Spring Brings New Programs on the National Forest
If you are looking for new ways to get out and enjoy our natural surroundings this spring, there are new
opportunities on the National Forest. Free public programs are expanding on the Red Rock Ranger
District for the spring season and beyond. The District's Interpretive Program is featuring Wildflower
Walks, presentations and exhibits, new Children's Nature Walks, as well as monthly Red Rock
Photography and Geology Walks.
Registration is required and space is limited for the guided walks. Call the Red Rock District Visitor
Center at 928-203-2900 for registration and details for these programs.
Wildflower Events
Have you wondered how the local wildflower season will take shape this year, in view of some
impressive winter snow and rain? The Red Rock District is offering multiple ways to enjoy the wildflower
season. The annual wildflower exhibit at the District's Visitor Center opened on March 23 and will be on
display through April 5. The Visitor Center is located on Highway 179 one mile south of the Village of
Oak Creek and is open daily from 9:00am through 4:30pm.
Wildflowers are also the subject of the April First Friday Nature Talk at the Visitor Center. At 11:00am
on April 3, wildflower enthusiast and Friends of the Forest volunteer Bob Beltz will speak about some
fifty of our local wildflowers, their growth habits and survival strategies, anatomy, and pollination
characteristics. Registration is not required for the Nature Talk, but seating at the Visitor Center is
limited to the first forty participants.
For those who prefer to see blooms in the wild, guided wildflower walks are offered on April 4, April 11
and April 18 at 10:00am on each date. Locations for the easy two hour walks will vary depending on
bloom conditions. "Viewing flowers in the spring means hiking at progressively higher elevations as the
season progresses," explains Beltz. "Early flower viewing is best in the lower elevations, so trails like
lower Woods Canyon and Baldwin Loop are showing early flowers. Mid-spring, trails like Doe Mountain
and Thunder Mountain are my favorites. Later in the season, higher elevations and sun-sheltered
locations like West Fork, Fay and Boynton Canyons produce their flower shows." This year's wildflower
season promises to be one of the best in several years predicts Beltz.
Photography Events
Local photographer and Friends of the Forest volunteer J K Lovelett is leading Red Rock Photo Walks on
the third Monday of each month. These relaxed outings are suitable for all photography experience
levels. "I love sharing my enjoyment of nature and the outdoors, especially in the wonderful Red Rocks
of Sedona," says Lovelett. "I learn something from everyone who shows up, from the just curious folks
wanting to get back to photography, to the camera buff who has been shooting for many years."
Participants can seek input on camera equipment as well as camera use during the two hour sessions.
This month's photo walk is April 20 starting at 9:00am. Locations vary and details are provided upon
registration.
Geology Events
Another new monthly program is the Red Rock Geology Walk, with naturalist Chris Weld. Weld has led
interpretive programs focused on Sedona's geology for fifteen years. Participants will have an
opportunity to view the dramatic effects of Oak Creek Canyon faulting. The route of the walk will
highlight sedimentary and volcanic rock layers as well as views of splendid erosional land features.
Geology hike participants should be prepared for two hours of moderately difficult hiking and standing.
Location details are provided upon registration. April 28 at 9:00am is the next Geology Walk.
Children's Nature Walks
Those of us who grew up exploring the outdoors with our families may recall the thrill in discovering a
new plant or creature in our surroundings. Children ages 7-10 can experience such discovery through a
new Red Rock District nature program, now scheduled on the first Saturday of each month. During the
one hour guided nature walks, children may learn how ancient cultures used native plants, why dead
trees are important, how crayfish can be invasive, and what it means to our soils when we "bust the
crust." Participating children must be accompanied by an adult. The next Children's Nature Walk is
April 4 at 11:00am. Details are available upon registration. As we move into summer conditions, the
monthly Children's Nature Program will continue as an indoor or sun-sheltered learning activity at the
Visitor Center.
Come enjoy spring in the forest! For event details and registration call 928-203-2900. Program
information is also available on the Sedona Friends of the Forest website.
Serving Sedona, written this week by Jennifer Young, President of Sedona Friends of the Forest, appears
Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.