Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

North Rim Native American Heritage Days kicks off this weekend

Heritage Days will take place this Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4. Throughout the weekend a variety of programs will be presented by members of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes, including music and dance performances, film screenings, discussions about cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and a variety of demonstrations by renowned Indigenous artists.

Activities will take place daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in and around Grand Canyon Lodge. For more information and the schedule of activities, visit the park’s Heritage Days webpage or see the full event flyer attached here.

How to Access Air Quality Information at Grand Canyon

To stay informed about air quality and smoke conditions at the park, there are several useful resources available:

• Fire and Smoke Map at: airnow.gov. This site provides a map showing smoke monitoring stations, including those within our park. It displays smoke plumes from ongoing fires and helps you visualize where the smoke is coming from.

• NPS Smoke Forecast Map for Grand Canyon at: nps.gov. The NPS offers a reliable smoke forecast that can help you anticipate smoke conditions and understand their variations throughout the day. This site also includes visibility information and ground level smoke forecasts.

• Airfire.org offers a more detailed view of fires within our region and offers regional smoke models and is particularly useful for broader smoke tracking.

These tools can provide valuable insights into smoke sources and movements, helping you better understand air quality in our area.

Grand Canyon 2024-2025 School Year Begins

As of Monday, July 29, the school year has officially started for students at the Grand Canyon School. The school day begins at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 4:02 p.m.

Here are a few reminders as pedestrian and vehicle traffic are now increasing in the areas surrounding the school:

• Obey the speed limits. There are two areas on Center Rd with School Crosswalk Zones. These are marked with signs that have flashing yellow lights and indicate a speed of 15 MPH. The other crosswalk, with a high amount of foot and bike traffic, is on Albright St. just North of Mohave St., the speed limit in this area is also 15 MPH. Also, on Albright at the intersection of Mohave is a high traffic area for people on foot or bikes. Boulder St, where the school’s main entrance is located, is also 15 MPH (24/7/365) on the entire street.

• This is also a friendly reminder that the school grounds are closed during the School Day. This includes the soccer field area, which includes the track, playground, and the basketball courts. Additionally, the softball ballfield is also part of the school grounds and is closed during school hours.

GCUSD Website: Grand Canyon Unified District / Homepage (grandcanyonschool.org)

Go Phantoms!

The Grand Canyon Water and Wastewater Utilities Team recently received the NPS Director’s Award for Excellence in Facility Management-Facility Team of the Year Award. This award recognizes an outstanding facility maintenance team based on their accomplishments and a commitment to overcome challenges that could have only been met through the execution of amazing teamwork.

The Water and Wastewater Utilities Team at Grand Canyon National Park are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Trans Canyon Waterline (TCWL), the source of drinking water for approximately 6 million visitors a year. This team is being recognized for their outstanding performance and achievements in identifying and overcoming incredibly unique operational challenges related to the park’s water/wastewater system as well as their ability to work efficiently and cohesively, ensuring continuity of water operations in the park.

The TCWL is beyond its useful life and is part of a current multi-million-dollar replacement project. However, repairs were necessary before the system replacement could take place. Through these repairs, the team showcased tremendous skill and ability in planning and executing the necessary actions to maintain a vital utility for park operations. Specifically, the team diligently conducted operational risk assessments prior to each repair (i.e. risks associated with landing zones, equipment slings, helicopter exit protocols, and proper personal protective equipment and a series of additional flight related risks); ensured coordination with inner-canyon resources for continuity of potable water and state compliance officials to maintain public health requirements; and successfully excavated, removed, and repaired failed aluminum pipe (often under extreme environmental conditions).

Thanks to their work, visitors and employees maintain access to safe drinking water and wastewater operation functions. More information on this award can be found on this website.

Upcoming Cultural Demonstration Programs and Special Performances!

Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 3, Diné (Navajo) cultural demonstrators Albert and Dawni Laughter will be at the Desert View Watchtower from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Albert is a medicine man in his community and will be sharing his life and culture. Dawni is a painter and enjoys sharing her Diné background with visitors through her work.

Albert and Dawni will also be the focus of a Grand Canyon Speaks programThursday night, August 1, at 6:45pm in Desert View Amphitheater. This is an interview-based program with a ranger and will transition into night sky storytelling as the sun sets.

Special dance performances will be presented by the Ha:ku’ Dance Group from Zuni Pueblo, on Monday, August 5, at 6:30 pm at the Visitor Center Plaza, then on Tuesday, August 6, at 6:30 pm at Desert View Amphitheater.

The group performs a variety of traditional dances, including the Buffalo Dance, the Butterfly Dance, and the Eagle Dance. Since 1989, the group has been known for their efforts to preserve and promote Zuni culture through education and outreach. A flyer for the event is attached here.

Artist in Residence Evening Programs for August

During the month of August, Grand Canyon Conservancy Artist in Residence, Gerald Dawavendewa, will present evening programs on Saturday evenings beginning at 8 p.m. at the McKee Amphitheater.

On August 10 and 17, Gerald will present: Ontupqa and the Hopi, about the Hopi people’s connection to Grand Canyon through religious and ceremonial practice, and ancestral villages.

On August 24 and 31, he will present A View of Hopi Astronomy, sharing how the Hopi interpret the sky, both night and day, for agricultural, ceremonial, and ritual purposes.

For more information on these programs, see the attached flyer or the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s website here.

Behind the SceneryPodcast: Looking Down with former Astronomer-In-Residence Kevin Schindler

Former Grand Canyon Astronomer-In-Residence, Kevin Schindler, has a career in astronomy spanning nearly 30 years in Northern Arizona.

Listen in on the latest episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast, where Kevin divulges his atypical career journey, some of his favorite moments and biggest inspirations, debunks misconceptions about accessing the night sky, and offers advice for success in night sky viewing. Just look up!

• Listen/download on nps.gov

• Listen/download on Apple Podcasts

Employee Spotlight!

Zach Nelson, North Rim District Ranger

I was born and raised in Flagstaff, AZ. After graduating high school, I spent my summer volunteering on the South Rim at Station 1 as an EMT. I attended NAU, earning a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis on park protection. I spent summers working on the South Rim as a PSAR Ranger during college. After graduating from NAU, I spent my last summer working on the North Rim as a PSAR Ranger before being hired at Glen Canyon NRA as a permanent LE Ranger under the pathways program. While at Glen Canyon, I attended paramedic school in Flagstaff and earned an associate’s degree in paramedicine. I spent five years in the uplake districts of Glen Canyon before I transferred to Grand Teton National Park. I spent four and a half years in the Tetons and became an LE Supervisory Ranger. In June 2024, I moved to the Grand Canyon as the District Ranger on the North Rim.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while working here?

One of my most memorable experiences while working at Grand Canyon was as a new seasonal PSAR Ranger. My incredible supervisor pushed me to improve and taught me the art of public service. They continually pushed me and supported me to further my skills and always be humble. This has stuck with me for the past ten-plus years of my career. I plan to pay this forward to others and support the next generation of Rangers.

My work with the NPS has allowed me to live in areas with incredible natural beauty. This opportunity has been beneficial for balancing work and play. I have boated and hiked remote areas, fly-fished pristine streams and rivers, and backcountry-skied remote areas. I look forward to continuing my adventure on the North Rim.

August Calendar of Events for Grand Canyon Rec Center

See all the latest and greatest events the Grand Canyon Rec Center has planned for August including karaoke, triva night, Bob Ross night, and much much more!

See the full calendar for August here.

Call for 2024 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Hosts

The Grand Canyon Conservancy is currently looking for host families for the 2024 Celebration of Art. Hosting an artist is an excellent opportunity for community members to meet individuals from all over the country who appreciate the canyon.

The plein air painters will need accommodations from September 6-16 in order to participate in the event. For more information on becoming a host for the 2024 Celebration of Art, see the attached letter from the Grand Canyon Conservancy or contact Heather Peeters at 928-638-7156 or hpeeters@grandcanyon.org.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Food until 9 p.m.), Patio closed until further notice.
• 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 7-10:30 a.m., Dinner 5-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m., Coffee Shop: 6:30 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Open daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-8 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 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 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center) June schedule: Fitness Classes (under the ramada): Sunday 9 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday 6 p.m. Yoga (in the SPR): Monday & Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily. Stairs and tower access available until 6 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Desert View convenience store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

North Rim

• North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily
• Camper Store by campground (Aramark), 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
• Guest Laundry and Showers, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. staffed, unstaffed from 7-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop (Aramark), 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

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

• Shoshone Point on July 25, 2024 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• A cultural demonstrator weaves baskets during the 2023 North Rim Heritage Days (NPS Photo)
• The Mescalero Fire as seen from Point Sublime on Sunday, July 28 (Photo courtesy of Ryan Christansen)
• Zach Nelson, North Rim District Ranger (Photo courtesy of Z. Nelson)