This special weekend gives us the chance to pause, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary community that stands behind Grand Canyon National Park. This year’s theme, “Behind Every Unforgettable Visitor Experience is You,” recognizes the essential role our members play in shaping how people encounter, understand, and fall in love with this remarkable place.
Every day at Grand Canyon moments of discovery unfold. A visitor steps onto a trail and looks out across two billion years of Earth’s history. A child peers through a telescope and sees the Milky Way stretch across some of the darkest skies in the country. A traveler hears a story that reveals the canyon not only as a landscape, but as a living cultural homeland. These experiences stay with people long after they leave the rim.
What many visitors don’t realize is that these moments are made possible through partnership, dedication, and philanthropy. Because of members like you, Grand Canyon Conservancy works hand-in-hand with Grand Canyon National Park to bring these experiences to life.
This year, we have designed opportunities to engage younger audiences alongside lifelong supporters. You’ll also hear updates on North Rim recovery and trail restoration efforts that are helping ensure this landscape remains resilient for years to come.
We’re also thrilled to welcome filmmaker Brendan Hall, whose film Out There reminds us that the spirit of exploration continues to inspire people to seek wonder in the natural world.
At Grand Canyon Conservancy, we believe the most powerful way to protect this extraordinary landscape is to help people connect with it.
That transformation begins with you.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Silkes, Chief Executive Officer Grand Canyon
Conservancy
Welcome, and thank you for joining us at Grand Gathering. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and partnership – your support makes this work possible.
This weekend, we are excited to share more about the impact of your support as GCC continues to expand and enrich the visitor experience at Grand Canyon. By creating meaningful connections to this extraordinary place and its stories, together we are building a broader community of people committed to its protection and future.
I am also pleased you will get to meet many GCC staff members this weekend. We are a growing group of
talented, thoughtful, and deeply committed individuals serving as champions for our mission.
Thank you for being here and for all that you do to support Grand Canyon.
With appreciation,
Bonnie Baker, Chief Philanthropy Officer Grand Canyon Conservancy
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
CANYON COMPASS AWARD:
Elizabeth and William Sweeney, A Thoughtful and Enduring Legacy
For more than a decade, Elizabeth and William Sweeney have reflected the spirit of the Canyon Compass Award through their enduring generosity and meaningful, long-standing connection to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Since 2011, they have provided 15 years of consecutive support. Their philanthropy reflects both breadth and purpose – from establishing the
“Liz and Bill Sweeney embody true partnership with the park. For over fifteen years, they’ve shown up with both generosity and heart – their giving is deeply personal and profoundly lasting. From launching our first donor match to championing the trails Liz has walked, I’m honored to have them as part of the Grand Canyon Conservancy family.”
– BONNIE BAKER
Grand Canyon Science Endowment to championing the restoration of Kolb Studio and Desert View Watchtower and contributing to the Grand Vision Campaign .
An avid hiker, Liz brings a lifelong passion for the canyon, shaped in part by her time in Sedona and leadership as “Trail Boss” of the Sedona Westerners. Her Rim-to-Rim hike in 2012 reflects a lasting connection to the landscape – one shared with Bill through their support of the Bright Angel Trailhead renovation and Trails Forever Endowment.
Across changing park leadership and priorities, the Sweeneys have remained steadfast partners, working with five Superintendents and continually inspiring others through challenge grants and matching gifts. Bill even launched GCC’s first donor match more than a decade ago, amplifying the impact of countless contributions.
Through the years, Liz and Bill’s donations have helped protect treasured landmarks, expand knowledge through research, and enhance the experiences of millions who visit each year. The impact of their generosity will be felt for decades to come.
Liz and Bill Sweeney, 2015 Grand Gathering attendees, pictured outside Kolb Studio.
CANYON COMPASS AWARD:
Sheila and Allen Henry, A Life Shaped by the Canyon
For more than a decade, Sheila and Allen Henry have embodied the spirit of the Canyon Compass Award through deep personal connection, enduring generosity, and unwavering commitment to Grand Canyon Conservancy. Their journey began with transformative experiences in the canyon – hiking to Phantom Ranch, rafting the Colorado River, and standing beneath a brilliant Milky Way – moments that sparked what they describe as being “bitten by the canyon bug.”
The Henrys are among GCC’s most dedicated ambassadors. Since their first Grand Gathering in 2018, they have actively participated in programs, events, and educational experiences, inspiring others through their enthusiasm and advocacy. From underwriting presentations about the discovery of the canyon’s desiccated bats and hidden caves to supporting the restoration of the ceremony area overlooking the canyon at Desert View, Sheila and Allen are amazing contributors to GCC’s efforts to engage and inspire.
“Grand Canyon truly is a unique and very special place, one of the 7 Wonders of the World, and it needs to be protected.”
– ALLEN HENRY
Their philanthropy reflects both passion and purpose. For over 14 consecutive years, they have contributed transformative support for the Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site and Trails Forever, among other initiatives. As Grand Guardians, they have also supported unrestricted funding and matching challenges, amplifying GCC’s impact.
Through changing times –organizational shifts, evolving park priorities, and personnel transitions – their commitment has never wavered. They remain steadfast Canyon Champions. Their legacy will endure through a planned estate gift, ensuring future generations benefit from the canyon they cherish.
Their connection to Grand Canyon is deeply personal. They describe it as a place of awe, a “natural sanctuary” where, through their journeys, they found joy in roaring rivers, wonder in the night skies, resilience on the trails, and lasting appreciation for the people who make the park’s
experiences possible. Their home is filled with canyon memories, books, and art, reflecting a life shaped by its beauty, adventure, and meaning.
Sheila and Allen represent the very essence of GCC: devoted stewards, generous supporters, and lifelong champions of one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.
Just as a compass provides direction, orientation, and unwavering guidance, the CANYON COMPASS AWARD recognizes exceptional individuals who have served as enduring guides and steady forces in support of GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY’S mission.
Sheila and Allen Henry, 2017 Colorado River Rafting Trip through Grand Canyon.
Keynote Speaker
BRENDAN HALL is a documentary filmmaker telling stories in the natural world and beyond. His projects have brought viewers on adventures that explore the frontiers of our human spirit. In his work, Brendan is committed to sharing the wonders of our planet in the hope that we may be inspired to preserve it for future generations.
In the centennial year of the U.S. National Park Service, a young filmmaker and his childhood friend set off on a 10,000-mile journey through America’s National Parks, leaving home with little more than a camera and a desire to understand what connects people to these wild places. What begins as a summer road trip becomes a seven-year odyssey, capturing untold stories of those who protect, visit, and find healing in the parks.
Through intimate interviews, breathtaking cinematography, and a profound original music score, Out There uncovers a deeply human portrait of the parks – revealing them as places of reflection, resilience, and connection across generations and cultures.
A stunning visual tribute and grassroots love letter, Out There reimagines what it means to find belonging in the natural world, and the power of public lands to bring us back to ourselves.
10:20 A.M. – 10:40 A.M. Elevating First Voices at Grand Canyon NPS Desert View Interpretation, Dan Pawlak & Kelli Jones
10:40 A.M. – 10:50 A.M. Break
10:50 A.M. – 11:10 A.M. Conservation K-9: A Bold New Approach to Wildlife Protection NPS Science & Resource Management, Brady Dunne & Blue*
11:10 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. North Rim Recovery NPS North Rim Recovery Deputy Manager, Rachel Bennett
11:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Stand Together for Grand Canyon GCC Philanthropy Team
12:00 P.M. – 12:15 P.M. Group Photo
12:15 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. Picnic Lunch
1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. Break
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Optional Activities* (see next page for details)
SUNDAY, MAY 17
Morning Sessions at Visitor Center
7:30 A.M. – 8:15 A.M. Continental Breakfast and Coffee
8:15 A.M. – 8:30 A.M. Welcome from Elizabeth Silkes
8:30 A.M. – 9:45 A.M. Q&A with Superintendent Ed Keable and Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO Elizabeth Silkes
9:45 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. Closing Remarks
2:30 P.M. – 3:45 P.M.
Public Out There Film Screening at Visitor Center Theater*
*Programming designed for all ages
Optional Activities
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Volunteer Opportunity with NPS Vegetation Crew
8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Volunteers will assist with repotting, weeding, soil mixing, and transplanting seedlings at the Greenhouse. Lunch will be provided. Sign-up required.
National Park Service Thank You*
1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Stop by the GCC Visitor Center Store to recognize NPS staff for their hard work. Lemonade and cookies will be provided, while supplies last.
Legends & Landscapes with Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute*
1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Explore Grand Canyon’s history through the intertwined stories of miners, tourists, and the natural environment. More details will be provided at check-in at the GCC Visitor Center Store.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
Museum Collection Tour
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Step behind the scenes for a private tour of Grand Canyon’s most treasured art and artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into the park’s remarkable collection, along with a preview of plans for the future art venue.
River Denizens with GCC Artist in Residence
Alumna, Julie Anand*
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
In this workshop, participants will learn about the Grand Canyon’s different native fish species and create a photogram – a camera-less photograph – to take home. Materials will be provided.
SATURDAY, MAY 16 (continued)
Walk Through Canyon Geology*
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Join Grand Canyon geologist and paleontologist, Anne Miller, on a walk down the Trail of Time to hear about Grand Canyon geology, view fossils, and develop a deeper understanding of the landscape.
NPS Trail Crew Operations Tour*
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Tour Grand Canyon’s historic mule barn with NPS Trail Crew and learn how mules carry supplies needed to maintain and restore Grand Canyon’s trails.
Desert View Tour
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Visit one of Grand Canyon’s most treasured landmarks, the historic Desert View Watchtower, and discover the connection between the park and the 11 tribal communities who have long called it home. Transportation provided.
Grand Stroll with Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute*
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
This guided educational walk weaves through history along the edge of Grand Canyon. Hear about the Field Institute’s growing family programming.
Canyon Quest with Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Field Institute staff will guide you below the rim to explore the depths of time through the canyon’s geological history. Covering between 2 and 3 miles, this trail is demanding and best suited for prepared hikers.
Circular Weaving with GCC Artist in Residence, Orquidia Violeta*
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the meditative art of circular weaving using custom cardboard looms and a palette of desert-inspired fibers.
*Programming designed for all ages
Explore the Wonder of Grand Canyon
Don’t just visit Grand Canyon – EXPERIENCE IT.
Join the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the breathtaking beauty, rich history, and fascinating wildlife of Grand Canyon National Park with expert guides who bring the landscape to life!
YOUR PURCHASE HAS PURPOSE!
Our Grand Canyon Conservancy stores play an important role in supporting our mission, and we’re excited to share some recent enhancements. Be sure to check out the beautifully refreshed store at Desert View and the newly expanded store at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center – both designed to create an even better shopping experience for visitors while supporting the park you care about.
GCC PARK STORE HOURS
May 15–May 16:
SUMMER STORE HOURS
Beginning May 17: All stores will stay open an hour later.
South Rim Visitor Center, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Kolb Studio:
8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. Daily
Desert View: 8:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Daily
South Rim Visitor Center, Verkamp’s Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Kolb Studio: 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. Daily
Desert View: 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. Daily
We are offering a special discount of 25% off to Grand Gathering participants in all GCC Park Stores.
Just show your Grand Gathering lanyard at checkout. Stop by one of our retail stores to shop and take advantage of your extra discount this weekend. Exclusions apply.
Photo: NPS/Michael Quinn
Mark Your Calendar!
36TH ANNUAL GRAND CANYON STAR PARTY
JUNE 6 – 13, 2026
Don’t miss the National Park Service’s largest night-sky festival! This annual event brings together amateur astronomers, special guest speakers, and dark sky enthusiasts for a week of stargazing and constellation talks on the South Rim.
Events include nightly programs from special guest speakers at 8:00 P.M. outdoors, in the plaza in front of the Visitor Center. Evening programs are followed by telescope viewing in the large lot behind the Visitor Center.
Amateur astronomers from across the country volunteer their expertise and offer free nightly astronomy programs and telescope viewing during this special annual event.
GRAND GATHERING 2027
MAY 14 – 16, 2027
We’d love for you to join us again next year!
18TH ANNUAL GRAND CANYON CELEBRATION OF ART
SEPTEMBER 25 – 27, 2026
Celebration of Art (CoA) is a favorite tradition at the park, showcasing a curated selection of artists whose work is inspired by Grand Canyon. This year’s theme, EarthMapping, explores the landscape through sensory, ecological, and interpretive perspectives –from plein air and photography to abstraction and conceptual design – inviting audiences to see the canyon in new ways.
Founded in 2009, CoA is a fundraiser for a dedicated Art Venue planned at the South Rim. Visit grandcanyon.org/coa to view the event schedule and list of participating artists.
INDIGENOUS ROOTS FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 25 – 27, 2026
Indigenous Roots Festival at Grand Canyon
National Park is a powerful celebration of the voices, knowledge, and living cultures of the Indigenous tribes who call this landscape home. Through Indigenous scholars, cultural demonstrations from the 11 associated tribes, and performances by tribal community members, the festival centers Indigenous knowledge as essential – offering perspectives that deepen understanding, strengthen stewardship, and honor connection across these ancestral homelands and beyond.
Photo: John Segesta
Photo: GCC/ L. Cisneros
Give Now. Double Your Impact.
BE A PART OF SOMETHING GRAND –EVERY DOLLAR DONATED THIS WEEKEND WILL BE MATCHED, UP TO $87,000!
YOUR SUPPORT FUELS THE INCREDIBLE WORK BEING HIGHLIGHTED, INCLUDING:
CIRCLE-CHEVRON-RIGHT Maintaining and improving Grand Canyon’s Iconic Trails
CIRCLE-CHEVRON-RIGHT And other innovative programs and projects that inspire and engage (i.e., Art Venue, Preventive Search & Rescue, Youth Education, Historic Village)
Thank you to those who helped bring the Grand Gathering Matching Gift Challenge to life –we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support:
Liz & Bill Sweeney
Every gift made this weekend helps sustain these vital programs and ensures Grand Canyon Conservancy can continue to ENGAGE park visitors in meaningful ways, INSPIRE future generations of park champions, and PROTECT and PRESERVE this magnificent wonder.
Susan & Bill Ahearn
Sheila & Allen Henry
Ann Guarino
Photo: Sean Parker
Optional Activity Dark Sky Program 8:30 P.M. –10:30 P.M.
Out There Film Screening and Q&A with Producer, Brendan Hall 6:15 P.M. –8:15 P.M.
8 South Entrance Road, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Parking Available Friday, May 15 Early Check-In 12:00 P.M. –4:00 P.M.
Welcome Reception and Check-In 4:30 P.M. –6:00 P.M. Sunday, May 17 Breakfast and Q&A with Elizabeth Silkes and Ed Keable 7:30 A.M. –10:00 A.M.
