Falling into a Rut

One of the signature sounds along the South Rim during autumn is the nocturnal bugling of the male elk. Their plaintive “whistles” attract female attention during the mating season (or “rut” as its known), and serve as a warning to would-be challengers. On rare occasions, one can even witness these titans clashing antler-to-antler in the forest that rings Grand Canyon Village and beyond. The elk aren’t the only love struck herbivores on the prowl; the mule deer and desert bighorn sheep have roughly the same timing to their mating season, though they seem to go about their courtships with much less fanfare. It’s a general rule in the park to view animals at a safe distance. The rangers even have a rule of thumb for interacting with wildlife.  If you can’t block your entire view of an animal with the thumb of your outstretched arm, then you’re too close. This is sage advice for one and all, especially during September and October when these amorous critters have little patience for camera-wielding tourists. Read more about appropriate behavior around wildlife in the park by following this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/wildlife_alert.htm

Wildfire Danger Sparks Campfire Restrictions in Park

The month or two between the end of the spring rains and the beginning of the summer monsoon is not-so-affectionately referred to as the “fire season” among NPS resource managers and locals alike. The forests on both rims are starved for moisture, the seasonal winds pick up, and the danger grows daily that a conflagration might be started by either human error or “dry” lightning; there is little we can do except to wait patiently for return of the rains. The National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service fire crews train year round for just such a scenario, and stand ready to jump on any situation that unfolds. At press time they are battling a small fire in the vicinity Grandview Point on the South Rim. Fortunately the winds are down so they should quickly gain the upper hand. Grand Canyon National Park has banned wood fires of any kind to help prevent any further incidents of this nature, and ask for everyone’s help in getting us through the dog days of summer with our…ahem…bark intact. Read more about the restrictions by following this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/2012-06-07_restrictions.htm

Park Scores a Hat-Trick with Fun-Filled Weekend

For those of you that have been waiting for a good reason to visit Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service has just announced three. Endangered Species Day, Celebrate Wildlife Day, and the events surrounding an annular eclipse will occur on consecutive days from May 16-18. After two days learning about, and interacting with, some of the amazing creatures that call Grand Canyon home, visitors will be treated to a spectacular show as the moon passes before the sun around sunset. The rare spectacle will most likely treat onlookers to a glowing “ring” around our nearest celestial neighbor. It doesn’t get much better than this folks. So gas up the car, load up the picnic basket, and make a beeline to the greatest show on Earth.

Follow this link for more information

http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/2012-04-25_cwd-esd.htm

http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/2012-04-25_eclipse.htm

Navajo Planning Major Development Within Grand Canyon

The Navajo Nation recently released details of a planned development on the eastern boundary of Grand Canyon National Park, including a rim-based resort, an aerial tramway that will transport visitors to the floor of the canyon, and a half-mile walkway near the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers. The tribe projects that the project will generate as much as $70 million annually, and attract 3 million visitors. 

Opponents to the project including conservationists, the river running community, other Native American tribes such as the Hopi who consider the area sacred ground, and a wary National Park Service contend that the development will harm the fragile ecosystem, threaten endangered species like the humpback chub, and mar the wilderness experience that makes Grand Canyon National Park a world class destination. For more information follow this link, and let your voice be heard on this most important issue:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/03/24/navajo_nation_eyes_grand_canyon_for_development/

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

A Splash of Color

Though not on the scale of the vast deciduous forests of the Midwest and East Coast, the display of fall colors on the Colorado Plateau is no less impressive. The leaves of the gambel oak, cottonwood, and sycamore trees (just to name a few) typically change color from late September through early November. My personal favorite are the aspen, whose delicate leaves turn a shimmering gold, and stand out remarkably against the deep green of their coniferous neighbors such as the firs and pines. There is thought to be but one grove of these high-altitude beauties along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The dozen or so trees are located in a cool, moist ravine east of Grandview Point—one of the highest spots on the entire South Rim. After several gallant attempts to find the stand, I successfully stumbled upon them recently—their fluttering gold leaves guiding me in from an adjacent cliff. With the sedentary months of winter just around the corner, this was the perfect way to end another year of hiking, backpacking, and river running in my favorite place on Earth. 

Hiking Boots Step Aside for Running Shoes at Annual Benefit

The Grand Canyon has long been a magnet for hikers, backpackers, mule riders, and river runners. Since 2008 you can add marathon runners to the list. The Grand Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon began its annual fundraising event to support the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center and to provide scholarships for local students. The high-altitude race has grown steadily, with nearly 300 joining the fun last year, and has attracted runners from across the country.  The course winds through the towering pine forest of both Grand Canyon National Park and the adjacent Kaibab National Forest. As in years past, the November 12, 2011, event will feature both a full and half marathon, and is open to participants with all levels of experience.  For full details, or to register, visit the event web site http://www.grandcanyonmarathon.com/index.html

A Brush with Beauty

Thirty of the most celebrated Grand Canyon fine art painters arrived this week to rain, rumble, and rainbows for the 3^rd annual Celebration of Arts hosted by the Grand Canyon Association.  This popular event features a quick draw competition, art auction, rim side demonstrations, and an exhibit of the artists’ collective work that will run through November 27^th in the historic Kolb Studio. “Inspiration” has long been identified by the National Park Service as one in a handful of parkwide interpretive themes—thus elbowing in on the hard sciences and cultural history for making Grand Canyon both unique and worthy of protection. I can think of no greater way to showcase the park’s inspirational qualities than to admire the strokes and dabs of the creative souls that have captured the canyon on canvas for this event. Learn more by following this link http://www.grandcanyon.org/celebration.asp

Rainbow Crashes the Party

During a recent birthday bash with a group of local friends along the South Rim, the canyon served up one of the prettiest sunsets that any of us could recall. That was news given that, at seventeen years as a park resident, I was a virtual newcomer in this crowd of salty old hands. It was a true pleasure sharing this marvel with some of my favorite people – all rendered speechless yet again by this place we are blessed to call home. Enjoy.

There’s a New Sheriff in Town: Superintendent Uberuaga Arrives at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park recently welcomed Dave Uberuaga as its new superintendent, replacing Steve Martin who retired in January.

Uberuaga (pronounced “you-burr-ahga”) was most recently the superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park where he spent the bulk of his 34 years in the National Park Service. He also served for a year as the acting superintendent for Yosemite National Park. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dave on the North Rim shortly after he assumed his new duties, and I can say with certainty that the park is in very good hands going forward.

Cut and paste this link to hear his speech at a welcoming ceremony at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWYvkQXGOgA&feature=player_embedded

Multi-Use Trail into Park to Open Soon

Beginning this fall, an eight-mile trail will allow cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians to enter the park on foot (or hoof). This latest installment in the “Greenway” (a park trail system conceived during the 1995 General Management Plan) will allow locals and visitors alike to travel to and from Grand Canyon Village and the neighboring town of Tusayan in a carbon-friendly manner. The trail is being constructed by the NPS trail crew, and is a collaborative effort between Grand Canyon National Park and the US Forest Service. It is being underwritten by a combination of public and private funds. Follow this link for more information http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/progress-on-multi-use-trail-connecting-grand-canyon-national-park-with-gateway-town-of-tusayan-continues.htm

Young Artists turn to the River for Inspiration

Grand Canyon National Park and the non-profit Grand Canyon Youth recently collaborated on an art-based whitewater rafting trip called Grand Inspiration (GRIN). The program was facilitated by writer and NPS science educator Juliet Oakes, artist and AmeriCorps volunteer Sara Hooker, and photographer and Grand Canyon Field Institute director Mike Buchheit. The young participants produced an exhibit of their work that will be on display in the lobby of park headquarters through August 7th. They shared their impressions and a sample of their art during the evening program at the McKee Amphitheater. This once-a-year journey through the canyon is open to 15-18 year olds. Visit www.gcyouth.org for more information.

Canyon on the Quick: GCFI to Offer Half Day Educational Walking Tours

Looking for something to do with the family during your summer visit to the South Rim? The Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) has just the ticket in the form of a half-day educational tour entitled Grand Rim Adventure . This fun-filled outing features a GCFI expert who will share the compelling stories of the canyon’s rocks, plants, animals, landmark structures, and colorful historic characters—all cast against the amazing backdrop of North America’s most iconic landscape.

With a maximum of ten participants, the 3.5 hour tour will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Verkamps Visitor Center, just east of the El Tovar Hotel in Grand Canyon Village. After a brief orientation and safety talk, participants will embark on a visits to Kolb Studio and its rotating art exhibits, Mary Jane Colter’s architectural marvel known as Lookout Studio, an ancient marine fossil beds, a thousand-year-old rock art panel as seen from the uppermost switchbacks of the Bright Angel Trail, and much, much more.

This program is offered daily through August 31. The cost is $85 for adults, and $55 for children twelve years old and younger. Reservations can only be made in person at the Grand Canyon Association sales outlet in Verkamps Visitor Center.
For more information visit the GCFI web site at www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute

Note: In the interest of full disclosure, the author is also the director of the Grand Canyon Field Institute.

Going Deeper: Young Cavers Help NPS with Cave Survey

The myriad caves located throughout Grand Canyon have intrigued NPS resource managers for decades. Many have been explored by biologists and hydrologists, others excavated by archaeologists, and still more remain untouched. As part of the park’s ongoing efforts to identify and protect the cultural and natural resources within this sprawling network of caverns, a group of teens from Montana was brought into the act. Under the supervision of park Hydrologist and Cave Resource Manager Steve Rice, five students from Bigfork High School catalogued, mapped, and photographed ten caves below the South Rim. Their efforts will help the park service better understand and manage the fragile ecosystems and irreplaceable cultural resources under their care. For more information on the project follow this link http://www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/bigfork-high-school-cave-club-completes-inventory-and-impact-mapping-of-caves-in-grand-canyon-national-park.htm