6.A.
Open Space Commission
- Meeting Date:
- 05/12/2025
- Co-Submitter:
- Rebecca Sayers
- From:
- Robert Wallace, Open Space Supervisor
TITLE:
Open Space Education Program Update
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Informational Update. Open Space Education Coordinator, Ms. Ashlee Fliney, will provide a presentation on programming completed for the 2024 - 2025 school year, and will share objectives for the new year.
Executive Summary:
Open Space Education Program – Yearly Accomplishments
The Open Space Education Program has made significant strides this year in delivering high-quality, engaging environmental education experiences to youth and community members across Flagstaff and beyond. Through dynamic programming, strategic partnerships, and interactive outreach, the Open Space team successfully connected with 2,838 individuals, including 1,541 youth participants. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, scientific curiosity, and outdoor learning in diverse communities.
School-Based Engagements
Collaborations with Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) schools were a cornerstone of this year’s success. At Killip Elementary School’s Family STEM Night, our wildlife-themed booth captivated over 200 children and family members, offering hands-on learning about local fauna at Picture Canyon. Middle school programming included a robust Natural Selection field trip for eighth-grade classes, hosted at McMillian Mesa Natural Area. This immersive experience featured four interactive stations exploring symbiosis, fungi, vegetation density, and parasitism—tying directly into the science curriculum. Positive teacher feedback has already prompted plans to repeat this program next year.
High School collaborations included, an eight-session field trip series centered on the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. These sessions combined outdoor ethics discussions with hikes across Flagstaff’s natural areas, including Buffalo Park, Picture Canyon, and Observatory Mesa. Activities ranged from waste audits and wildfire planning to wildlife tracking and nature journaling with watercolors. The program effectively supported students' physical and mental wellness goals through nature-based learning.
Visiting School Programs
Two photography classes from Chandler High School visited Flagstaff to explore Picture Canyon. Open Space educators guided students through the area’s ecological and cultural features, which students used as inspiration for photography-based final projects. These guided experiences fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and highlighted the region’s educational tourism potential.
Community Events & Booths
The Open Space team also had a strong presence at community events, hosting informational booths at 12 events. These events brought environmental education to the broader public through interactive games, cultural storytelling, and information sharing. Booth activities such as BINGO, word scrambles, and petroglyph simulations provided accessible, family-friendly learning moments that resonated with both youth and adults.
Partnerships and Looking Ahead
This year, Open Space maintained partnerships with eleven organizations, expanding our capacity to reach diverse audiences. With several spring field trips scheduled and summer programming rapidly filling, the future promises continued momentum. Our team remains dedicated to creating impactful, place-based educational experiences that connect people of all ages to Flagstaff’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The Open Space Education Program has made significant strides this year in delivering high-quality, engaging environmental education experiences to youth and community members across Flagstaff and beyond. Through dynamic programming, strategic partnerships, and interactive outreach, the Open Space team successfully connected with 2,838 individuals, including 1,541 youth participants. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, scientific curiosity, and outdoor learning in diverse communities.
School-Based Engagements
Collaborations with Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) schools were a cornerstone of this year’s success. At Killip Elementary School’s Family STEM Night, our wildlife-themed booth captivated over 200 children and family members, offering hands-on learning about local fauna at Picture Canyon. Middle school programming included a robust Natural Selection field trip for eighth-grade classes, hosted at McMillian Mesa Natural Area. This immersive experience featured four interactive stations exploring symbiosis, fungi, vegetation density, and parasitism—tying directly into the science curriculum. Positive teacher feedback has already prompted plans to repeat this program next year.
High School collaborations included, an eight-session field trip series centered on the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. These sessions combined outdoor ethics discussions with hikes across Flagstaff’s natural areas, including Buffalo Park, Picture Canyon, and Observatory Mesa. Activities ranged from waste audits and wildfire planning to wildlife tracking and nature journaling with watercolors. The program effectively supported students' physical and mental wellness goals through nature-based learning.
Visiting School Programs
Two photography classes from Chandler High School visited Flagstaff to explore Picture Canyon. Open Space educators guided students through the area’s ecological and cultural features, which students used as inspiration for photography-based final projects. These guided experiences fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and highlighted the region’s educational tourism potential.
Community Events & Booths
The Open Space team also had a strong presence at community events, hosting informational booths at 12 events. These events brought environmental education to the broader public through interactive games, cultural storytelling, and information sharing. Booth activities such as BINGO, word scrambles, and petroglyph simulations provided accessible, family-friendly learning moments that resonated with both youth and adults.
Partnerships and Looking Ahead
This year, Open Space maintained partnerships with eleven organizations, expanding our capacity to reach diverse audiences. With several spring field trips scheduled and summer programming rapidly filling, the future promises continued momentum. Our team remains dedicated to creating impactful, place-based educational experiences that connect people of all ages to Flagstaff’s rich natural and cultural heritage.