Community Calendar

Bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area (IBA). Please meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the visitor center.

Stop by the NACA Oak Creek Overlook Vista for beautiful & authentic Native American crafts! Our Artisans can also be found at the Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum!

The Overlook Vista is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, depending on the weather. Crafts that can be found at our Artisans' tables include jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures and much more! Check out the Oak Creek Overlook Facebook and Yelp pages for more info and up-to-date hours.

If you have questions or would like general information, please contact Pearl Tsosie at (928) 526-2968 ext.135 or email her at ptsosie@nacainc.org

Wondering what to do for summer break? Come to the Highlands Center for Nature Camp!
Campers will spend all of their time outdoors, learning about different field sciences. Campers will go from being ornithologists to chemists, to entomologists to anything in between. We will explore, play games, take part in team building, and craft and discover more about the Central Highlands around us. There are limited spots in each age group, register soon!

Every morning, a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk may include geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. This program is included with park entry fee.

Explore the power and creativity in words, and the ways you can use them to shape your world during this week-long day camp for young writers. We will focus on poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction along with your instructors from the NAU English Department. We will engage in daily writing activities and on-campus field trips designed to spark creativity as we get to know one another. Young writers should be going into the 6 - 12 grades.

Camp runs from July 7 – July 11 on NAU's Mountain campus from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Campers will be immersed in the beauty of nature while utilizing our 200 acre outdoor classroom to enjoy unforgettable hands-on learning and the opportunity to meet other adventurous kids like them!

It is time to get excited for summer 2025 as the Arboretum gets ready to host our annual Eco Explorers Summer Camps! Campers will be immersed in the beauty of nature while utilizing our 200 acre outdoor classroom to enjoy unforgettable hands-on learning and the opportunity to meet other adventurous kids like them! Campers must be prepared to be outdoors most of the day weather permitting.

Camps will be held Monday – Friday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm for kids ages 5-11.

Please note that camps are held at the Arboretum and require guardian transportation to and from camp each day via Woody Mountain Rd
2025 Camp Topics:

Pollinator Power JUNE 9-13

Buzz into the world of bees, butterflies, and other incredible pollinators! Campers will discover how these tiny creatures help plants thrive, explore colorful gardens, and participate in hands-on activities like building bee hotels and creating pollinator-friendly crafts.

Wilderness Explorers I JUNE 16-20

Get ready for an exciting adventure in the great outdoors! Campers will embark on daily expeditions through the Arboretum’s grounds, gardens and trails, learning basic outdoor skills like using a compass for navigation, identifying landmarks, and reading maps. Along the way, campers will discover the secrets of the wild—such as spotting animal tracks and understanding the importance of Leave No Trace principles. This week is perfect for young explorers ready to build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature. This week ends in a camp out under the stars for campers ages 8-11 *additional cost applies.

Wilderness Explorers II JUNE 23-27

This week campers take their wilderness skills to the next level. This week builds on the foundations of Wilderness Explorers 1, introducing the importance of fire safety, identifying edible plants, and practicing teamwork in exciting outdoor challenges. This week ends in a camp out under the stars for campers ages 8-11 *additional cost applies.

Creature Camp JULY 7-11

This week, campers will explore habitats, search for signs of wildlife, and meet live animals up close. From insects to mammals, this camp is perfect for kids who love discovering and learning about animals of all kinds. Through guided nature hikes and hands-on activities, they’ll uncover the secrets of how animals adapt to their environments. Campers will also investigate tracks, scat, and other clues animals leave behind, sharpening their wildlife detective skills. Each day is filled with fun and discovery, helping campers deepen their understanding and appreciation of the amazing creatures that share our world.

Weird Plant Science JULY 14-18

Get ready for a week of weird plant science, where campers will uncover the strange and fascinating secrets of the plant world! Campers will explore, experiment, and create while learning about nature’s weirdest wonders through hands-on activities such as dissecting seed pods, making natural dyes from native plants, and exploring the underground world of fungi and roots. This week will spark curiosity and fun as campers connect with the unique flora of the Colorado Plateau.

The Blacksmiths are back and they’ve brought along Oscar and Orion, the Harbinger, the Pitchfork Turtle, and the Sonoran Rustback. They have brought all these and more to The Arboretum at Flagstaff as part of the 14th annual Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit. The Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit began in 2012 as a collaborative effort between The Arboretum and the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association (AABA) to showcase ironwork created for the garden, to bring visual interest to the gardens early in the season, and to show visitors how art can bring year round beauty to their own gardens. The exhibit quickly became a visitor favorite and this year’s exhibit is no exception. In addition to showcasing a changing exhibit of 26 pieces of art in the garden, there is also an indoor component 20 nature themed pieces displayed in the Visitor Center Gallery. The Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit showcases work by 8 professional blacksmiths and metal artists from the Southwest. Most of the work in the exhibit is for sale and 30% of the proceeds benefit The Arboretum at Flagstaff. The Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit is open now and will be at The Arboretum until September 20 so come on out and enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the garden art.

The Artists' Coalition of Flagstaff FREE U.S. Military Veterans Art Program and Classes are available to ALL U. S. Military Veterans. Classes are led by long time professional local Flagstaff artists in many disciplines. For more information email acfexdir@gmail.com or visit flagstaff-arts.org/

James: A Novel (2024) by Percival Everett. Join the Wednesday Morning Book Group in discussing a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction. Reap the benefits of others' insights and experiences as they apply to the stories.  

Get up close and personal with our community helpers and their special equipment! For youth of all ages.  Please note: This special event will take place in the library's Marina Street parking lot. The parking lot will be closed on Wednesday, July 9 from 8 am - 12 noon to allow for event setup, performance, and cleanup. For more information, please call the Youth Desk at 928.777.1537.Community Helpers at the Library is presented with support from the City of Prescott's Police, Fire, Solid Waste, and Recreation Services departments.