first two sessions of Regents’ Cup 2025, a competition pitting students from Northern Arizona University, Arizona State and the University of Arizona, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at NAU.
The Regents’ Cup 2025, presented by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), rotates annually among the three universities, features 48 students who compete to win scholarships ($15,000 first place, $12,000 second place and $5,000 third place).

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:

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.