Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 2024

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in November—Upcoming Events

Grand Canyon National Park proudly honors and celebrates the rich Indigenous heritage that has been an integral part of this landscape since time immemorial. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month at Grand Canyon National Park, we invite everyone to join us in honoring the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous peoples. This month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Native American heritage and the vital role it plays in our park’s story.

In the first week of November, several exciting events are planned that highlight Indigenous culture and perspectives:

• November 1: Join us for the Grand Canyon Speaks Podcast Release Party at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m., featuring a special performance by the Nelson Family.

• November 5: Enjoy a captivating performance of singing and dancing by the Little Wranglers from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza.

• November 7: Experience the artistry of Joseph Secody as he showcases his Hoop Dance from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium.

These events are just the beginning of a month filled with opportunities to engage with and learn about the diverse cultures of our Indigenous partners. We encourage all employees and community members to participate and celebrate this important heritage throughout the month.

A full flyer for all Native American Heritage Month events at Grand Canyon can be found here.

Protecting the Grand Canyon’s Native Fish — A Call to Action

A new video from USGS sheds light on the crucial role of native fish species in the Colorado River ecosystem, particularly the threatened humpback chub. With over 90% native fish, the Grand Canyon is a unique haven for these species, which have thrived for millions of years.

However, an emerging threat looms — the invasion of smallmouth bass. As water temperatures rise and reservoir levels drop, these voracious predators are poised to disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The video details how smallmouth bass pose a significant risk not only to the humpback chub but also to other native species, jeopardizing decades of conservation efforts.

Learn about how USGS scientists work with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation to protect Grand Canyon ecosystems from invasive smallmouth bass. From modeling fish population growth to forecasting the effects of future dam operations, the USGS’s unbiased, high-quality science helps on-the-ground managers rise to new challenges brought on by climate change.

The USGS video can be viewed here.

VIP Spotlight: Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers Association North Rim Service Project

Many thanks to the Grand Canyon Hikers and Backpackers Association (GCHBA) volunteer crew that partnered with NPS to address resource management and maintenance projects on the North Rim during the week of September 30th through October 6th.

The crew of eight skilled volunteers installed new snow stakes along Highway 67 within the park, prepared the bison corral for winter, removed old fence posts near backcountry water sources, brushed the overgrown Pt. Imperial Trail, and painted nearly 100 directional signs throughout the North Rim developed area.

The 365 volunteer hours (equivalent to $12,224 in labor) that GCHBA contributed during this year’s project benefits all GRCA workgroups and visitors at the North Rim. Thank you to the following NPS staff for making this year’s collaboration a success: Houston Thompson, Ellie Mondloch, Luke Anders, Jeffrey Caton, Dan McCrady, John Puchelt, David Soto, Candy Taylor, Matt Jenkins, Todd Nelson, Dan Schweitzer, Kelsey DeVleer, Cindy Donaldson, and Steve Bridgehouse.

Joe Sarisky

Public Health Consultant, NPS Office of Public Health

Hello everyone,

My name is LT Joe Sarisky, and I am excited to join the NPS Office of Public Health as a Public Health Consultant for Interior Regions 7 and 8. I will be stationed in Flagstaff at the Coconino building, where I will be responsible for 19 parks and monuments in Arizona.

I hold a Bachelor of Science from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Georgia. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, staying active, and following basketball and football. My favorite professional teams are from Atlanta, and I’m a big fan of Syracuse as my college team.

I’ve been working with the Grand Canyon National Park since October 2024 and have some familiarity with the area from my internship with the NPS Office of Public Health in Flagstaff in 2015. One of my rewarding experiences with the Public Health Service has been working with tribal communities to develop a food safety program aligned with the new FDA food code.

One piece of advice I would offer to anyone interested in this field is to embrace challenging assignments—don’t be afraid to take them on! Always stay curious and be ready to learn; this mindset will help you grow and adapt in your career.

An interesting role I had was as an environmental health intern with the Navajo Nation. During that summer, I worked at various chapter houses and community centers providing rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs. At each location, we vaccinated approximately 200 animals for the community.

I look forward to working with all of you!

Grand Canyon Trick-or-Treating-Oct. 31

Local trick-or-treating will occur on Park Circle on Thursday, Oct. 31. As in previous years, NPS Rangers will be present in and around Park Circle.

Park Circle will be closed to all non-residential traffic and suggested hours are from 4:30-7 p.m. for all trick-or-treating activities. These hours are suggested in order to ensure resident’s and children’s safety in periods of low light or darkness.

A full flyer for the event can be found here.

Tusayan Trunk or Treat-Oct. 31

Join the annual Tusayan Trunk or Treat event in front of the Fire District, located between Wendy’s and the IMAX. Sponsored by the town of Tusayan and the Tusayan Fire District, this festive gathering invites everyone to pull out their costumes and come by from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for treats, games, and prizes!

For more information, please see the attached flyer here.

KLC Rummage Sale-Sunday, Nov. 3

The Kaibab Learning Center (KLC) is sponsoring a community rummage sale fundraiser at the Grand Canyon Rec Center on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Clothing, hats, camping gear, electronics, appliances, and much much more will be available.

All proceeds from Rummage Sale will directly benefit KLC by providing essential funds for improved educational materials, and enhanced programs for the children in the Grand Canyon community.

If you would like to donate items to the event, please contact Denise at 928-699-0201 for more information. A full flyer for the event can be found here.

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.)
• 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.
• Located at the entrance to Mather Campground, Camper Service’s Laundromat hours have changed. They are now open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. The last laundry load is at 3 pm, and the last shower is at 3:45 pm.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 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.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-7 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): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• 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.
• On Sunday, November 3, Desert View Watchtower and store will change over to its winter hours: 9 am to 5 pm, with the last tower access tickets given out at 4 pm. Followed by the stairs closing at 4:30 pm.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

North Rim

• The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
• The North Rim Backcountry Information Center in the park admin building will remain open through 5 p.m. on October 31. Water at the North Kaibab Trailhead has been shut off. From now until the road closes, water will only be available from the faucet outside the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.

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

• Sunset on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 from Yavapai Geology Museum (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Joseph Secody, an award-winning hoop dancer (Photo courtesy of Joseph Secody)
• Invasive fish removal during Glen Canyon invasive monitoring, Dec. 2023 (Photo courtesy of David Herasimtschuk/Freshwaters Illustrated)
• Joe Sarisky, NPS Office of Public Health Consultant (Photo courtesy of J. Sarisky)