Our history of award-winning environmental education.

Over the past 6 years, Willow Bend has been honored with seven awards.

In November 2007, the National Association of Environmental Education honored Willow Bend as the best local environmental organization in the nation.

In 2006, the National Association of Conservation Districts recognized Willow Bend and our parent organization, the Coconino Natural Resource Conservation District, with an annual Wildlife and the Environment award.

At the state level, Willow Bend won the 2006 Governor’s Pride Award for Environmental Education.

Our Building
- About Our Building
- Passive Solar Design Principles
Our Gardens
- About Our Native Garden
Discovery Room
- Activities & Exhibits
The BIOBUG
- BIOBUG Facts

About the Willow Bend BIOBUG

In 2006, through a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Willow Bend purchased a yellow 2002 VW Beetle TDI. Vegauto.com converted the fuel system for the diesel BIOBUG to make it run recycled vegetable oil in addition to diesel. The system consists of a small 2-gallon tank that fits in the hole of the spare tire in the back of the trunk. The small tank is used for diesel or biodiesel fuel to start and shut down the engine. The main tank is for used vegetable oil. Once the engine warms up, the driver uses a switch on the dash board to easily change between the small diesel tank and the used vegetable oil in the main tank.

The BIOBUG gets almost 50 miles to the gallon, burns a waste product for fuel, and emits less than half the toxic emissions of an unleaded fueled car! The BIOBUG is a functional example of sustainability via alternative fuel and energy. It allows Willow Bend staff to drive sustainably to the events and schools where we teach.

Classroom Programs on the BIOBUG

We currently offer four classroom programs about the BIOBUG that address recycling, alternative energy, climate change, and health.