Field Trips Around Flagstaff

Also see Willow Bend Field Trips and Field Trips at Your School.
Cinder Lake Landfill (Grades: All; 1 hour)

Join Willow Bend on a tour of the Cinder Lake Landfill! Students will learn where our waste goes, how it gets managed and the process of operating a landfill.

Recycling Center (Grades: All; 1 hour) (Not Currently Available)

Join Willow Bend on a behind-the-scenes tour of the City recycling center! Students will learn about resource conservation and the 3Rs as they view materials being processed. Thanks to the City of Flagstaff, fee reductions are available for local schools and groups. Tours may be scheduled year-round, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-3:00pm.

Downtown Geology Field Trip (Grades: 3rd and up; 1.5 hours)

Discover the history and geology of downtown Flagstaff on a guided walk focused on historic buildings made from local rock. Optional pre-trip visit: “Downtown Flagstaff Geology” classroom program (additional cost).

Water Quality Field Trip (Grades: 4th, Middle and High School; 1.5 – 2 hours)

Students will learn how to assess water quality through physical, chemical, and biological testing. Field tip will take place at the Rio de Flag I-40 Wetlands or Frances Short Pond. Depending on the season, there may be an opportunity for macro-invertebrate testing (pond dipping!).

Frances Short Pond Field Trip (Grades: All; 1-2 hours)

We’ll adapt the program to suit your grade level.  Options include learning about habitats and ecosystems, water quality assessment, or Bioblitz-style Citizen Science activities documenting plant and wildlife species found at the pond.

Picture Canyon Field Trip (Grades: 3rd and up; 4 hours)

Take a special tour of Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve with Willow Bend.  An almost three-mile hike guided by Willow Bend educators will include age-appropriate activities and learning as we explore the waterfall, the petroglyphs, the forest ecosystem, and the impact of community involvement at Picture Canyon. This field trip (and pre-trip classroom visit) are available free to FUSD third grade classes; other schools and grades may also qualify for a free or reduced-rate program.

McMillan Mesa Field Trip (Grades: 3rd and up; 2.5 hours)

A jam-packed field trip full of fun facts and activities! Touches on forestry, geology, Flagstaff Open Space and protected areas. Learn about the history of Buffalo Park, hike a section of the Arizona Trail, and visit one of the last intact native grasslands in the area.