4.27.2020 – This Week’s Virtual Learning with Willow Bend

This week’s scheduled programs:

Wednesday April 29th, 11am: Life of a Dead Tree. Dead trees have plenty of life in them! Snags (standing dead trees) play a vital role in the life cycles of hundreds of species of wildlife. Learn all about snags and how you can explore them on our next adventure.

Activity

Based on the lesson, can you draw at least three animals that may use this snag for habitat? Then, can you pick one of your animals and make a haiku about it?

 

Friday May 1st, 11am: Wacky Weather! Do you know the difference between weather and climate (and why you cant use them interchangeably)? name some common weather patterns, play the cloud game, and other fun weather facts! (Click the images to download the activity and print.)

Weather Word Puzzle

Pine Cone Weather Journal

Evidence of Weather Spring Scavenger Hunt

04.20.2020 – This Week’s Virtual Learning with Willow Bend

This week’s scheduled programs:

Wednesday April 22nd, 11am: Sustainability at Willow Bend. Celebrate Earth Day! Join us for a fun and engaging tour of our sustainable building and learn about some sustainable actions YOU can take at home!

Sustainability Word Search

Draw Your Own Sustainable Home

Build a Home on Sustainability Street

Friday April 24th, 11am: Seed Starting. Celebrate Arbor Day! Learn how to start seeds at home and other interesting facts about trees and plants!

Make a Leaf Rubbing

Plant Observation Journal

The Arbor Day Foundation has awesome games and activities that help you learn more about trees and why they’re so important to our world. Visit this site to celebrate Arbor Day!

04.13.2020 – This Week’s Virtual Learning with Willow Bend

In an effort to stay true to our mission, and continue serving the community, we are delivering environmentally focused programs through social media.We offer two programs a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am through Facebook Live. You can view these programs for free and find materials and schedules on our Facebook page. In addition we will post the schedules and activities each Monday on this blog. 

All virtual programs will be streamed LIVE on our Facebook page..


This week we are teaming up with the Public Library for their Spring Library Challenge! The library will have weekly missions where you and people all over Flagstaff can earn points to get your librarians to do some crazy things! Sign-up for the Spring Library Challenge. 

 

This week’s ‘s programs:

Wednesday  April 15th, 11am: Birding 101: Learn how to identify common birds, when are the best times to go birding, and some things you might need for a successful birding adventure.

Bird Crafts

Egg carton bird masks

Egg Carton Bird Feeder – You could use the rest of the egg carton to make a bird feeder, following this simple tutorial.

Papercraft Oscillating Woodpecker Toy – and directions on how to make it work!

Birding Activities

Birdfeeder Checklist – Here’s a list of “backyard birds” you may spot if you’re sitting at your window. They are especially attracted to bird feeders!

BirdSleuth Explorer’s Guidebook –  We thought this activity book made by Cornell Lab of Ornithology was too cool not to share! Pick out one page to do…or do them all!

Birds of the Coconino National Forest – This checklist contains information on over 300 species of birds found within the Coconino National Forest. It has been divided into two areas: above 5,000 feet elevation and below 5,000 feet elevation. Produced by the United States Forest Service.

or VIRTUAL BIRDING: The Cornell Lab Bird Cams – A virtual window into the natural world of birds! The Cornell Lab Bird Cams connects viewers worldwide to the diverse and intimate world of birds.

Friday April 17th, 11am: Wildlife Tracking 101: Learn how to identify basic wildlife tracks and look for other wildlife signs.

Activities

Animal Tracks and Signs Matching Activity

Tell the story through tracks: Pond Scene

tell the story through tracks: Interaction Scene

 

 

Want to see other virtual lessons we have taught? View the videos and activities here.

Don’t forget to enter our Virtual Earth Day Art Contest!

04.06.2020 – This Week’s Virtual Learning with Willow Bend

All virtual programs will be streamed LIVE on our Facebook page.

This week’s scheduled programs:

Wednesday April 8th, 11am: Incredible Insects. Learn about the life cycle and body parts of these fascinating creatures through song and insect exploration. Plus join our exciting cockroach race! Cheer for your favorite little creature.

Download and draw your own insect.

Friday April 10th, 11am: Geology Rocks. An introduction to igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, including examples from northern Arizona.

Activities:

Geology (Virtual!) Scavenger Hunt (print and complete while watch the program)

Try to get them all!

 

Click image to download activity

Rock Cycle Song (to sing along on video!)

 

Programs from previous weeks can be found at our Virtual Learning Hub

04.06.2020 – Enter to win prizes in our Virtual Earth Day Art Contest!

Enter the Willow Bend Virtual Earth Day Art Contest for youth artists of all ages! Take on the challenge of creating a piece of 2-D art, using any medium or combination of media, that illustrates the theme:

“Celebrating our Earth”

Rules and Regulations

  • Children and youth (18 and under) can participate in the contest.
  • Submission must be two-dimensional and needs to on regular, letter-sized paper (8.5 by 11 inches).
  • Art work can use any medium or combination of media.
  • Only one entry per contestant.
  • Contestants can be from anywhere in the world.
  • Contestant may not enlist the help of others for their entry (other than to submit).
  • Artwork must be original and not violate any copyright laws.

    Deadline: April 20th at 5 p.m.

Contest themes: The art contest’s focus is “Celebrating our Earth”.

Themes can include any of the following:

  • Wildlife
  • Outdoor spaces (landscapes)
  • Promoting sustainability
  • Use of renewable energy

Age categories: 

There will be winners for three age group categories:

  • 7 years old and younger
  • 8-11 years old
  • 12-18 years old

Selection Criteria:

Entries will be judged based on creativity and connection to contest themes.

Submitted artwork will be judged by the Willow Bend Board of Directors. All artwork and announced winners and prizes will be posted on a virtual art gallery and presented on April 22nd, 2020 (Earth Day!).

How to Submit an Entry:

  1.  First, fill out the Parental/Guardian Earth Day 2020 Virtual Art Contest Permission Slip
  2. Next, e-mail an image of your entry to melissa@willowbendcenter.org .
  3. You’re all entered!

We look forward to seeing your entries and thanks for celebrating Earth Day with Willow Bend Environmental Education Center!

 

03.30.2020 – This Week’s Virtual Learning with Willow Bend

In an effort to stay true to our mission, and continue serving the community, we will begin providing environmentally focused programs through social media.We will offer two programs a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am through Facebook Live. You can view these programs for free and find materials and schedules on our FB page. In addition we will post the schedules and activities each Monday on this blog. 

Program Schedule for April 1st and April 3rd:

Wednesday April 1st,  11am, Seeds on the Move: Seeds need to move and grow just like we do! This program will cover several methods of seed dispersal and end with a fun seed sprouting demonstration. You will need a plastic zip lock bag, a paper towel, and a seed (beans can be an option though they don’t always sprout).

Follow up activities include seed art templates. Just click on the image to download. Of course, you can also make your own!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, April 3rd,  11am, Exploring Earthworms – Why are worms so important for the planet? What do they eat? How are their body parts different than ours? We will answer all this and more. Virtually meet our worm friends, and listen to a “heartworming” story.

Worm Search!

Click the image to download activity

 

 

 

 

Did you miss last week’s lessons on recycling and habitats? View the videos and activities here.

03.23.2020 – We are Going LIVE! Follow us on Facebook

In an effort to stay true to our mission, and continue serving the community, we will begin providing environmentally focused programs through social media.

We will offer two programs a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am through Facebook Live. You can view these programs for free and find materials and schedules on our FB page. In addition we will post the schedules and activities each Monday on this blog. 

Program Schedule:

Wednesday March 25th, 11am: Recycling. What can and can’t be recycled in Flagstaff and other answers to your recycling questions. Link to downloadable recycling coloring sheet:Recycling Coloring Page

 

Friday March 27th, 11am: Habitat. What makes up a habitat? Learn about some Flagstaff animals and their habitat needs and sing the habitat song with us. 

Postponing Events and Programs

With a primary focus on keeping our community healthy, and in compliance with local and federal guidelines the Willow Bend Center will remain closed. All  workshops, tours, programs and events will be postponed until further notice. We will make sure to keep everyone informed as to new dates and plans. In the meantime, we hope everyone stays healthy and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

 

03.01.2020 – February Recap

Check of our recap of our February 2020 programs and events.

Science Saturday: The Five C’s of Arizona

We kicked off February 1st with our Science Saturday celebrating the five C’s of Arizona: cotton, citrus, cattle, copper and climate. This Science Saturday theme was developed by our intern, Xander, as a cumulative project, so a huge thank you to Xander for their hard work researching activities to make this event a success. Participants squeezed their own fresh orange juice, made copper etchings, practiced roping a (plastic) cow, played with solar devices…and more! We also had some cotton on display that was grown right here in Willow Bend Gardens. We were lucky to have the Pioneer Museum–Arizona Historical Society  join us to celebrate the five F’s of Flagstaff (can you guess what they are?)!  Special thanks to C-A-L Ranch for lending a roping cow for this event.  Last but not least, American Conservation Experience (ACE) members volunteered their time at this Science Saturday to help it run smoothly.

First Friday Recycling Center Tour

Did you know every first Friday we offer a free tour of the recycling center? On February 7th, 15 people joined us on our first Friday tour of the center to find out what can and cannot be recycled and how the facility works. Join us at our next  First Friday Recycling Center Tour  on March 6th!

Adult Workshop: Growing and Gardening with Native Plants

The Coconino County Cooperative Extension joined us at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center on February 8th to facilitate an Adult Workshop: Growing and Gardening with Native Plants. Gayle Gratop from the Coconino Cooperative Extension taught this fun workshop, and all participants had a blast. This workshop made us excited for spring and the days of gardening ahead!

Willow Bend Board of Directors Retreat 2020

The Willow Bend Board of Directors and Staff met on February 17th for our Annual Board Retreat to celebrate the past and present, as well as to strategize and dream about the future! Stay tuned to hear all of the wonderful ideas that came out of the board retreat.

 

Teacher Workshop: Story Maps in the Classroom

Eric Proctor, Wildlife Education Coordinator at Arizona Game and Fish, joined us at Willow Bend on February 22nd + 23rd to facilitate a 2-day “Story Maps in the Classroom” Educator Workshop. This workshop taught educators how to collect and organize data, then they transformed their data into map-centered digital stories through ArcGIS.  Thank you to Eric for joining us, and to the dedicated educators that attended this workshop all weekend so they can use this great tool in their classroom, clubs, and beyond!

Family Science: Eagle Celebration

On February 29th (hooray, leap year!), Willow Bend Environmental Education Center in partnership with AZ Game and Fish, Liberty Wildlife and the  Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience held its Annual Eagle Celebration. The celebration included morning field trips around Lake Mary to view wild bald eagles, as well as three talks at Willow Bend presented by AZ Game and Fish biologists and Willow Bend staff covering eagle ecology, management, and conservation. During the family focused program our young participants became ornithologists for the day and made observations about eagle characteristics, feeding habits, and habitat. One young volunteer got to dress up as an eagle to demonstrate key eagle adaptations.

But the highlight of the event was the appearance of live eagles from Liberty Wildlife: Aurora the adult bald eagle and the Anasazi the golden eagle. The eagles displayed their impressive wingspan and their powerful talons while Joe and Jan Miller, wildlife rehabilitators and bird trainers from Liberty Wildlife, shared information about the birds, conservation efforts, and Liberty Wildlife rehabilitation center. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Eagle Celebration a success!

Intern and Volunteer Spotlight: Xander Wille

Xander finished their internship at Willow Bend in February and we will miss them! Xander was instrumental to helping our many events run smoothly. They helped us prep and plan activities, and also were a huge help in getting the center more organized. Thank you, Xander, for your hard work and we wish you all of the best. Interested in interning or volunteering with Willow Bend? Click here!

Classroom Program and Field Trip Highlights

  • Kinsey Elementary School 4th Graders had programs on both Walnut Canyon and Grand Canyon to prepare for their spring field trips to both locations. Kinsey 5th Graders had programs on water quality.
  • Flagstaff Arts & Leadership (FALA) and Flagstaff Junior Academy (FJA) middle and high schoolers had programs on waste reduction. Willow Bend also facilitated a teacher professional development program at Marshall Elementary School for all teachers as part of our Waste Reduction program.
  • Thomas Elementary School 3rd grade, Puente de Hózhó Elementary School 3rd grade, Knoles Elementary School 4th grade, and Cromer Elementary School kindergarteners had programs on outdoor STEM and stewardship—thanks to the support of the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff for making these programs possible, and to Flagstaff Unified School District for their partnership.
  • Boys and Girls Club Flagstaff had a fun field trip to the recycling center.
Did Willow Bend visit your classroom in February? Did you learn something new at one of our community events? Submit a small write-up and we will feature it in our blog (content by students encouraged)! E-mail submissions to melissa@willowbendcenter.org.

What’s coming up in March? Join us at these community events:

03/06 (1PM) – First Friday Recycling Center Tour

03/07 (9AM-1PM) Science Saturday: Archaeology Month

03/09 (5-7PM) Willow Bend at STEM Night at NAU Dome

03/28 (10AM-12PM) Adult Workshop: Pine Needle Basket Making

Check out our calendar for more information.

A dusting of snow – February 23rd

Annual Eagle Celebration – Press Release

Annual Eagle Celebration

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.  – On Saturday, Feb 29th Willow Bend Environmental Education Center in partnership with AZ Game and Fish, Liberty Wildlife and the Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience held its Annual Eagle Celebration.

The day started with a morning field trip led by Coconino County Parks and Recreation staff, AZ Game and Fish Biologists and a number of volunteers. This year the event also included a second field trip later in the morning, especially geared towards families. The lucky groups spotted 6 juvenile and a nesting pair of bald eagles, as well as numerous waterfowl species.

The day continued with three talks at Willow Bend presented by AZ Game and Fish biologists and Willow Bend staff covering eagle ecology, management, and conservation. During the family focused program our young participants became ornithologists for the day and made observations about eagle characteristics, feeding habits, and habitat. One young volunteer got to dress up as an eagle to demonstrate key eagle adaptations.

But the highlight of the day was the appearance of live eagles from Liberty Wildlife: Aurora the adult bald eagle and the Anasazi the golden eagle. The eagles displayed their impressive wing span and their powerful talons while Joe and Jan Miller, wildlife rehabilitators and bird trainers from Liberty Wildlife, shared information about the birds, conservation efforts, and Liberty Wildlife rehabilitation center.

“This is a wonderful event and a great opportunity to educate the public, especially children, about eagles in hope of ensuring their continued survival” said Moran Henn, Willow Bend’s Executive Director. Joe Miller, from Liberty Wildlife, emphasized the importance of programs that rehabilitate and protect eagles, and shared a few simple ways each and every one of us can help, “from picking up fishing lines, leaving birds alone while in their nests, and notifying the appropriate entities if you see an injured bird or unlawful behavior” said Miller. Hannah Griscom, AZ Game and Fish Habitat specialist AZ Game and Fish was pleased with the public’s interest in local wildlife. She concluded that “we had another very successful year! Everyone enjoyed seeing eagles in their natural habitat during the field trip as well as learning about and seeing them up close at the presentation”.

“That was amazing!” concluded Max, one of the event’s 3rd grade participants.

Willow bend’s mission is to provide education outreach services that build environmental awareness and an ethic of responsible stewardship of our natural and cultural resources.

To learn more about upcoming programs visit www.willowbendcenter.org