APW is so excited to be getting back into the field, with many of its 2023 Water Festivals taking place in February and March. This means there are many opportunities for the public to get involved and contribute to their communities at these fun-filled educational field days. Arizona Water Festivals help 4th graders across the state gain a deeper understanding of water in the Earth System and Arizona's water resources.
September 08, 2022
Colorado River Days Flagstaff Launches September 2nd - 12th
Northern Arizona is celebrating Colorado River Days! Colorado River Days Flagstaff is a series of educational events to remind Flagstaff and surrounding communities about the importance of the Colorado River and all it has to offer, bringing together river runners, artists, businesses, scientists, educators, community organizers, and anyone passionate about the Colorado River to celebrate, learn, tell stories, share art and photography, and engage in community with each other. “This community really comes together to organize and celebrate Colorado River Days Flagstaff. The events are collaboratively created and give people a way to celebrate this river that runs through the heart of our culture and economy, but which we can't see from our town,” said Alicyn Gitlin, Program Manager for Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter.
This past Saturday, UA Coconino County Extension Arizona Project WET partnered with Willow Bend, Sierra Club, USGS, and the City of Flagstaff to host a family-friendly Science Saturday event called Fish and Watersheds! “Willow Bend is excited to partner on the Colorado River Days Fish and Watersheds event. We had a great community turnout, with lots of hands-on activities, take home water conservation kits, and the stars of the show: LIVE fish brought in by USGS”, said Moran Henn, Executive Director of Willow Bend.
During the event, Arizona Project WET provided its signature lessons on watersheds, utilizing 3D Models, and one of its most popular lessons, Plumbing the Colorado River, where learners examine the Colorado River system and demonstrate changes in river flow that occur as the river travels from source to sea. “Flagstaff residents are very curious about the Colorado River. The events of Colorado River Days Flagstaff get people in the door and then we teach them about water protection, rivers, wildlife, geology, cultural values, and more in a fun and celebratory environment,” said Alicyn Gitlin.
“This is one of our most well attended and enjoyed events and we can't wait till next year,” said Moran Henn. Arizona Project WET agrees, and looks forward to this continued partnership celebrating our invaluable resource, the Colorado River!
Recent News
January 13, 2023
USGS Coordination Grant Awarded for Measuring River Flooding Events
As Arizona’s federally authorized Water Resources Research Institute, the WRRC helps administer USGS-funded Coordination Grants under the Water Resources Research Act. Dr.
December 16, 2022
Water on Mars
To investigate connections between landforms on Mars to landforms on Earth, APW travels far into water education topics. Through a partnership with Flagstaff’s STEM City Full STEAM Ahead (FSA) program, APW is engaged in a year-long initiative with FUSD’s Shauna Cooper of Knoles Elementary to deepen science instruction in her fifth-grade classroom.
December 09, 2022
Rep. Jim Kolbe Remembered for His Service to Southeastern Arizona
On Saturday, December 3, former congressional representative for Southern Arizona, Jim Kolbe, died at age 80. He had served in Congress for 22 years, from 1984 to 2006, for 20 years as a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee.
December 02, 2022
Two New Publications from WRRC Staff
Two new publications have recently been released, featuring work from WRRC staff. Transboundary Aquifers – Challenges and the way forward, was published by the United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
November 18, 2022
First Citizen Initiated AMA Approved by Voters
On November 8, 2022, residents in two southeastern Arizona groundwater basins voted on whether to put limits on groundwater use.