KNAU update for April 12 — Earth Notes: Bees of Grand Staircase-Escalante

A recent study shows incredible diversity among the bees of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Some 660 different species have been identified in this national monument—almost as many as all the bee species east of the Mississippi River! Learn more at KNAU.org.

Ten miles north of Flagstaff is the oldest experimental forest in the United States. It was established more than 100 years ago at a time when foresters wanted to know how to encourage ponderosa pines to grow. Now, scientists use Fort Valley to study the opposite problem: how to thin the overcrowded woods. Learn more at KNAU.org.

The ban applies to government-owned land along State Route 89 from Prescott Airport to Watson Lake and around downtown Prescott, areas frequented by tourists. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Officials at the Grand Canyon say they’re expanding programming at a historic watchtower where visitors can learn about Native American culture. Learn more at KNAU.org.

An outbreak of a deadly chicken virus in California is now in Arizona. Agriculture officials have confirmed the first case in Coconino County of virulent Newcastle disease. It’s an upper respiratory-GI illness that can affect both commercial and backyard chickens. Learn more at KNAU.org.