|
| As of December 1, Coconino County remains in Medium CDC Community Level.
Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of November 24 – 30 were 12,987, which is a decrease of 353 cases from the previous week. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 1,855 cases per day. There were 6 new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.
As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov.
From December 13, 2022, to January 4, 2023, please include Grand Canyon’sManager of Employee and Organizational Development, AJ Lapre in the contacts.AJ can be reached at 928-707-3485 or aj_lapre@nps.gov. AJ will be taking the lead for Ronan during this timeframe as Ronan will be out of the park. AJ will respond to all reports and provide information on reporting of possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID tests. |
|
Throughout December, Grand Canyon National Park is featured alongside three other national parks in the East Room at none other than the The White House. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park.
As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. More information on 2022 White House decorations can be found here.
|
|
|
2022 National Christmas Tree Lighting features Grand Canyon Ranger, Kelli Jones
In partnership with National Park Foundation, CBS will broadcast the 2022 National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, Sunday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. on the CBS Television Network. Kelli Jones, Grand Canyon Interpretation Ranger, attended this year’s ceremony. Check your local listings for the time on your CBS affiliate. CBS Phoenix will air the program at 7 p.m. The Yavapai Lodge lobby television will tune in to the program for those who’d like to join.
The broadcast event offers a special opportunity for friends and families across the country to tune in and celebrate this holiday tradition from the comfort of their homes. The National Christmas Tree Lighting will also be available to view at CBS.com beginning Dec. 12.
|
|
Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
This weekend, we present renowned Diné artist, Laverine Greyeyes, who will demonstrate the fine art of pictorial rug weaving.
In contrast to traditional Diné rug designs woven in mostly geometric patterns, pictorial rugs include images of the landscape, animals and people, woven into the overall design. Laverine learned the art of weaving from her mother, Louise Nez. Together they have made weaving a career and have passed down the skill of weaving handmade rugs to the next generation. Here is a video of both Laverine and her mother, Louise.
The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity to interact with artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their culture, history and crafts. |
|
|
Astronomer in Residence programs this Thursday and Friday
Join Astronomer in Residence Dr. Daniel Fleisch for indoor astronomy talks followed by stargazing programs behind the visitor center this Thursday and Friday evening. Meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater at 6:30 pm for the Astronomy Talk, followed by a Constellation Tour and Telescope Viewing from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, weather permitting.
The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program, launched in the summer of 2021, offers professional and amateur astronomers, educators, scientists, writers, and artists the opportunity to practice and share their discipline under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. During his time at Grand Canyon National Park, Dr. Fleisch will host a series of presentations and observing sessions for visitors to the park, each designed to demonstrate the value of looking deeply into the dark night sky.
Dr. Daniel Fleisch is an award-winning Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics at Wittenberg University, located in Springfield Ohio, where he specializes in electromagnetics and space physics. He is the author of the internationally best-selling book “A Student’s Guide to Maxwell’s Equations.”
More information on this week’s programs and what’s in store for next week can be found in the attached flyer here.
|
|
|
South Rim District Report Available
Check out what South Rim patrol was up to in November by reading the latest South Rim District Report here:
|
|
|
Leadership Spotlight
Ashton (Ash) Bedford
Vegetation Program-Nursery Manager
My name is Ash Bedford. I am married to my wife, Mariah; we have four young kids together. I previously worked for the Vegetation Program leading Nursery activities for seven years from 2008 to 2015. I received a M.S. in GIS and Remote Sensing in 2016 then worked for Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) until September 2022. My work at GCMRC focused on remote sensing analysis and resource mapping in Grand Canyon using the high-resolution multispectral data GCMRC collects. I’m very excited to be back here at Grand Canyon N.P. growing plants and helping to promote vegetation resources here. |
|
|
Tusayan Mobile Health Clinic begins this week
Beginning Tuesday, December 6, the Town of Tusayan and the Tusayan Fire Department will begin offering mobile health services every month. The mobile health services van will be stationed outside of the Tusayan Fire Department every first Tuesday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Providers can offer the same basic medical care you’d expect at a regular doctor visit in a clinic setting. If a patient needs more advanced medical care than what the van is equipped to handle, the patient would be transferred to another medical facility. The services available in the unit include:
- Primary care
- Management of acute and chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, etc.)
- Urgent care for sudden illness or injury
- Immunizations
- Labs & X-rays
- Testing and vaccines
More information and to schedule an appointment, please contact: 928-699-2515 or find more information in the attached flyer here.
|
|
|
 |
|
December Calendar now available for the Grand Canyon Rec Center
See all the fun events happening this month at the Rec! A full flyer of the events are attached here. |
|
|
Town of Tusayan to host Holiday Lighting Ceremony this Thursday, December 8
Join the Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Tusayan at the Tusayan Sports Complex (located off of Long Jim Loop Road). Festivities begin on Thursday at 5 p.m. and more information, including a flyer can be found here.
The holiday lights will continue to shine bright every evening in December after 5 p.m. |
|
 |
|
|
Grand Canyon School Santa Breakfast and Vendor Fair on December 10
Join Santa on Saturday, December 10 from 8-11 a.m. at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a community breakfast. All proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C.
A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously. More information on the breakfast is available in this flyer and information on the vendor market is available here. |
|
|
5k Jingle Jog to take place at Grand Canyon School
The Canyon Outdoor Leadership Team (COLT) high school student club will be offering a 5K Jingle Jog on Saturday, December 10 at 8 a.m. The event serves as a fundraiser for the student group’s Grand Canyon Youth whitewater rafting trip in the spring.
Open the flyer here and scan the QR code to sign-up. Enjoy the 8th Grade Santa Breakfast and Holiday Market when you are done with your run! |
|
|
‘Angel Tree’ gift donations now being accepted for local children
Delaware North is once again is sponsoring an Angel Tree this holiday season. The Angel Tree will help local children in need and donations can be dropped off now through Thursday, December 15. Visit the Canyon Village Market customer service desk for more information on how you can help make this holiday season special for local children.
For more information, please see the attached flyer here. |
|
|
Grand Canyon School Odyssey of the Mind Wreath Fundraiser
Help support the Grand Canyon Odyssey of the Mind teams go to State competition by participating in the holiday wreath sale fundraiser!
Follow the link to purchase wreaths or make a one time donation. https://tinyurl.com/4ahprksn.
More information is available in the attached flyer here. |
|
|
Community Blood Drive at Rec Center on December 20
The Rec Center will again be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, December 20 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org with blood drive code: “grandcyn.”
Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. All donors are critically needed right now to help hospital patients through the busy holiday season. As an extra special thank-you for giving whole blood, plasma or Power Red during this crucial time, Vitalant will offer all donors who come to donate Dec. 1-25, 2022, a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card, redeemable by email. Fratelli Pizza of Flagstaff, AZ, would also like to thank all donors for giving blood with a voucher for a free pizza slice and soft drink.
More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer and also through the Grand Canyon Rec Center. |
|
|
*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic
South Rim
Xanterra
- Xanterra will be closing their food and beverage and retail operations early on Tuesday, December 13 for their annual employee holiday party.
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8:00-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
- Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge is now offering dinner service from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily. Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
- Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge-Breakfast, 6:30-10:00 a.m., Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Maswik Pizza Pub is open daily from 4-8 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Kennel is open seven days a week with hours from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Delaware North
- Delaware North will be closing their food and beverage and retail operations on Friday, December 9 at 6 p.m. for their annual employee holiday party.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Camper Services laundry and shower, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Other
- Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (clinic is closed on holidays)
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting), Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Operations indoors for the winter season.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy will be changing hours of some of their operations to conduct store inventories on the following dates:
- Monday 12/12 – Yavapai Geology Museum close at 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 12/13 – Verkamps Visitor Center close at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday 12/14 – Visitor Center Store – closed (may open later in day if complete)
- Wednesday 12/14 – Kolb Studio close at 5 p.m.
- Thursday 12/15 – Desert View will delay opening, will open when inventory complete. Approximately 10-11 a.m.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy stores regular hours: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, and Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
- Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canyon Closet (located behind Community Library): Mondays 4:15-6 p.m., Wednesdays 12:15-2 p.m., Saturdays 3-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.
|
|
Photo Credits (in order of appearance)
- The Colorado River near Soap Creek Rapid during a recent river mission (NPS Photo/B. Klein)
- Photos of the East Room of the White House with Grand Canyon National Park decor displayed prominently on a mantel (Photo courtesy of White House)
- Joss Stone, Ranger Kelli Jones, and LL Cool J during the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Photo courtesy of K. Jones)
- Laverine Greyeyes with a pictorial rug on display (Photo courtesy of L. Greyeyes)
- Milky Way seen above the South Rim Village (Photo courtesy of former Astronomer in Residence, Tyler Nordgren)
- Grand Canyon National Park Nursery Manager, Ash Bedford, stands in the plant nursery (Photo courtesy of A. Bedford)
- South Rim Ranger Cueva gives a traffic safety presentation to students at the Grand Canyon School this fall (NPS Photo)
- Snow person built outside of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on December 7, 2022 (NPS Photo/K. Stewart)
|
|
| Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
|
|
|
