Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 24-28, 2025

Grand Canyon’s Fisheries Program Partners with Tribes for Sustainable Resource Management

Did you know that since 2010, Grand Canyon National Park’s fisheries program has been collaborating with tribes to repurpose invasive fish for uses like human consumption, animal feeding, and fertilizer?This initiative has become a vital part of fisheries operations, with regular fish donations made to the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Hualapai Tribes.

This past fall and winter, the Grand Canyon Native Fish Ecology and Conservation (NFEC) program donated approximately 1,800 pounds of Rainbow and Brown trout to the Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni tribes through four different trips. These donations are a part of the program’s larger effort of native fish conservation, including non-native fish removals along Bright Angel Creek to help restore the native fish population there. All fish are humanely euthanized in the field. Larger fish are cleaned and preserved for human consumption, while smaller fish are preserved for tribal use, such as feeding ceremonial eagles or rescued animals at the Navajo Zoo.

The coordination and delivery of these donations is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Grand Canyon’s Tribal Affairs program and fisheries staff.

Reminder: Understanding First Amendment Activities at Grand Canyon National Park

As we begin to experience an increase in First Amendment activities, we want to take a moment to remind everyone of the key guidelines surrounding these activities. It’s important for all of us—employees, residents, concessionaires, and partners—to understand how the park respects and supports the right to free speech and expression while ensuring safety and neutrality.

The NPS fully supports the opportunity for individuals to express their First Amendment rights. The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedoms such as speech, religion, peaceful assembly, the press, and the right to petition. In line with this, the NPS designates specific areas in parks for demonstrations and other forms of free speech.

While these activities are an important expression of individual rights, they can sometimes raise questions or concerns. Some forms of expression may be disturbing or controversial to others, and it’s important that we all understand how to respond appropriately. To help clarify, we’ve provided a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and maps of approved demonstration locations.

For more information on permits and designated locations for First Amendment activities, please contact the Permits Team at: GRCA_Permits_Mail@nps.gov. If you have concerns about the safety of park visitors or employees, contact Dispatch at: 928-638-7805 or call 911 in an emergency. For media or public inquiries, please reach out to Public Affairs at: grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

By understanding these guidelines, we can ensure that Grand Canyon National Park remains a place where free speech is both protected and respected.

This Weekend’s Programs by Stephen Hummel, GCC Astronomer in Residence

Join Stephen Hummel, Astronomer in Residence, for two exciting programs this weekend!

Constellation Talk

Saturday, March 1, at the Visitor Center – 7:30 p.m.

Explore the stars and learn about the constellations in this informative talk.

Evening Program: Preserving Night Skies

Monday, March 3, at the Visitor Center – 7:30 pm

Discover the importance of natural darkness and how you can help preserve the night sky. The program will include a constellation tour, so be sure to dress warmly.

Additionally, park staff will present a Constellation Talk on Sunday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center. For more details on Stephen’s programs, visit the park’s Upcoming Night Sky Programs webpage or the attached flyer here.

Starting March 1, 2025, steam locomotives will return to pull the train from Williams to Grand Canyon on the first Saturday of each month from March through October.

The best times to see the locomotive in action at Grand Canyon are when it arrives at 11:45 a.m. and when it departs at 3:30 p.m.

With the first Saturday trains and several special events throughout the year, a total of 14 steam excursions are scheduled for 2025. Learn more at: Steam Saturdays | Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel.

Next Week’s Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View

Tuesday through Thursday, March 4-6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Next week at Desert View Watchtower, don’t miss two incredible cultural demonstrators who will share their unique art and traditions.

Waldo Davis, a self-taught Zuni stone carver, will demonstrate his craftsmanship in creating intricate figurines, known as fetishes, from turquoise, alabaster, and other semi-precious stones. These carvings represent animals and icons that hold deep significance in Zuni culture.

Ann Marie Crank, a Diné hair stylist, will share the cultural significance of traditional hair styles in Diné culture, which reflect the core values of balance, harmony, and respect for nature. Ann Marie will provide demonstrations and offer visitors the chance to have their hair braided or styled in traditional fashion.

On Thursday, March 6 from 7-8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater, Ann Marie will also host a special evening program about Kinaalda’, the Navajo Female Coming of Age Ceremony. This ceremony celebrates a young girl’s transition into adulthood, guided by teachings, prayers, and songs. Ann Marie will share the powerful story of this celebration, emphasizing the teachings of strength, empathy, and preparation for adulthood and family life.

For more information on the Cultural Demonstration program at Desert View, visit the park website here.

The Grand Canyon National Park’s podcast, “Grand Canyon Speaks,” recently featured an interview with Cory Ahownewa, a Hopi Kachina doll carver and advocate for preserving Hopi culture and traditions.

In this episode, Ahownewa shares his work with the Hopi Cultural Preservation Program and his deep connection to the Grand Canyon. He discusses his river trip experiences, ancestral ties to the area, and personal moments, including his journey to sobriety and family inspiration. Ahownewa highlights the challenges of cultural preservation and the importance of language and ceremony in maintaining Hopi traditions.

This episode offers a unique perspective on the Grand Canyon’s cultural significance and efforts to preserve Indigenous knowledge. You can listen to it on the Grand Canyon National Park’s website or on Apple Podcasts.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

See the latest Incident Report:

➡️ Grand Canyon Incident Report ending February 25, 2025

Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee

We are pleased to announce that Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee will be joining Grand Canyon National Park as the new Tribal Program Manager. RisingBuffalo will lead the Tribal Program office, supporting the park’s efforts in government-to-government Tribal consultation, community engagement, and inclusion of authentic Indigenous voices.

RisingBuffalo brings extensive experience working with both the National Park Service and Tribal nations. He has served in various parks located among ancestral and modern Tribal homelands, mentored Indigenous NPS employees, and led efforts to involve Native voices both within and outside the park system. His work includes facilitating cultural connection trainings across the NPS and engaging in community events such as the Denver March Powwow. A member of the Northern Arapaho and Seneca Nations (Turtle Clan), RisingBuffalo grew up on the Cattaraugus Reservation near Buffalo, NY, with family ties to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. His name, “RisingBuffalo,” carries sacred meaning, while his surname “Maybee” honors the Longhouse people whose “Great League of Peace” influenced the U.S. Constitution.

RisingBuffalo’s career goal is to effect positive, sometimes challenging systemic changes for Native communities from within the National Park Service. He has served in his Northern Arapaho homelands at Rocky Mountain National Park for the past two years and now returns to the Southwest to work with and advocate for tribes whose homelands include the Grand Canyon.

With 12 years of previous experience living in the Southwest between Zuni and Acoma territories, RisingBuffalo has developed close relationships with various Indigenous communities. His service at Native sites including Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, Organ Pipe, New River Gorge, and El Morro has focused on including appropriate information for Tribal communities.

We warmly welcome RisingBuffalo to our team and community, and we anticipate his valuable contributions to our ongoing collaborations with staff, partners, and Tribal communities.

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 is Hiring

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 is currently seeking certified educators to join its dedicated teaching team. To apply, interested candidates can visit the Grand Canyon School website for more information about available positions, required qualifications, and application instructions.

Additional information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Beginning March 1 – 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Beginning March 1 – 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-8 p.m.
• Beginning March 1 – Breakfast 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Beginning March 1, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Beginning March 1 – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Beginning Sunday, March 2 the Visitor Center Plaza and Verkamps will have daily hours from 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 23, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m.
• Inner Canyon:
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Phantom Ranch (Lodging and Canteen), closed from Jan 2, 2025, to Mar 30, 2025

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tower access tickets given out at 4 p.m. Beginning Sunday, March 2, the Watchtower will have hours of 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with the stairs closing at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Morning sunrise from the South Rim (NPS Photo/K. Besom)
• Fish delivery to the Hopi Tribe, Nov. 2024 (NPS Photo)
• American flag flying over Grand Canyon (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Ann Marie Crank, Diné hair stylist (Photo courtesy of Ann Marie)
• Cory Ahownewa painting a Kachina Doll with the Grand Canyon Speaks logo designed by Janet Yazzie (NPS Photo)
• Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee, Tribal Program Manager (Photo courtesy of R. Maybee)