The Luck of the Irish

European immigrants were a major force in the 19^th century exploration of the Grand Canyon. Civil War photographer Timothy O’Sullivan, a native of Ireland, was the first to photograph the Grand Canyon. Equipped with one ton of clumsy gear, O’Sullivan made over 300 negatives during an 1871 survey of the lower Grand Canyon led by Lieutenant George M. Wheeler. Though many of the negatives were damaged or destroyed en route to Washington, D.C., those that survived were noted for their artistic flair as well as their scientific accuracy. O’Sullivan was one of the first to capture images of the American Southwest, including Native American villages and now famous archaeological sites. His work was unusual for the time in that it often focused on raw, undeveloped landscapes rather than industrialized settings. He died in Staten Island of tuberculosis at the age of 42, not long after becoming the first official photographer for the United States Geological Society.

Plastic Water Bottles Get the Boot

If you’ve ever had your backcountry buzz killed by stumbling upon a discarded plastic bottle or two, good news is on the way. A recent announcement by National Park Service Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels declared an end to the sale of plastic water bottles in Grand Canyon National Park.

 The move will have immediate and long-lasting consequences including: reducing the park’s solid waste stream (20% of which has been comprised of discarded plastic water bottles); reducing ecologically harmful and unsightly litter from rim-to-river; and setting a “green” example for resource managers and park enthusiasts, both domestically and internationally.

 The good news for thirsty park visitors is that the park’s network of strategically-placed (and free) water filling stations is nearly complete, and the sale of reusable, non-plastic water bottles will continue to grow at the various retail outlets located throughout the park.

So take pride in doing your part by topping off your reusable bottle at a refilling station, and enjoy the cleaner, greener  park that keeps us all filled to the brim with inspiration. Learn more by following this link: http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/2012-02-06_water-bottles.htm

If You Build It, They Will Come (She Did, and They Have)

It’s the rare visitor to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park that fails to chance upon one of the iconic structures designed by maverick architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. Over the span of three decades (1905-1935), the chain-smoking perfectionist completed twenty one projects for the Fred Harvey Company, a park concessioner that operated the hotels and restaurants in the day. Four of her masterpieces (Hopi House, Lookout Studio, Hermit’s Rest, and Desert View Watchtower) were given National Historic Landmark status in 1987. Born in Pittsburgh, and raised in Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas, a plucky young Colter eventually trained at the California School of Design in San Francisco. Her unique architectural style drew from a number of influences, including both Spanish missions and Puebloan dwellings and fortresses.  In many cases structures seamlessly integrate with their surroundings.  The book Mary Jane Colter: Builder Upon the Red Earth celebrates her achievements at Grand Canyon and beyond.

Home Court Advantage: Kolb Family Legacy to be Celebrated in their Historic Studio

For nearly two decades, scores of exhibits have been enjoyed by the visiting public as part of the Kolb Studio Exhibit Series sponsored by the Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon National Park, and a variety of other park partners. These wide-ranging displays, typically lasting 2-4 months in duration, showcase the natural and cultural history of the Grand Canyon region. Perhaps conspicuously absent from the series to date has been an exhibit featuring the Kolb family themselves. The wait is over! The Amazing Kolb Brothers: A Grand Life at Grand Canyon will be take center stage from December 19-September 4, 2012, in the auditorium of Kolb Studio. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to delve into the lives and lore of these canyon patriarchs in the comfort of their iconic home. Follow this link for more information http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/art-exhibits.htm

Grand Canyon Field Institute Rolls out 2012 Schedule

In any given year, there are few topics, trails, or tantalizing destinations that will be left unvisited by one of the fifty-plus classes offered by the Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI). The longstanding outdoor education program of the Grand Canyon Association, GCFI recently announced its 2012 class offerings. As director of the program, I can say with confidence that it promises to be another amazing year sharing the wonders of Grand Canyon with thousands of park visitors. Groups are always small to keep it personal, and the camaraderie is often as enjoyable as the commanding views.  Have your bucket list in hand when you visit the GCFI website, as these outings are often described as the trip of a lifetime. Here’s the link www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute

Back from the “Y” Parks

I recently visited Yosemite and Yellowstone on back-to-back business trips. Together with Grand Canyon, these parks are informally known as the Crown Jewels of the national park system. I came away with a heightened appreciation for the amazing landscapes and cultural marvels that are central threads in our national heritage. 

Yesteryear to Reappear at History Symposium

Yesteryear to Reappear at History Symposium

Hardy Native Americans, grizzled miners, political visionaries, audacious explorers, tireless scientists, and slightly crazed river runners are among the many characters woven into the cultural tapestry of Grand Canyon. The January 26-29, 2012, Grand Canyon History Symposium will showcase a great many of these noteworthy souls. The third installment in a series that began in 2001, the symposium features expert lectures, informative tours, great food and a canyon-sized sense of community. The event has been organized by the Grand Canyon Historical Society, and will be conducted in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park and the Grand Canyon Association. Space is limited, so follow this link and register today http://www.grandcanyonhistory.org/symposium.html