CANYON VIEWS
PUBLICATION OF
Canyon Views is published by Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC). As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, GCC’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.
For more information about Grand Canyon Conservancy, please visit grandcanyon.org.
2025 Board of Directors:
Randall Brown, Chair—Dallas, Texas
Samantha Phillips Beers—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pamela Kerr—Tucson, Arizona
Geoff Chatas—Ann Arbor, Michigan
David Cermak—Denver, Colorado
Aaron Craft—Cave Creek, Arizona
Ann Figueredo —Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Deborah M. Gage—Dallas, Texas
Charlie Galbraith—Washington, D.C.
Scott Key—San Francisco, California
Carissa Rollins—Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rich Rudow—Mesa, Arizona
Mick Rusing—Tucson, Arizona
Stephanie Sklar—Tucson, Arizona
Stan Sutherland—Flagstaff, Arizona
Jessica Turner—Baltimore, Maryland
Chief Executive Officer: Elizabeth Silkes
Chief Philanthropy Officer: Bonnie Baker
Chief Communications Officer: Mindy Riesenberg
Canyon Views Managing Editor: Andrea Osorio
Graphic Design: Lori J. Hale, Beryl Creative
Printing: Prisma
Copyright © 2025 Grand Canyon Conservancy
Grand Canyon Conservancy
P.O. Box 399
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023-0399
(800) 858-2808
grandcanyon.org
Cover:
Northern Lights over Grand Canyon National Park. Photo courtesy of Thomas Womack, winner of the 2025 Membership Photo Contest.
Powell Point Sunset. Photo credit: NPS- M/Quinn.
A Message from Ed
By Ed Keable, Superintendent Grand Canyon National Park
It is my great pleasure to welcome Elizabeth Silkes to the Grand Canyon community. Liz has quickly demonstrated her love for and commitment to the Grand Canyon in her short time as Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Chief Executive Officer.
From my time working in the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor, where my legal practice included work enhancing public-private relationships, I knew for years before becoming Grand Canyon National Park’s (GRCA) Superintendent that GCC is the best park friends’ group in the National Park System. Liz and GCC staff have worked closely with me and park staff to find new ways to work even more effectively together.
Our work together is deepening with our revamping of the processes GRCA uses to integrate all GCC funds from philanthropy and direct aid (store sales receipts) into the park budget. We know this will enable us focus on the highest and best uses of aid received from GCC. We have also integrated staff in both park and GCC regular construction planning and coordination. Our collaboration has never been more integrated. It has never been more successful. It has never been more fun.
A key to the success of our relationship in recent years has been my articulation of three clear priorities for managing GRCA: 1) Indigenous affairs; 2) climate resilience; and 3) infrastructure and historic preservation.
These remain GRCA’s priorities because they make sense for the park. These priorities have energized GRCA and GCC staff to new heights of collaboration.
You will read about some of the great work GCC is doing to support the park in this edition of Canyon Views. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support for Grand Canyon National Park.
Photo credits: NPS
Join
us for the 17th
Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
SEPTEMBER 18-21, 2025
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Grand Canyon as it inspires artists from across the country. This year’s Celebration of Art brings new, dynamic mediums beyond plein air painting—showcasing the creativity fueled by one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
BE PART OF THE MAGIC THIS SEPTEMBER:
• Watch artists create along the South Rim
• Meet the artists and collect one-of-a-kind pieces at the Collectors’ Reception (Sep. 20, 5:30 P.M.–7:00 P.M.)
• Explore the Exhibition & Sale at Kolb Studio (Sep. 21 onward)
Shop online for art that captures the spirit of Grand Canyon, available through April 2026.
From the CEO
Dear Friends,
When you stand at the edge of Grand Canyon, you see more than layers of ancient rock—you see a living, breathing testament to resilience, beauty, and connection. The canyon holds the stories of millennia, speaks to the challenges of today, and, if we listen closely, reveals the future we are shaping with every choice we make.
Today, that future is unfolding before our eyes. Wildlife seeks higher ground. Fragile plants struggle to survive. Streams run dry, and the mighty Colorado River ebbs lower than ever. These signs are sobering, but they are also a call to action—a chance for us to step forward, to learn, to protect, and to lead a movement of conservation and hope.
At Grand Canyon Conservancy, we are honored to be stewards of this sacred place. We are driven by a deep love for Grand Canyon National Park and a firm belief that, with your partnership, we can preserve its wonders—not just for today, but for all the generations yet to come.
Your support is already making an extraordinary difference. In this issue of Canyon Views, you’ll see the impact
you are creating—from protecting our pristine dark skies to uplifting the voices of the 11 Indigenous tribes whose ancestral ties to the canyon run deep. Together, we are ensuring their stories, their wisdom, and their cultures are woven into the experience of every visitor.
Grand Canyon inspires awe, and it reminds us that the legacies we leave behind are built day by day, choice by choice. As you read through this issue, I hope you feel a deep pride in the legacy you are helping to create— a legacy of preservation, respect, and hope.
Thank you for standing with us, and for standing for Grand Canyon. Together, we are shaping a future as timeless and inspiring as the canyon itself.
With gratitude and determination,
Elizabeth Silkes CEO Grand Canyon Conservancy
Photo credit: Mindy Riesenberg
International Dark Sky Defender: Grand Canyon Park Ranger Rader Lane
By AJ Lapre, Chief of Interpretation, Education, and Media at Grand Canyon National Park
DarkSky International, a global advocacy organization, is dedicated to restoring the nighttime environment and protecting communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation. The organization provides leadership, tools, and resources to individuals, policymakers, and industry leaders across the world, helping to reduce light pollution and preserve dark skies.
Each year, DarkSky International recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups committed to its mission of preserving the night. These leaders play a vital role in strengthening the global dark sky movement and inspiring others to join the effort against light pollution. In 2024, the Dark Sky Defender Award for North America was proudly presented to Grand Canyon National Park Ranger Rader Lane!
Rader was recognized for his exceptional leadership in the Grand Canyon National Park Dark Skies Program, the largest outreach initiative in the U.S. National Park Service. His dedication is evident through the implementation of practical solutions and engaging more than 48,000 visitors in 2023 through public programs.
The Dark Sky Defender Award emphasizes education, advocacy, and collaboration.
Honorees demonstrate a commitment to preserving night skies by promoting quality outdoor nighttime lighting that reduces light pollution and its environmental impacts.
Nominees include those who have led impactful public education and outreach campaigns, advocated for regulatory measures, collaborated with media and policymakers to elevate awareness, or fostered
Ranger Rader Lane. Photo credit: NPS
partnerships to drive positive change.
In addition to hands-on efforts at the park, Rader’s “Night Spoken Series” has become a vital educational tool, fostering a deeper understanding of the value of natural darkness. His ability to engage visitors, policymakers,
and stakeholders showcases how Rader’s passion and leadership has driven collective action. This award serves as a testament to the lasting impact of his efforts and the continued importance of protecting our night skies. These accomplishments would not have been possible
without the generous support of Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters who donated to protect dark skies. Your commitment provides the essential resources and backing needed for Rader and the park to continue their award-winning work in dark sky conservation!
Photo credit: NPS
A Summer of Stars and Stories at Grand Canyon National Park
SUMMER 2025 EVENTS
Grand Canyon National Park isn’t just a place for natural wonders; it’s also a vibrant cultural and astronomical destination, especially in the summer during peak travel season.
With events like Heritage Days, the Grand Canyon Star Party, and the Cultural Demonstration Program, the park offers a chance to connect with both the deep history of the region and the vastness of the universe.
This summer, make sure to carve out time to experience these unforgettable events that celebrate the rich cultural diversity, celestial beauty, and enduring traditions of Grand Canyon.
Star Party. Photo credit: NPS/J. Olson
HERITAGE DAYS
August 1-3, 2025
One of the most anticipated summer events at Grand Canyon National Park is Heritage Days, held annually to honor the 11 tribal communities who call the canyon home. The 2025 edition will once again provide visitors the opportunity to experience the cultural diversity of the region, with a focus on Indigenous cultures, stories, and art.
Founded in the early 1990s as “Paiute Days,” this event has evolved into a celebration of all the tribal people who have called Grand Canyon home since time immemorial. In a 2022 video about the history of Heritage Days, retired park ranger Marcia Martin shared how the event grew alongside the National Park Service’s efforts to repatriate Indigenous artifacts, and how the collaborative vision grew over the years. Today, Heritage Days brings together tribal artists and community members to share their crafts and culture in a stunning outdoor setting at the North Rim.
Throughout the event, visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as beading, weaving, ceramics, and silversmithing, with artists offering firsthand insights into their techniques, stories, and cultural significance. It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with Indigenous artists and gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of the people who have shaped the region for thousands of years.
Heritage Days is an experience that celebrates cultural exchange and connection, allowing visitors to learn not just about art, but about the deep relationships between the 11 tribal communities and Grand Canyon.
Gerald Dawavendewa talks to visitors about Hopi artwork. Photo credit: GCC/Lauren Cisneros
Jessica Lomatewama Weaves a Hopi Basket. Photo credit: GCC/Lauren Cisneros
34TH ANNUAL GRAND CANYON STAR PARTY
June 21-28, 2025
The 2025 Grand Canyon Star Party will take place at both the South and North rims of the park, providing a truly magical opportunity to connect with the universe. Known for its dark, unspoiled skies, Grand Canyon National Park is a haven for stargazers, and Star Party makes the most of this incredible setting.
The event features dozens of telescopes, offering visitors breathtaking views of distant galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, planets, and double stars. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or a first-time observer, Star Party provides an unforgettable way to explore the cosmos. During the day, solar telescopes will offer safe viewing of the sun, allowing visitors to witness solar flares, sunspots, and other solar phenomena.
Star Party isn’t just about gazing at the stars — it’s about experiencing the night sky in one of the last remaining dark sky parks in the United States. Visitors will have the chance to observe the wonders of the universe without the interference of pervasive light pollution, all while learning from expert astronomers about the science behind the stars above.
Remember to bring a red flashlight, as white lights interfere with stargazing beneath dark skies. If you don’t have a red flashlight, a simple solution is to cover your flashlight with red cellophane (available at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center) or use red nail polish to tint the lens. This ensures you’ll enjoy the full experience without disturbing the night vision of others.
WEEKLY CULTURAL DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The Cultural Demonstration Program at Grand Canyon National Park continues to thrive, elevating the voices of tribal members and sharing rich traditions with visitors from around the world. Launched in 2014 with just four demonstrators, the program has grown over the past decade to include over 200 participants. The demonstrations are free and open to all, with presentations available five days a week during the summer.
Through the support of Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Intertribal Working Group, and Grand Canyon National Park, this program offers a platform for tribal members to showcase their crafts, storytelling, and cultural practices. Over the years, millions of visitors have had the opportunity to engage with these artists, learning about their personal connections to Grand Canyon and the enduring importance of preserving Indigenous cultures.
Visitors can experience a wide range of demonstrations, including beadwork, pottery, basket weaving, and silversmithing.
Thanks to the generosity of Grand Canyon Conservancy donors, the program includes travel stipends and honorariums for participants, making it possible for more tribal members to share their culture with the public.
Star Party Volunteers. Photo credit: NPS
Members in the Hopi Room second level of the Watchtower discussing the murals painted by Hopi Artist Fred Kabotie, most prominent being the Snake Legend mural. Photo credit: NPS
17TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ART
September 18-21, 2025
Celebration of Art (CoA) is a longtime Grand Canyon National Park tradition.
Celebration of Art showcases a juried selection of artists whose works are inspired by the canyon. This year’s event brings exciting new additions beyond plein-air painting, expanding to showcase a diverse range of mediums. Attendees can expect to explore basketry, metalsmithing, drum making, photography,
offering a richer and more dynamic artistic experience.
Every purchase supports a visionary project—a dedicated art venue at Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters located at the South Rim.
A SUMMER OF DISCOVERY AT GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon National Park offers a summer full of adventure, learning, and connection. This summer, take the opportunity to explore Grand Canyon in a new light — whether it’s gazing up at the stars or delving deep into
the stories that have shaped this iconic place. Grand Canyon is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a place where art, culture, and dark skies come together in ways that inspire and connect us all.
Summer Moonrise Over Grand Canyon Village (South Rim).
Photo credit: NPS/M.Quinn
Photo credit: Mindy Riesenberg
A Legacy in Every Brushstroke: The Sutherlands’ Enduring Gift to Grand Canyon Art
By Mindy Riesenberg, Chief Communications Officer
Imagine standing in front of a painting so vivid it sweeps you into the depths of Grand Canyon—where each stroke of the brush captures not just the terrain’s rugged majesty but its emotional resonance. Picture a child leaning in close to examine an ancient artifact, their imagination fired by a tangible connection to the centuries of cultures that have flourished on this sacred land. These moments of discovery and reflection are precisely what Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park hope to cultivate with its upcoming art and exhibit venue at the South Rim.
For years, GCC’s Celebration of Art event has not only honored the canyon’s natural beauty through the eyes of artists but has also served as a vital fundraising effort to bring this long-envisioned space to life. Thanks to the continued support of generous donors and visionaries, that dream is taking shape—now with the promise of permanence.
At the heart of this vision are Dawn and Stan Sutherland. Longtime supporters of GCC, their dedication has culminated in the creation of the Dawn and Stan Sutherland Art Venue Endowment, a fund designed to provide ongoing support for the venue’s maintenance and growth.
Learn more about the art and exhibit venue.>>
“Grand Canyon is a natural wonder—and a natural work of art,” said Stan Sutherland, current GCC Board Secretary. “It’s been inspiring artists for generations, and we want people to continue seeing it that way.”
The Sutherlands’ connection to the canyon is deeply personal. They’ve crossed it rim-to-rim and floated its powerful waters down the Colorado River. Dawn, an acclaimed plein-air painter, has been a featured artist in Celebration of Art for over a decade, and won Best of Show in 2023. Their shared passion for the landscape has not only fueled their adventures but also their commitment to preserving its cultural and artistic significance.
The new art venue will be a vibrant hub for creative and cultural engagement. It is planned to be located at the historic Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters—an iconic Mission 66-era structure completed in 1957— and will house rotating exhibitions, provide space for future collections, and host youth workshops, Artist-in-Residence programs, cultural presentations, and special community events.
“We’ve been waiting so long for a venue like this, and now that it’s finally happening, we’re thrilled to support it,” said Dawn. “I’m honored to have been part of Celebration of Art for 12 years, and to now help shape this new chapter.”
Grand Canyon Celebration of Art pastel painting easel on canyon edge.
Photo credit: Terri Attridge
For the Sutherlands, the venue isn’t just about showcasing art—it’s about deepening the connection between the canyon and the people who experience it.
“Art isn’t just a record of a place,” said Stan. “It’s an interpretation of how that place moved the artist.
Expressing the canyon artistically helps others understand its emotional and spiritual impact.”
Dawn echoed that sentiment, highlighting the way art can bridge physical limitations.
“Not everyone can hike to Devil’s Corkscrew— but I can paint it for them.
That way, they still get to experience it.”
The endowment ensures that this transformative space won’t just open its doors—it will thrive for generations to come.
“People often focus on building something, but forget about maintaining it,” said Stan.
“We don’t have children. For us, Grand Canyon is a legacy, and we want this venue to be a lasting part of that.”
Thanks to the Sutherlands and countless other advocates, Grand Canyon’s story will continue to be told—not just in the land and the river, but in color, canvas, and creativity.
16th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art Best of Show Award—John D Cogan. When Shadows Grow Long, 24x30 ©2024
Monsoon Rain and a Partial Rainbow as seen from the Village Historic District.
Photo credit: NPS/M.Quinn
Sunrise from Mather Point. Photo credit: NPS/J. Baird
Planned Giving
Even World Wonders need a helping hand. Help preserve Grand Canyon for generations to come through planned giving.
Leave a lasting legacy for Grand Canyon with any of these options:
ٿ Put GCC in your will
ٿ Name GCC as a beneficiary of an investment or insurance policy
ٿ Give a QCD or IRA rollover or distribution
ٿ Donate appreciated stock
Financial goals and tax savings can be achieved with planned giving, and the greatest satisfaction is knowing your investment will make a lasting impact on Grand Canyon National Park.
Visit grandcanyon.org/protect-grand-canyon/plannedgiving for more information—including a free resource to help you create a will and details about GCC’s Bright Angel Circle Planned Giving Society—or contact Lynn Donahue at ldonahue@grandcanyon.org.
Grand Canyon Conservancy EIN: 86-0179548
Meet RisingBuffalo Maybee, Grand Canyon National Park’s New Tribal Program Manager
By Andrea Osorio, Grand Canyon Conservancy
At the beginning of this year, RisingBuffalo Maybee joined Grand Canyon National Park as the new Tribal Program Manager—bringing with him a lifetime of experience, cultural insights, and a vision for the future.
Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee, known by his Northern Arapaho name “RisingBuffalo,” carries with him a story as vast and enduring as Grand Canyon itself. He has stepped into a vital role—leading government-to-government Tribal consultation, fostering Indigenous community engagement, and ensuring Native voices are respectfully represented in park initiatives.
Raised on the Cattaraugus Reservation near Buffalo, New York, and tied to the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, RisingBuffalo is a member of the Northern Arapaho and Seneca Nations (Turtle Clan). His name, “RisingBuffalo,” carries sacred meaning, while “Maybee” honors his lineage within the Longhouse tradition—a democratic legacy that helped influence the founding ideals of the United States.
With more than a decade of NPS experience at places like Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde,
“The goal in my life is to make positive—and sometimes difficult— systemic changes for our Native communities from within
the National Park Service.”
Organ Pipe, El Morro, and Rocky Mountain, RisingBuffalo has walked the delicate path between Indigenous communities and federal systems—listening and advocating for meaningful engagement.
In past roles, RisingBuffalo often found himself working on Indigenous engagement as more of
RisingBuffalo Maybee
a “side project”—an extra task fueled by passion. Now, for the first time in his career, that work becomes central to his role.
“To come and solely focus on Indigenous connections is something I’ve been waiting for my whole career,” he says. “Especially having such a powerful team dedicated to this work— it’s special.”
He is energized by the possibilities: meaningful conversations and “failing forward”—his phrase for learning through vulnerability and progress.
Outside of work, RisingBuffalo dives into cultural events and all the food, music, and connections they have to offer. From Greek Festivals to community events like the Denver March Powwow, you’ll often find him where culture is alive and thriving.
RisingBuffalo Maybee walks with purpose—and invites others to walk beside him. His journey at Grand Canyon has only just begun, but with his voice and vision, he is already building towards, in his words, “a better future for our grandchildren.”
Photo credit: NPS
Member Spotlight: Gregory Dixon
Nearly five decades after his first hike into Grand Canyon, Gregory Dixon reflects on the adventures, values, and memories that have tied his heart to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Photo credit: GregoryDixon
In April 1975, a young Gregory Dixon shouldered his backpack and descended into Grand Canyon for the first time. The route was rugged—down Kanab Creek to the Colorado River, upstream to Deer Creek, then back up to the North Rim from the Esplanade. But what he discovered on that journey was something far more lasting than just a trail: awe.
“The
Grand Canyon opened
my eyes to a whole other world.”
“Until that trip, my outdoor experiences were limited to the Sierra Nevada,” Gregory recalls. “The canyon opened my eyes to a world where billions of years of Earth’s history are on display.”
Even though Gregory would return home to Alaska, he knew the canyon had become a permanent part of his life.
Since 1975, Gregory has returned to the canyon time and again, exploring its depth and beauty through remote hikes across Marble Canyon, the North Rim, and South Rim backcountry. His most recent journey—a 10day Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute trek in 2015—followed the Hermit Trail to the Tonto Trail and exited via the South Bass Trail.
Some memories stand out from that trip. “I still have a framed photograph of sunrise on the Great Thumb Mesa taken by Bruce Barnbaum,” says Gregory. “It captures the quiet majesty of that moment perfectly.”
Gregory’s commitment to the canyon has continued to grow. As a longtime member of GCC he has supported projects that resonate with his values, such as the Desert View Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site.
“When I first learned about the transformation of Desert View—from a gift shop to a space honoring the region’s Indigenous cultures— I was immediately supportive,” he says.
Trail maintenance is another cause close to his heart.
“I hope others can have the same experiences hiking in the canyon that I’ve had. The corridor trails need constant care, and the lesser-used ones benefit from occasional attention too.”
Through decades of hiking, giving, and learning, Gregory Dixon has built a life-long relationship with Grand Canyon. His story reminds us that the canyon is more than a destination—it’s a place that inspires adventure, reflection, and lasting connection.
“I
have been drawn to Grand Canyon Conservancy because I think it is one of the most organized and innovative supporting cooperative associations in all the National Park System. Their priorities, programs, and projects reflect many of my personal values.”
Gregory Dixon
Brushstrokes and Beyond: Experience Creativity at Grand Canyon’s Premier Art Event
Get ready for an unforgettable artistic journey! This September, Grand Canyon Conservancy proudly presents the 17th annual Celebration of Art Exhibition and Sale, an event that brings together creativity, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most iconic landscapes.
This year, the tradition grows even richer. While plein air painting remains at the heart of the event, we’re expanding beyond the canvas to include stunning works in basketry, drum making, photography, and more— offering a deeper, more immersive experience for art lovers of all kinds.
Photo credit: W. Tyson Joye, National Park Service
Michelle Condrat painting on the South Rim Grand Canyon Celebration of Art.
Photo credit: NPS/Michael Quinn
MORE TIME, MORE ART, MORE INSPIRATION
For the first time ever, you’ll have an extended opportunity to explore and purchase incredible works of art. The exhibition and sale will be available online and at historic Kolb Studio through April 26, 2026, giving you more chances to bring home a piece of the canyon’s magic.
BE PART OF THE CREATIVE ENERGY
From September 18–21, watch artists in action as they paint and demonstrate their skills along the South Rim. Then, on September 21, the highly anticipated exhibition and sale officially open to the public, both in person at Kolb Studio and online.
ART THAT GIVES BACK
Every purchase supports a visionary project— a dedicated art venue at Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters, where all forms of Grand Canyon-inspired art will be celebrated for generations to come. Planning is already underway, and we can’t wait to share this new creative space with you!
2025 CoA Artists
Steve Atkinson, Prescott, AZ
Elizabeth Black, Boulder, CO
Philip Carlton, Fruita, CO
John D. Cogan, Farmington, NM
Michelle Condrat, Salt Lake City, UT
Tom Conner, Phoenix, AZ
Bill Cramer, Prescott, AZ
Cody DeLong, Bonfim, Porto
Monica Esposito-Mann, Grand Junction, CO
Linda Glover Gooch, Mesa AZ
Bruce Gomez, Denver, CO
Richard Graymountain, Navajo Mountain, UT
Tom Lockhart, Colorado Springs, CO
Tim McDavid, Houston, TX
James McGrew, Lake Oswego, OR
Jose Luis Nunez, San Diego, CA
Robin Purcell, Hingham, MA
Matagi Sorenson, Santa Fe, NM
Kathryn Stedham, Santa Fe, NM
Dawn Sutherland, Flagstaff, AZ
Paula Swain, Decatur, NE
Priscilla Tacheney, Prescott Valley, AZ
Don’t miss this incredible event!
Whether you experience it in person or online, Celebration of Art is your chance to connect with art, nature, and the awe-inspiring spirit of Grand Canyon.
Mark your calendar and visit Grand Canyon Conservancy’s website for the full schedule of events.
WE’LL SEE YOU AT THE SOUTH
Photo credit: NPS
Photo credit: Fresh Focuses Photography
Walking up the Bright Angel Trail. Photo credit: NPS/M.Quinn
RIM!
GCC Field Institute Snapshot:
DESERT VIEW
Embark on a 4-hour journey at Desert View, an iconic Grand Canyon landmark, guided by your expert Field Institute instructor! Explore the historic Watchtower, learn about the connection between Grand Canyon and the 11 tribal communities who call it home, and delve into architect Mary Colter’s fascinating legacy. The Desert View Tour offers the unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of the canyon’s vibrant cultural wonders while taking in some of the most breathtaking views in North America.
View from Yaki Point.
Photo credit: NPS/M.Quinn
Itinerary:
Meet your instructor at the Visitor Center Plaza Park Store, where your journey kicks off. Your instructor will drive the group to Desert View, explaining the features along the way with a potential stop at Lipan Point. Upon arriving at Desert View, enjoy a private tour inside the Watchtower. Afterwards you will have time to meet and chat with the cultural demonstrators. On the way back to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza, your instructor will ensure you don’t miss stunning scenic overlooks like Yaki Point.
What you‘ll see:
Desert View Watchtower, Cultural Demonstration Program, Yaki Point
Who you‘ll meet:
Your Expert Guide, Noelle Ritzman
Noelle grew up exploring the Sierra Nevada mountains, with weekends spent skiing and camping near Lake Tahoe. Their adventurous spirit led them to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration from Humboldt State University.
Noelle’s career took them to various California State Parks and National Park Service sites, where they discovered a passion for storytelling. While working as an Interpretive Park Ranger at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and as a Wilderness Ranger at Yosemite National Park, Noelle shared the hidden histories of these iconic places with visitors.
Now at Grand Canyon National Park, Noelle is enthusiastic about conveying the magic of Grand Canyon with visitors from all over the world.
Desert View Cultural Demonstration. Photo credit: NPS
Native American Heritage Days. Photo Credit Terri Attridge Cultural Demonstration Program. Photo credit L. Cisneros
Ways to Give
A CLOSER LOOK AT DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS
Grand Canyon Conservancy works together with members to help preserve and protect Grand Canyon, from in-kind gifts to volunteer hours and traditional donations.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAF) are also a wonderful way to support GCC’s mission. A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle that allows donors to contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofit organizations over time. Essentially, it acts as an intermediary between the donor and the charity. Donors contribute to a DAF, which is managed by a sponsoring organization, and can recommend grants to qualified charities whenever they choose.
Walking up the Bright Angel Trail.
Photo credit: NPS
Kolb Studio roof replacement project.
Photo credit: Emily Gerdes, Loven Contracting
You can take advantage of DAFs by:
1. Making a charitable contribution:
You receive an immediate tax deduction in the year you contribute to the fund.
2. Growing your gift:
The assets in the DAF can be invested, potentially increasing in value before being donated.
3. Recommending grants:
You have the flexibility to recommend grants to nonprofits at any time, even if the contributions were made years earlier, providing a way to plan charitable giving over time.
4. Simplifying record-keeping:
Since all donations are pooled in one fund, it simplifies managing and tracking charitable donations for tax purposes.
DAFs are particularly useful for individuals who want to make larger charitable contributions but prefer to decide which specific charities to support at a later time. If you already have an established DAF, you can easily make a distribution to GCC (EIN: 86-0179548).
If you have any questions or would like to know how to make GCC part of your giving plan, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our Philanthropy Team at philanthropy@grandcanyon.org!
Scan the QR code for more ways to give.
Field Institute on the North Rim of Grand Canyon during a Rim-to-Rim Trip (North to South).
Photo: GCC
Celebrate the Spirit of the Parks
All Year Long
National Park Week, held this year from April 19–27, brought vibrant celebrations to parks across the country—from Free Entrance Day to Junior Ranger activities and special events that honored our shared natural heritage. But your connection to our National Parks doesn’t have to end there!
At GCC’s online store, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated collection of unique items perfect for any park enthusiast. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or treating yourself, these top picks are a great way to keep the parks close to your heart every day of the year.
1. Scout Moore Jr. Ranger— Grand Canyon Edition
Scout Moore Jr. Ranger
The Scout Moore Jr. Ranger book is the perfect way to inspire the next generation of National Park lovers. This delightful and humorous book appeals to the Junior Ranger in all of us, and Scout’s story will inspire kids to get outside and explore nature for themselves.
2. Wondery Bottle: Parks of the USA
Wondery Bottle—Parks of the USA
Stay hydrated while exploring the wonders of our national parks with the Wondery Bottle: Parks of the USA. This bottle celebrates the natural beauty of the country’s most iconic parks. Featuring stunning illustrations, this reusable bottle is not only eco-friendly but also a great way to show your park pride wherever you go. Whether you’re hitting the trails or enjoying a picnic, this bottle is sure to keep your drinks cool and your spirits high!
3. The National Parks— Preserving the Wild
The National Parks: Preserving the Wild
In this illustrated graphic novel, turn back the clock to 1872, when Congress established Yellowstone National Park as an area of unspoiled beauty for the “benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Meet the visionaries, artists, and lovers of the American wilderness who fought against corruption and self-interest to carve out and protect these spaces for future generations. See for yourself how the idea of National Parks began, how they’ve changed, and how they continue to define America.
Photo credit: Fresh Focuses
4. Illustrated National Parks Postcard Set
Pumpernickel Press: Illustrated National Parks
Add a touch of artistic flair to your National Parks Week celebrations with the Illustrated National Parks series. This postcard set includes one postcard of each of the 63 parks in the National Park Service. These gorgeous cards are printed with precision on gallery-grade paper—so you can frame and decorate with them, too. This set is an outdoors lover and a postcard collector’s dream!
5. National Parks Playing Cards
Pumpernickel Press: National Parks Playing Cards
National Parks Playing Cards are a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys a good game. These beautifully designed cards feature illustrations from some of the most beloved national parks. Whether you’re playing poker or solitaire, these playing cards offer a fun way to appreciate the beauty of our parks while having a blast with family and friends.
