Colorado River Days Flagstaff Launches September 2nd - 12th
Sept. 8, 2022
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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!