Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Still Fire at 9,101 acres, firing operations on hold

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HAPPY JACK — Fire managers are pausing firing operations on the Still Fire for the next several days due to predicted rain and humidity but are hoping to resume those operations later this week when weather conditions allow.

The Still Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

During the pause on firing operations, crews will continue to hold existing line while also preparing the fire area – including areas along Highway 87 – for firing operations.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops/Classes in Sedona!

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UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website. 
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News

City hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 9

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Titled “•REFLECTING •HONORING •RESILIENCE – Matriarchal Voice and Leadership” the event will feature presentations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as cultural shares through songs & dances. The event will take place at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A full schedule of the event will be posted on the City

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Community members learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, customs during ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ presentations at the Flagstaff Public Library

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FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.

In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Still Fire at 7,781 acres, smoke impact to continue

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Smoke impact will linger despite a pause on Highway 87-adjacent firing operations on the Still Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction.

Smoke impact will remain noticeable along Highway 87, in the Blue Ridge communities, the Little Springs area, and possibly in the Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Pine, Strawberry and Payson areas.

Smoke will settle into low-lying areas overnight.

Driving conditions in the fire area may remain hazardous, and possible intermittent closures may be implemented along area roads, including Highway 87, for public safety. 

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

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focus to Stepping Up for Our Youth and Communities, we have successfully rallied around early childhood development with programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This year with our annual campaign theme of United in Purpose – 365 Days a Year, we are recommitting to the goal of also supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive youth development and refocusing our efforts on a comprehensive approach that encompasses our youth from birth through early adulthood.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

At our annual campaign kickoff last week, I had a chance to provide a detailed vision of how United Way of Northern Arizona can support our community and partners to foster opportunities for our youth at all ages. I envision it as a circle where we as a community wrap ourselves around our youth and can step in at any point of a youth’s development and make a difference.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 2-6, 2023

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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. 

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Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — Our 2023 Homecoming Dedicatee!, Inclusive Insights and NAU’s role in solutions to housing challenges

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On a quiet Tuesday morning, something special happened—the Office of Indigenous Student Success staff retreat was abruptly interrupted by a parade of cheering staff, students and media, there to name this year’s Homecoming Dedicatee: Sharon Singer Doctor. The director of Student Life Experience for Indigenous Student Success, Doctor has dedicated more than 29 years to NAU working in various departments on campus. As the Homecoming Dedicatee, she will participate in a number of events throughout the week of Homecoming, starting with a banquet held in her honor.

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Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Cecil Fire containment at 67%; area closure removed

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FLAGSTAFF — Containment on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, is at 67% following yesterday’s containment and suppression repair efforts.

The Coconino National Forest has removed the emergency area closure for the Cecil Fire.

The Type 3 Incident Management Team that has been managing this fire since Sept. 28 will return the fire back to the Coconino NF this evening.

Forty-two personnel remain assigned to the Cecil Fire, including one 20-person crew, three engines and miscellaneous overhead.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

North Rim Transitions to Day Use Operations Beginning October 16, 2023

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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.  

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s VOTER GUIDE to Flagstaff Propositions: November 2023 Special Election

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Flagstaff’s Special Election is November 7, 2023. This is a Ballot-by-Mail Election and there will be no polling places on Election Day. All registered voters in the City of Flagstaff will automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately three weeks prior to election day. You are able to check your voting status here.

F3 has thoroughly reviewed the 20 propositions that will be on the ballot and we have created a Voter Guide to this year’s election. The summary of the Voter Guide is available in graphic form below. A description of the propositions, accompanied by F3’s reasoning for our voting recommendations, are provided on our website.

Nineteen of the propositions on the ballot are proposed amendments to the City of Flagstaff Charter. The City Charter is the basic law of a city as established by a majority of voters. The Charter defines the powers and functions of the city and serves as the foundation of government for the city.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Phase 2 of the Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project Begins This Week

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COCONINO COUNTY — The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction.

The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction as contractors begin channel stabilization in roughly 4 miles of upper Schultz Creek. 

The Schultz Creek Watershed is one of nine watersheds that were badly burned during the 2022 Pipeline Fire. Post-wildfire flooding and erosion through Schultz Creek contributed to repeated flooding and destructive sediment deposition in downstream Flagstaff neighborhoods. 

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Education

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

For families:

Resource directories —
Coconino County — COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition
Flagstaff — Flagstaff Resource Hub, Front Door
First Things First Navajo Nation Family Resource Guide — Click here
Grand Canyon Community Resources
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Family Resources — Click here
2022 Fall Page Resource Guide — Click here *
2022 Fall Tuba City — Click here *
2022 Williams Area Community Resource Guide — Click here

* Send email to frank@coconinokids.org to provide updates on these CCC&Y-created resource guides.

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Business, Cultural, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff — Update on City Road Repair and Street Safety Phase II

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FLAGSTAFF — Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program is well underway as crews work to complete the work prior to winter. Crack sealing operations have been completed throughout the project area.

During the week of Oct. 2, work to replace damaged concrete will continue on Columbus Avenue and N Switzer Canyon Drive with lane shifts present. Asphalt work will also take place during the week of Oct. 2 on S Fremont Drive, W Mars Hill Road, S Babbitt Drive and N Switzer Canyon Drive.

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Business, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Youth

Coconino County Parks & Recreation October 2023 Update

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Autumn in Coconino County

Autumn is a special time in Coconino County. From sunflowers to golden aspens, the landscape changes colors and welcomes many migratory animals. Coconino County parks and natural areas are great for autumn enthusiasts!

From wildlife watching to enjoying autumn gardens, Coconino County parks and natural areas have options for everyone.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

The NAU Review — What to know about NAU Health, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and getting to know Haida Tafolla

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On Friday, President Cruz Rivera announced the creation of NAU Health and its flagship project, a new College of Medicine focused on preparing primary care physicians to serve in rural and underserved regions of the state. Part of the Arizona Board of Regents’ AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, NAU’s College of Medicine is in direct response to the critical shortage of healthcare providers throughout the state. NARBHA Institute Vice President of NAU Health Julie Baldwin will lead the work, which also includes the creation of a College of Nursing and elevating health professions education in already established programs in the College of Health and Human Services. We know you have questions. Click the links below to learn more.

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Family, Local, News, Youth

Burning operations suspended on Cecil Fire, firefighters working toward containment

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FLAGSTAFF — Cecil Fire managers will not resume firing operations on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused fire located southwest of Flagstaff, and have shifted to a strategy that will result in full containment as soon as possible.

The Cecil Fire is currently 0% contained and resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include four 20-person hand crews, 13 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 147 personnel.

Fire managers for the Cecil Fire set early management objectives that included firing operations aimed at treating as much Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust land as possible during safe wind and weather conditions.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Politics

Voter Registration Deadline for the Nov. 7, 2023, Special Elections is Oct. 10, 2023

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COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District, Ash Fork Joint Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Pinewood Sanitary District, Williams Hospital District, and Highlands Fire District are holding Special Elections on November 7, 2023.  The November 7 Special Elections are being conducted as ballot-by-mail elections.  All registered voters in these jurisdictions will automatically be mailed a ballot and there will not be any polling places on Election Day. 

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Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Crews continue Cecil Fire prep work in anticipation of resuming burning operations this week. Public meeting on Oct. 2

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FLAGSTAFF — The slight rain that fell on the Cecil Fire yesterday morning helped keep the lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, at 2,180 acres as of Monday morning.

The Cecil Fire is burning on both Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust lands, and a closure order has been issued for the fire area.

Resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include one Hotshot crew, two hand crews, 10 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 112 personnel.

This week’s weather forecast looks favorable to possibly resume firing operations. In addition to holding existing lines, crews plan to spend today prepping lines for potential firing operations north of Black Pass on the north side of the fire, off Woody Ridge toward Forest Road (FR) 532B on the east side of the fire, and from Woody Ridge to just south of Eightynine A Tank.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News

Sedona Arts Center — FREE TALK (Oct. 3) – Arts Participation for Healthy Aging

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Join us for a special talk featuring Heather Mulder, Associate Director Outreach Research at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute/ Banner Sun Health Research Institute.
 
Research shows that participating in the arts may improve health, cognitive function, memory and improve self-esteem and well-being.  Heather will share her expertise and knowledge and how she has seen innovative programming increase the quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care about them. Q and A to follow along with an update from our CEO, Julie Richard, about Sedona Arts Center’s development of a new Creative Aging Program. This talk is free and open to the public.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Sedona Arts Center Workshop Spotlight

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Powerful Plein Air with Krystal Brown
Tues – Thurs, Oct 17 – 19

If you want to paint effortlessly – Free from stress and better able to let the magic flow, this is the place to start.    You will come to understand how to create more comfortably, confidently and joyfully while learning all the tips and techniques that have taken me years of cultivation.  No more guessing!  No more uncertainty!  No more fear!  Just SUCCESS. You are invited to paint in oil or water soluble oil if possible!

Krystal W. Brown is a fine art oil painter who captures the places, people and moments that matter most. She is an award winning artist who specializes in fine art oil paintings and commissioned portraits.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ workshops at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a “Ofrenda 101” workshop on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5 at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

Join us for two back-to-back presentations by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices:

OFRENDAS 101

Join us as we learn about the history of creating your own family ofrenda / altar and about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods. The presentation will include the creation of an ofrenda!

HALLOWEEN vs DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Día de los Muertos is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.

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Business, Government, Local, News

District 1 Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman Appointed to Arizona Resource Advisory Council

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COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce one of their members, Supervisor Patrice Horstman representing District 1, has been appointed by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to serve on the Arizona Resource Advisory Council.

The Council is a 15-member statewide advisory council, which provides advice and recommendations to the Bureau of Land Management on resource and land management issues for approximately 12.1 million acres of federal surface and 36 million acres of subsurface mineral estate in Arizona.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Firing operations paused on Cecil, Still fires in advance of weekend winds

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FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are halting firing operations on both the Cecil and Still fires in advance of forecast increased wind speeds.

Both fires have been staffed with additional firefighters who plan to spend the weekend holding and securing existing fire line.

So far, crews have successfully treated a combined 2,500 acres of Coconino National Forest land on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District due to both lightning-caused fires.

Land treatment removes fuels – such as dead trees and pine needle accumulation – from the forest floor to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire.

Both the Cecil and Still fires are being managed to reduce those hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Coconino County Leadership Contributes to National Wildland Fire Commission Report

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COCONINO COUNTY — The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released their report to Congress this week, urging “swift action to advance the holistic solutions needed to reduce the risk of wildfire to the nation.”

The Commission, which included Coconino County Deputy Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani and a bipartisan group of 52 other leaders from governmental, tribal, scientific, private industry and nonprofit backgrounds, spent the last year conducting a “sweeping review” of the wildfire system in the United States. The fruits of this review have now been released in a report that includes 148 recommendations for Congressional action.

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Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Guest contribution — Intelligent — Financial Aid Guide available for Hispanic and Latino Students

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By Kristen Scatton, Reviewed by Dana Marvin Interviews with Dana Marvin Intelligent

No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents’ citizenship statuses, their parents’ employment, and whether they’re the first in their family to attend college.

This guide is designed to help Hispanic and Latino students navigate the financial aid process, with a general overview of different types of financial aid, how to apply for federal student loans, and advice from college admissions counselor Dana Marvin.

It also includes information specific to Hispanic and Latino students, including grants and scholarships for different populations within these demographics, including Hispanic/Latina women, children of migrant workers, and first-generation college students.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

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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.

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Education, Local, News, Technology, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Join us Friday, Sept. 29 for Flagstaff Festival of Science ‘SCI Talks’

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Inspired by the proliferation and success of TED’s winning formula for engaging, short talks in an intimate, fun setting, the Flagstaff Festival of Science presents the annual SCI Talks (Science, Communication, Innovation) event at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Since 2015, SCI Talks highlight local scientists and science educators sharing their research and innovative science communication ideas.

Quantum Scientist, Ines Montano, explains how we are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Ecologist, Jut Wynne, will share his experiences with caves from around the globe. Artist, Robert Long, highlights how his artwork gives underrepresented organisms louder voices and visually compelling self-worlds. Terra BIRDS founder, John Taylor, describes how his organization teaches environmental stewardship in schools through gardening.

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