Proposed changes to recreation fees on the Coconino National Forest

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. 

NAU Review — Special commencement edition — former NAU anthropology professor Miguel Vasquez, former Flagstaff Councilwoman Deborah Harris among 2025 honorary doctorate recipients

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.

American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíce celebrate 2025 Cinco de Mayo Dinner/Dance

FLAGSTAFF — With the crowd dancing to the music of DJ Eddie Trillo and folks dining on an assortment of tacos and enchiladas, the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces celebrated their annual Cinco de Mayo Dance on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 5, 2025

• Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight China’s Fentanyl and Human Trafficking

• Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Efficiency in Federal Housing Programs

• Gallego, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Share of Energy Assistance, Lowers Costs in Hot Weather States

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 5-9, 2025

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.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Thank You for Celebrating with Us

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.

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 — Citizen Review Session Video

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 — Holbrook & Joseph City Get Ready for KinderCamp™

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

Closures scheduled for portions of Riordan Rd & Riordan Ranch St; Parked vehicles must be moved

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, May 12, closures will be implemented on portions of Riordan Rd and Riordan Ranch St to facilitate the installation of a new water meter and underground utilities. Vehicles parked along the impacted portion of Riordan Ranch St must be moved or may be towed. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2025.

Sedona Arts Center — KIDS CAMP! Classes and Workshops for Kids

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.

City of Flagstaff — Milton/University intersection construction to begin; traffic control along Milton Road to be in place

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin reconstructing the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive, as well as reconstructing the portion of Milton Road that was impacted by this project. This work will be done along half of the roadway at a time to maintain traffic along Milton Road.

Grand Canyon National Park — 2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

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.

City of Flagstaff hosting open house for the John Wesley Powell Area Specific Plan

The JWP Specific Plan applies to the areas made accessible by the planned John Wesley Powell Boulevard extension. The open house will feature stations with project team members and topic experts available for discussion. Topics covered by the plan include trails and open space, transportation networks, wildlife corridors, community character and the Rio de Flag. Community members are invited to attend any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and provide feedback on any topics of their choice. 

CCC&Y Spotlight — CCC&Y’s free webinars offer parents a way to ease into busy summer

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.

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County launch year two of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition opening May 19

opening of the second edition of the Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition Monday, May 19 at the Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park in Flagstaff. An opening reception begins at 11 a.m. and includes a welcome by Mayor Becky Daggett and remarks by City and County officials and participating artists. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s exhibition 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 while exploring themes of nature, family, and cultural motifs. Collectively, they add new layers of meaning to a park already rich in visual storytelling and community spirit.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council to hold next hybrid meeting on June 4

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.

¡Qué Hermoso! exhibit continues through May 30 at the Sedona Arts Museum

Featuring artists from across the state, this show explores themes of heritage, family, untold histories, and both personal and collective experiences. ¡Qué Hermoso! also honors the legacy of Gretchen Lopez, showcasing never-before-seen works from her estate. Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping this annual exhibition, and her influence continues to inspire.

¡Qué Hermoso! is made possible by an anonymous donor.

Enroll in Sedona Arts Center’s Art Classes and Workshops

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

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — April 21-25, 2025 — Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 5 in Tusayan

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.

LULAC commemorates Cinco de Mayo by calling on all Americans to defend the Constitution and uphold civil rights

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.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences

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.

City of Flagstaff announces full closure of portion of Sawmill Drive scheduled overnight May 6 – 8

FLAGSTAFF — Due to the additional traffic on Sawmill Road related to the Lone Tree Overpass detour route, pavement repair has been scheduled on a portion of Sawmill Road. The work will require overnight full closures of Sawmill Road from the Police Department public parking lot driveway to Kensington Drive for two nights.

May at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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.