Willow Bend Environmental Education Center

We’re thrilled to have started the school year by visiting Flagstaff Junior Academy to engage with their Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders. Our team member, Melissa, had the pleasure of teaching these young students about the importance of recycling and how they can make a positive impact on the environment.

Through interactive lessons and hands-on activities, such as sorting through a bag of recyclable and non-recyclables items, the students explored the journey of waste and learned how their actions can contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Thank you FJA for having us, and for & for making these program possible!

Thank you Mike Dechter for leading another outstanding Mushroom Identification Workshop at Willow Bend! We are fortunate to have your continued support and expertise in our programming.

Save the Date: Upcoming FREE Adult Workshop

We are excited to announce our next workshop: Worm Composting on Wednesday, September 4th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. This workshop is free thanks to The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office. Participants will learn the ins and outs of creating and maintaining a worm composting system—an excellent way to turn food waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Register via the link in our bio!

Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, in partnership with the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, for an engaging workshop on the benefits of composting with worms!

A great alternative to outdoor composting, worm composting can be done indoors and year-round, producing high-quality, nutrient-rich, organic material. Learn all about red wigglers as we explore their anatomy, ecology, and diet, and learn the process of creating vermicompost. Participants will receive guidance on building and maintaining their own worm compost bin, with the option to take home their new worm farm to start composting food scraps. One bin will be provided per family.

This program is free to the public, generously sponsored by the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office. Spots are limited, registration is required.

https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-worm-composting-2/?

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff, W.L. Gore and Associates Inc., the Burton Family Foundation, and the Molly and Joseph Herman Foundation for this year’s grant award.

As a small non-profit organization, these vital funds enable us to continue our mission of serving Coconino County’s students, teachers, and families by providing impactful, environmentally-focused programs. Your support goes a long way in helping us foster environmental stewardship within our community, and we are incredibly excited to carry forward this important work!

A big THANK YOU to Flagstaff Unified School District () for welcoming us at Tuesday night’s board meeting! We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to share Willow Bend’s impact in our schools.

We’re especially grateful for the board’s decision to fund our Picture Canyon field trips again this year! The support from FUSD and City of Flagstaff’s PROSE division () allows us to continue inspiring young minds and fostering a deep connection with the natural and cultural history of this area.

We’ll see you out there soon!

Don't miss out on the last two John Vankat tours of the season!

THIS Thursday, August 15th and Sunday, September 15th from 10:30am-11:30am.. FREE! See details below...

Join a one-of-a-kind history walk through downtown Flagstaff led by photographer and author John Vankat. The tour will visit key locations highlighted in his eye-catching repeat photography book: “The San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff Through the Lens of Time” (Soulstice Publishing, Flagstaff). The historical photographs date to 1884-1897. The walk will begin and end at the Gandy Dancer Sitting Park by the 1889 train station (southeast corner of Route 66 and S. San Francisco Street).

Free, but please register online to reserve your spot. Limited spots. Sponsored by Willow Bend, SWCA, and Soulstice Publishing.

https://willowbendcenter.org/johnvankat/

Late summer at Willow Bend be like 😍

Thanks to the hard working garden volunteers who’ve been putting countless hours in this season, the Willow Bend gardens are looking spectacular! It certainly makes for a great place to connect back to nature.

Did you know Willow Bend is also connected to nearby trails?

Willow Bend is easily accessible via the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS), a network of more than 50 miles of trails that weave through Flagstaff. FUTS trails connect many parts of the city, including parks, schools, neighborhoods, and natural areas including the Rio de Flag just below our center! The Rio de Flag is a seasonal stream that plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem, supporting diverse plant and animal life and providing water recharge.

Come check it out sometime!

The mushrooms are out! Learn all about our local species at this workshop next week..

Register here: https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-mushrooms-fungi-and-more-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEiCLpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUCoO6ueL6vWG36mhrTCGWs8K3HOShmc0ywKvXU8DfqCZ8-3M64HBAqKtA_aem_vGj_Nrkm85MONV8dAdoS-Q

It’s that time of year again!

Join Mike Dechter of the Arizona Mushroom Society to learn more about the cryptic kingdom – mushrooms and fungi.

This presentation* will be for those with incidental knowledge and curiosity about fungi. Mike will present on some fungi 101 – what are fungi and why are they important? He will also discuss basic mushroom anatomy, and identification of wild mushrooms. The last part of the presentation focuses on our Arizona Fab 4 Fungi – 4 easy to ID, edible wild mushrooms that grow here in northern Arizona.

* This is an indoor presentation.

Register here: https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-mushrooms-fungi-and-more-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEiCLpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUCoO6ueL6vWG36mhrTCGWs8K3HOShmc0ywKvXU8DfqCZ8-3M64HBAqKtA_aem_vGj_Nrkm85MONV8dAdoS-Q

And that’s a wrap on our summer Road Scholar programs!

Since June, we’ve conducted 12 geology programs for Northern Arizona University’s Road Scholar initiative, which provides educational travel adventures designed for older adults and their grandchildren. Participants embark a journey exploring diverse topics and locations. Before visiting the Grand Canyon, they attend a two-part program with Willow Bend, covering the fundamentals of geology and the specific geology of the Grand Canyon. These sessions equip them with valuable knowledge, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of the natural wonders they encounter.

Thank you NAU Road Scholar for this partnership!

Upcoming events happening next week!

Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00pm-8:00pm: Adult Workshop- Mushrooms, Fungi and more with local expert, Mike Dechter from the Arizona Mushroom Society, Inc.! $25-$30. Register here:

https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-mushrooms-fungi-and-more-2/

Thursday, August 15th, 10:30am-11:30am: Downtown History Tour- The San Francisco Peaks & Flagstaff Through the Lens of Time with photographer and author John Vankat. Free. Register here:

https://willowbendcenter.org/event/the-san-francisco-peaks-and-flagstaff-through-the-lens-of-time-downtown-tour-august-15th/

Free, Family-friendly, this Saturday, August 3rd! Come join Willow Bend and learn all about Waste and Recycling with special guests Azulita Project & Flagstaff Sustainability Office!

9:30am-11:30am drop-in style.

On Saturday, August 3rd, from 9:30am-10:30am, join Willow Bend for a free, family-friendly event. Science Saturday: Waste & Recycling!

Become an expert on waste reduction! Learn all about sustainable practices such as how to reduce your waste, how to correctly sort your recyclables in Flagstaff, how to start a home compost, and more through hands-on crafts, demonstrations and activities for all ages.

Science Saturday is an event held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30am-11:30am. Each month is focused on a different theme and each event offers fun and educational hands-on activities. Artists, scientists, and experts join us on occasion to provide extra special opportunities to learn and explore. There is no need to RSVP and the events are drop-in format.

Official Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/vZuc9MkCMzHBRZcs/

Summer in Picture Canyon 😍

Did you know we take every third grade class out to Picture Canyon each school year, thanks to a partnership with and 🌱

Picture Canyon is a natural and cultural preserve, featuring riparian habitat, a waterfall, petroglyphs, pit houses, and lots of wildlife. The Arizona trail also runs through it! It is free and open to the public year round.

If you’re looking for a spot near town to immerse in nature and learn about the area’s history, Picture Canyon is the place!

Check out our upcoming events!

https://willowbendcenter.org/events/list/

This past weekend Chef Somana Tootsie from Hopi Studio led an amazing Adult Workshop: The Cultural Importance of Edible Insects.

Participants learned fun recipes and got a taste of (pun intended!) the cultural and nutritional value of insects found in traditional diets of many indigenous communities here in the Southwest. In times of hardship, insects such as cicadas, grasshoppers, and crickets were crucial in preventing starvation and utilizing the yearly swarms that are part of our beautiful environment.

Swipe to see some of the yummy creations! ➡️

Thank you Chef Somana for facilitating this event, and to all the participants for coming out!

See details for our next Adult Workshop: “Mushrooms, Fungi and More” on 8/14 our community calendar.

On Saturday, August 3rd, from 9:30am-10:30am, join Willow Bend for a free, family-friendly event. Science Saturday: Waste & Recycling!

Become an expert on waste reduction! Learn all about sustainable practices such as how to reduce your waste, how to correctly sort your recyclables in Flagstaff, how to start a home compost, and more through hands-on crafts, demonstrations and activities for all ages.

Science Saturday is an event held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30am-11:30am. Each month is focused on a different theme and each event offers fun and educational hands-on activities. Artists, scientists, and experts join us on occasion to provide extra special opportunities to learn and explore. There is no need to RSVP and the events are drop-in format.

Official Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/vZuc9MkCMzHBRZcs/

It’s that time of year again!

Join Mike Dechter of the Arizona Mushroom Society to learn more about the cryptic kingdom – mushrooms and fungi.

This presentation* will be for those with incidental knowledge and curiosity about fungi. Mike will present on some fungi 101 – what are fungi and why are they important? He will also discuss basic mushroom anatomy, and identification of wild mushrooms. The last part of the presentation focuses on our Arizona Fab 4 Fungi – 4 easy to ID, edible wild mushrooms that grow here in northern Arizona.

* This is an indoor presentation.

Register here: https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-mushrooms-fungi-and-more-2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEiCLpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUCoO6ueL6vWG36mhrTCGWs8K3HOShmc0ywKvXU8DfqCZ8-3M64HBAqKtA_aem_vGj_Nrkm85MONV8dAdoS-Q

We’ve been having such a blast with Camp Canyon these last few weeks!

From visiting Aspen Corner and learning about trees and wildlife, to Frances Short Pond where we took water quality samples, made beautiful watercolor art, identified the natural world around us and more!

It always fun to see which activities engage the youth the most. Usually, it’s as simple as letting their creativity guide them.

This weekend! Have you registered yet?

Saturday, July 20th from 10am-11:30am: The Cultural Importance of Edible Insects

Discover the vital role of edible insects in the traditional diets of many Indigenous communities in the Southwest. In times of hardship, insects such as cicadas, grasshoppers, and crickets were crucial in preventing starvation and utilizing the yearly swarms that are part of our beautiful environment.

Join Willow Bend in partnership with Chef Somana Tootsie from Hopi Studio as we honor this historical culinary knowledge and explore its blend with the modern trend of alternative protein sources. This workshop will feature fun recipes and demonstrations using some of our favorite edible insects, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the cultural and nutritional value of these incredible creatures.

Cost: $30 for Willow Bend Members, $35 for Non-Members. Register online. https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-the-cultural-importance-of-edible-insects/

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this workshop involves the handling and consumption of edible insects. If you have any allergies, dietary restrictions, or concerns, please contact us prior to the event.

We had such a blast this morning at Kids Squared in Heritage Square alongside ! Participants built sail cars and tested their engineering skills in the wind (our fans), and played with solar cars, learning how the sun and the shadows affect their ability to move.

Thank you for having us again!

Upcoming events:
7/15 Free downtown history tour: “The SanFrancisco Peaks and Flagstaff Through the Lens of Time”. Register online.
7/15 Paid Adult Workshop: “The Cultural Importance of Edible Insects”. Register online.

As we bid farewell to one of our long-standing board members, we can’t help but think, how can we possibly express our gratitude for all that you’ve done for Willow Bend, Neil?

For nearly a decade, your unwavering dedication, countless volunteer hours, and passion as a board member at Willow Bend have profoundly impacted our community in positive ways. Your leadership and expertise has brought environmental education to life through memorable Picture Canyon field trips, engaging Science Saturdays, thought provoking community tours, fan-favorite Beale Wagon Road trips and so much more!

You’ve inspired countless individuals over the years. Thank you, Neil, for your contributions and steadfast commitment. We are endlessly grateful for everything you’ve done!

We had so much fun this past weekend at our Science Saturday: The Five C’s of Arizona!

Participants mined for copper, practiced their cattle roping skills, ate citrus, weaved cotton on a loom, learned about Arizona’s sunny climate with cyanotype paper and more!

It also wouldn’t be a Science Saturday without some experimentation! Our first couple of trials with the cyanotype paper didn’t come out as clear as we’d hoped, so, as scientists do, we changed one variable at a time and watched our results change. Despite the instructions stating to leave the paper in the sun for 5-15 minutes, we learned that less time is better. Two minutes in the sun seemed to be the sweet spot. We also learned the images come out more clear when putting the paper under running water vs. in a bucket of water. This allows the chemicals to wash off completely and stops the developing process. Swipe to see the results of our sun prints!

Mark your calendars for next month, August 3rd, to learn all about waste and recycling!

Science Saturday is an event held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30am-11:30am. Each month is focused on a different theme and each event offers fun and educational hands-on activities. Artists, scientists, and experts join us on occasion to provide extra special opportunities to learn and explore. There is no need to RSVP and the events are drop-in format.

Thanks to generous funding from Flagstaff365, Creative Flagstaff and the City of Flagstaff BBB Revenues, this event is free and open to the public.

Next week we are offering a free downtown history tour and an adult workshop! Register via the links below.

7/15- Downtown Tour: "The San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff Through the Lens of Time" led by photographer and author John Vankat: https://willowbendcenter.org/johnvankat/

7/20- Adult Workshop: The Cultural Importance of Edible Insects led by chef Somana Tootsie from Hopi Studio: https://willowbendcenter.org/event/adult-workshop-the-cultural-importance-of-edible-insects/

Long-term Loan Opportunity: 3D Model of Flagstaff Watersheds

Willow Bend Environmental Education Center is offering a long-term loan of our 3D model of the Flagstaff area’s watersheds and terrain. This detailed model is currently housed at our center and provides an excellent educational tool.

If your organization is interested in this opportunity, please reach out!

Though it’s the height of summer, the work doesn’t stop here at Willow Bend and for our Flagstaff school teachers!

Thank you, Mrs. Donovan & Mr. Godwin, MEMS social studies and science teachers, for meeting with us to prep for the coming school year. We are so excited about what’s ahead!

THIS Saturday, July 6th from 9:30am-11:30am. FREE!

Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center in learning about the 5 C’s of Arizona! Explore Cotton, Cattle, Copper, Citrus and Climate through family friendly activities.

Explore the 5 C’s through engaging demonstrations, interactive games, hands-on activities, come and learn more about why these are important to Arizona!

Science Saturday is an event held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30am-11:30am. Each month is focused on a different theme and each event offers fun and educational hands-on activities. Artists, scientists, and experts join us on occasion to provide extra special opportunities to learn and explore. There is no need to RSVP and the events are drop-in format.

Thanks to generous funding from Flagstaff365, Creative Flagstaff, City of Flagstaff BBB Revenues and GeoFamily Fund this event is free and open to the public.

Until August, photographer and author John Vankat will lead a FREE one-of-a-kind history walk through downtown Flagstaff on the 15th of each month from 10:30am-11:30am. Join us on Monday, July 15th by registering online!

https://willowbendcenter.org/johnvankat/

Visit key locations highlighted in his eye-catching repeat photography book: “The San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff Through the Lens of Time” (Soulstice Publishing, Flagstaff). The historical photographs date to 1884-1897. The walk will begin and end at the Gandy Dancer Sitting Park by the 1889 train station (southeast corner of Route 66 and S. San Francisco Street).

Limited spots. Free. Please register through the link in our bio.

Sponsored by Willow Bend, SWCA, and Soulstice Publishing.