Come catch a glimpse of elk, coyotes, prairie dogs and hawks as they hunt and forage at sunset. Rogers Lake provides a wide open view of these fascinating animals. Experts will explain how our local wildlife live and prosper here. After dusk, we will turn the spotting scopes to the sky and learn where some of the most visible planets and galaxies are. This FREE event will be held at the Viewing Platform at Rogers Lake County Natural Area where there is ample parking (https://goo.gl/maps/w54dXzagP8PdUc6j6). Hot cocoa and spotting scopes are provided! Bring warm layers and a fold-up chair. This event is free, but will be limited to 40 people. Pre-registration through Coconino County Parks and Recreation is required here..

This event is full and is no longer accepting registrations. Check out https://www.arizonamushroomsociety.org/coming-events for future mushrooming events!

Join mushroom enthusiasts for the AZ Watchable Wildlife Experience’s Mushrooms on the Peaks hike!  Wednesday 8/23/23 starting at 5:30pm at Snowbowl, Kachina Trailhead.

Meet in Parking Lot #2 (the first parking lot on the right). We will gather folks near the trailhead, have an initial talk about mushrooms, related news and safety, and then hike for an hour or two. “Basket checks” will be offered at the end to confirm the fungi people find. This is a free event but is limited to 50 people and pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register, click here: https://forms.gle/wfV4r1uxR9Ssq3Vw7

This is a kids-oriented, hands-on event! Join the NAU Bug Lab, AZ Game & Fish, Flagstaff Open Space, and Flagstaff Sustainability to learn about and touch exotic bugs from around the world and from our own backyards. Families can visit stations where different insects are displayed, catch and identify aquatic insects from Francis Short Pond (if it’s refilled by then!), learn about pollinators and the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, and plant a seed for a butterfly-loving plant! Please park on the south or north sides of Francis Short Pond (N. Aztec Street or N. Thorpe Rd.) and walk to the tables we’ll have set up near the pond.

This event is free!

Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Kaibab National Forest. This will take place at the Jacob Lake Visitor Center. For more information about World Migratory Bird Day, visit https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-04/world-migratory-bird-day-2023

Come celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with the Kaibab National Forest. This will take place at the Tusayan Ranger District Office. For more information about World Migratory Bird Day, visit https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-04/world-migratory-bird-day-2023

Join wildlife experts in this season’s first in-person bird walk! We will meet at Rogers Lake County Natural Area (10 miles SW of Flagstaff on Woody Mountain Road / Forest Road 231, at the first Rogers Lake entrance sign as you arrive at the County Natural Area). The hike is approximately 1 mile each way. Bring your binoculars, sturdy shoes, a sunhat, a notebook and pencil, and perhaps your camera! County CoVid guidelines will be followed. Maximum 20 people. This event is free, but registration is required. To register, click here.

World Migratory Bird Day at Kaibab Lake Campground Picnic Area

Come join the Kaibab National Forest as they celebrate World Migratory Bird Day! Friday May 12th 10am-2pm at Kaibab Lake Campground at the Picnic Area. For more information on World Migratory Bird Day, visit https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-04/world-migratory-bird-day-2023

Join Willow Bend in partnership with Liberty Wildlife, and the Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience, for our Annual Eagle Celebration on Saturday, February 25th. This year’s event will be held at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, with two separate programs (click the program title to register).

11:00AM-12:00PM – Eaglets, Family Presentation: The Eaglets program is a family-focused interactive program especially designed for families with young children (ages 4-12 years old), presented by Willow Bend Environmental Education Center. Meet live eagles up-close and in person at the end of the presentation.

1:00-2:00PM – Fully Fledged, Community Presentation: Learn about the incredible bald eagle from biologists and view live eagles from Liberty Wildlife, up close and in-person! Presentation is open to all ages, though this session is not specifically designed for young children. The presentation will be  followed by eagle photography tips from Tim Macy Photography, with outdoor eagle picture opportunities.

Cost for each program is $10/participant, $35/family (2 adults + 3 kids) or FREE for Willow Bend Members.  Willow Bend members receive discounted or free admissions to events and workshops.  You can sign up for a membership when you register, or by clicking here

THIS EVENT ID CANCELLED DUE TO RECENT RAIN AND POOR ROAD CONDITIONS

This is a kids-oriented, hands-on event! Join Biodiversity Outreach Network (BON), AZ Game & Fish, and Flagstaff’s Open Spaces to learn about and touch exotic bugs from around the world and from our own backyards. Families can visit stations where different insects are displayed, catch and identify aquatic insects from Francis Short Pond, and plant a seed for a butterfly-loving plant! Please park on the south or north sides of Francis Short Pond (N. Aztec Street or N. Thorpe Rd.) and walk to the tables we’ll have set up near the pond. Physical distancing highly encouraged. Event will be limited to 50 people in the 2 hour period.

This event is free!

Come see Gunnison Prairie Dogs in their home colonies, learn about them from the wildlife experts from the US Forest Service and Habitat Harmony, and enjoy activities with Willow Bend Environmental Center staff! We will meet at Campbell Mesa Trailhead parking area. (From I-40 at the Country Club exit, follow Country Club Rd south/west to the driving range, and turn left onto Old Walnut Canyon Rd. When it becomes a dirt road, the trail head is on the left.)

There is a registration fee of $10 per person, or $35 per family of 5 (2 adults+3 kids), or if you’re a Willow Bend member it is free. Follow this link to register: https://willowbendcenter.org/family-science/

Join wildlife advocates as they explore Pumphouse County Natural Area, encompassing 128 acres of wetland and stream habitat fed by natural springs throughout the Kachina Village development. Adjacent to Raymond Park, which has a pond, wildlife viewing platform and spotting scope, this is not only a beautiful hike, but also is a great place to see wildlife, including great white heron, blue birds and Steller jays, Coopers hawks and so much more!

This event is free. We will meet at AZ Game & Fish Department at 3500 S Lake Mary Rd, and carpool from there. Or you can drive on your own, parking at Raymond County Park. Dress in layers, bring binoculars, water and snacks. Dogs will have to be leashed. This event will be contingent on forest closures, fire restrictions or access issues, and on suitable weather.

Join wildlife experts from Willow Bend Environmental Center and the Arizona Wildlife Federation to learn how to make your yard friendly to wildlife. Using resources such as the Certified Wildlife Habit program sanctioned by the National Wildlife Federation, discover how to provide food, water, cover, and a place for wildlife to raise their young in your own backyard. This will be an in-person event, at Willow Bend, 703 E Sawmill Rd in Flagstaff, and the cost is $20 per person, $15 for Willow Bend members. It is limited to 25 people and registration is be required.

Facilitator Nikki Julien, Outreach Director with the Arizona Wildlife Federation, is an Arizona Master Gardener and Certified Desert Landscaper.

Registration link will be here soon!

March is AZ Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month! Come celebrate with Willow Bend Environmental Education Center. Local professional archaeologists and Northern Arizona University students will present hands-on interactive activities that demonstrate what an archaeologist does, the tools they may use, and how their scientific work helps interpret ancient history. Activities such as split-twig figurine making, atlatl throwing, artifact, plant and faunal (animal) identification, and much more will provide the participant a window into the past lifeways.

Bald Eagles are back in Flagstaff for our Annual Eagle Event held in partnership with Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Arizona Game and Fish Flagstaff Region, and Liberty Wildlife. This year’s event will be held at Willow Bend, with three separate programs. Cost for each program is $10/participant, $35/family (2 adults + 3 kids) or FREE for Willow Bend Members.

7:30 – 8:30AM – Early Birds Field Trip:  Join wildlife biologists for an early morning field trip searching for wild bald eagles and local waterfowl around Lake Mary. The Early Birds meeting location will be e-mailed to participants upon registration. Please arrive promptly so we can get out and find some eagles. Personal transport is required for the field trip. Weather permitting; in case of inclement weather field trip will be cancelled. After the field trip, you are encouraged to sign-up for the Eagles indoors presentation and see eagles up close and in person.

9:30-10:30AM – Fully Fledged, Community Presentation:  Learn about the incredible Bald Eagle from an Arizona Game and Fish biologist and view live eagles from Liberty Wildlife, up close and in-person! Presentation is open to all ages, though this session is not specifically designed for young children.

11:00AM-12:00PM – Eaglets, Family Presentation: The Eaglets program is a family-focused interactive program especially designed for families with young children (ages 4-12 years old), presented by Willow Bend Environmental Education Center. Meet live eagles up-close and in person at the end of the presentation.

 To register for one or more of these sessions, visit https://willowbendcenter.org/event/annual-eagle-celebration-2/

Come catch a glimpse of elk, coyotes, prairie dogs and hawks as they hunt and forage at sunset. Rogers Lake provides a wide open view of these fascinating animals. Experts will explain how our local wildlife live and prosper here. After dusk, we will turn the spotting scopes to the sky and learn where some of the most visible planets and galaxies are. This FREE event will be held at the Viewing Platform at Rogers Lake County Natural Area where there is ample parking (https://goo.gl/maps/w54dXzagP8PdUc6j6). Hot cocoa and spotting scopes are provided! Bring warm layers and a fold-up chair. Physical distancing highly encouraged. Event will be limited to 50 people; pre-registration is required at https://apm.activecommunities.com/coconinoparksandrec/Activity_Search/445

Join wildlife experts from Willow Bend Environmental Center and the Arizona Wildlife Federation to learn how to make your yard friendly to wildlife. Using resources such as the Certified Wildlife Habit program sanctioned by the National Wildlife Federation, discover how to provide food, water cover and a place for wildlife to raise their young in your own backyard. This will be an in-person event, at Willow Bend, 703 E Sawmill Rd in Flagstaff, and the cost is $20 per person, $15 for Willow Bend members. It is limited to 25 people and registration is be required.

Facilitator Nikki Julien, Outreach Director with the Arizona Wildlife Federation, is an Arizona Master Gardener and Certified Desert Landscaper.

For more information and to register, click here: https://willowbendcenter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/willowbendcenter/event.jsp?event=147&

This is a kids-oriented, hands-on event! Join the NAU Bug Lab, AZ Game & Fish, and Flagstaff’s Open Spaces to learn about and touch exotic bugs from around the world and from our own backyards. Families can visit stations where different insects are displayed, catch and identify aquatic insects from Francis Short Pond, and plant a seed for a butterfly-loving plant! Please park on the south or north sides of Francis Short Pond (N. Aztec Street or N. Thorpe Rd.) and walk to the tables we’ll have set up near the pond. Masks are required for everyone over 2 years of age. Physical distancing highly encouraged. Event will be limited to 50 people in the 2 hour period so please register in advance. This event is free! To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bug-safari-tickets-153387779979

Come see Gunnison Prairie Dogs in their home colonies, learn about them from the wildlife experts from Habitat Harmony, and enjoy activities with Willow Bend Environmental Center staff! We will meet at Campbell Mesa Trailhead parking area. (From I-40 at the Country Club exit, follow Country Club Rd south/west to the driving range, and turn left onto Old Walnut Canyon Rd. When it becomes a dirt road, the trail head is on the left.) No registration required, but visit the AWWE Facebook page to let us know you're going!

Join wildlife experts in this season’s first in-person bird walk! We will meet at Rogers Lake County Natural Area (10 miles SW of Flagstaff on Woody Mountain Road / Forest Road 231, we'll meet at the first Rogers Lake entrance sign as you arrive at the County Natural Area). The hike is 1 mile each way. Bring your binoculars, face mask, sturdy shoes, a sunhat, a notebook and pencil, and perhaps your camera! County CoVid guidelines will be followed. Maximum 20 people. This event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/coconinoparksandrec/Activity_Search/436

Bald Eagles are back in Flagstaff for our Annual Eagle Event held in partnership with Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Liberty Wildlife. This year’s event will be held at Willow Bend at 703 E Sawmill Rd in Flagstaff, with three separate programs.

Cost for each program is $10/participant, $35/family (2 adults + 3 kids) or FREE for Willow Bend Members.

7:15-10:00am – Early Birds Field Trip and Presentation: Join wildlife biologists for an early morning field trip (7:15-8:30am) searching for wild bald eagles and local waterfowl around Lake Mary. The Early Birds meeting location will be e-mailed to participants upon registration. Please arrive promptly so we can get out and find some eagles. Personal transport is required for the field trip (carpooling encouraged). Weather permitting; in case of inclement weather field trip will be cancelled. After the field trip, join us at Willow Bend Center (9-10am) for a presentation from Arizona Game and Fish biologists and an opportunity to view live eagles up close and in-person! Presentation is open to all ages, though this session is not specifically designed for young children.

11am-12:oopm – Eaglets, Family Field Trip* and Presentation: The Eaglets program is a family-focused interactive program with LIVE eagles, especially designed for families with young children (ages 4-12 years old). This year we added a bird watching field trip option prior to the presentation. *Field trip will be held between 8:45-10am. The field trip meeting location will be e-mailed to participants upon registration. Presentation at Willow Bend will be held between 11am-12pm. Participants can choose to attend both or just one of the activities.

12:30pm-1:30pm – Fully Fledged, Community Presentation: Learn about the incredible Bald Eagle from an Arizona Game and Fish biologist and view live eagles up close and in-person! Presentation is open to all ages, though this session is not specifically designed for young children. Please note, this is the same presentation given in the morning, but without the field trip option.

Register by calling Willow Bend at (928) 779-1745.

The date of this event has changed from September 14th to October 12th.

Join us for an evening at Rogers Lake Natural Area. We hope to hear and see bugling elk, and will probably see raptors, prairie dogs, western bluebirds, and waterfowl. We will also have a water bug identification activity for kids of all ages. We will provide spotting scopes and binoculars for those who want them. This event is free, however we ask that you RSVP to hgriscom@azgfd.gov with the number in your party. Thank you.

Saturday, October 12th; 5-6:30pm 

Meet at the Rogers Lake Natural Area wildlife viewing platform about 8 miles down Forest Road 231 (Woody Mountain Rd.) from Rt. 66.