The Flagstaff Festival of Science was a fantastic exploration of the various science based projects and agencies working and studying in Northern Arizona. The Festival was kick
started on Saturday, September 19^th at Science in the Park. Located at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff, the event had activities from a plethora of organizations including Willow Bend Environmental Education Center.

Willow Bend’s table was staffed by Val and Cassandra, and new Willow Bend Interns Helena and James. Our activities included a wildlife game matching items from such as horns, quills, and bones to the corresponding picture of the animal. Willow Bend also brought along their greater Flagstaff 3D Terrain Model and spray bottles to illustrate the movement of water on our landscape. kids and adults alike had a great time and was a wonderful opportunity to educate the public and get them interested in our environment.

On Saturday September 5^th , Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, in partnership with Sierra Club, USGS, Arizona Trail Association, and Seeds of Stewardship Program, hosted the Annual “Colorado River: Fish and Watershed” event as part of the Colorado River Days Flagstaff Celebration.

The event was a huge success (even with rainy weather)!

The USGS set up LIVE fish tanks outside Willow Bend and provided information about native and invasive fish. Participants not only learned about fish, but also got to touch them! Which was a huge hit among kids and adults alike.

Inside the Center, Willow Bend focused on water education and our interns and volunteers played the water cycle game with the kids. We of course also had our 3D Terrain Model
out, walked visitors through the “A Drop of Water Display”, and helped kids “fish” the Colorado river.

The Sierra Club made nature journals with kids and Arizona Trail Association and Seeds of Stewardship Program facilitated their “How mining contamination moves through watershed” activity.

Thanks to all our partners and supporters for making this event possible. We look forward to next year!

Willow Bend is excited to announce the selection of Moran Henn as our new Executive Director!

Henn is very passionate about environmental education and comes to Willow Bend with over 15 years of experience working for governmental and state agencies, non-profits, and grassroots organizations. “I regularly attended the Center’s events with my own children and always loved this place and its programs. I feel so fortunate and honored to take on the Director position” says Henn.

Holly Taylor, Board Treasurer and former Board President welcomed Henn at an Open House event held at the Center last Wednesday (September 9^th). “We are ecstatic to have Moran join the Willow Bend team. We believe she brings great energy, experience, and commitment to the Organization’s mission”.

City Manager, Josh Copley and County Supervisor Art Babbott were also present at the event and, among others, congratulated Henn on her new role and enjoyed touring the Center and the exhibits.“Congratulations to Moran and Willow Bend” said Vice Mayor Barotz, who was not able to attend the event but expressed her support for environmental education.

At the event Henn shared her vision for the Center and invited Willow Bend partners and supporters to meet. “Over the next couple of months I plan to meet with as many of the Center’s  community partners, former board members, and supporters to learn about the Center’s history and discuss my vision and opportunities for engagement” said Henn. “When asked if they know Willow Bend, I want every child in Flagstaff to say of course I do, I love it!” concluded Henn.

Rusty Tweed, Willow Bend’s former Executive Director, has taken a new position with Woodson Engendering in April (2015) and we wish him luck on his new endeavor.