GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is inviting artists of all ages who are legal residents of Arizona to help create a new symbol for the Grand Canyon State. 

Artists are encouraged to submit original artwork for Arizona's new Grand Canyon specialty license plate, a first-of-its-kind opportunity to create a work of art that may travel highways across the state while supporting one of the world's most iconic landscapes. 

Every Grand Canyon specialty license plate purchased provides a simple, voluntary way for Arizonans to celebrate Grand Canyon while investing directly in its future. Proceeds from the plates will support GCC’s partnership with Grand Canyon National Park by funding critical preservation, conservation, education, and visitor experience initiatives. 

"Grand Canyon belongs to all of us," said Elizabeth Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. "This license plate is more than a beautiful design—it's an invitation for people to carry their love of Grand Canyon wherever they go while helping protect this extraordinary place for future generations. We can't wait to see how artists interpret the beauty, spirit, and significance of the canyon." 

 Funds generated through the specialty plate program will help support projects like: 

• Scientific research and conservation efforts addressing water scarcity, wildfire resilience, and the protection of native plants and wildlife. 
• Preservation of historic buildings, archaeological sites, and the cultural stories woven throughout the landscape. 
• Tribal co-stewardship initiatives that strengthen Indigenous partnerships, protect sacred places, elevate traditional knowledge, and ensure Tribal voices help shape the future of Grand Canyon. 
• Educational programs and visitor experiences including school field trips, distance learning, artist and scientist residencies, and other opportunities that deepen connections to the canyon. 

Artists are encouraged to create original designs that capture the spirit, beauty, and significance of Grand Canyon while meeting Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) requirements for specialty license plates. Inspiration may come from the canyon's dramatic landscapes, the Colorado River, wildlife, cultural heritage, or the sense of wonder the park inspires in millions of visitors each year. The selected artist will receive a $1,000 cash award. 

 Contest Timeline 

• Submissions Open: Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. MST 
• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. MST 
• Public Voting: October 5–11, 2026 
• Winner Announced: Week of October 12, 2026 

Design Requirements 

Designs must: 

• Feature a recognizable Grand Canyon National Park-inspired image spanning the plate. 
• Maintain sufficient color contrast and readability for license plate numbers. 
• Include "ARIZONA" at the top of the plate. 
• Include "Grand Canyon Conservancy" in the lower legend area. 
• Follow all Arizona Department of Transportation license plate design standards. 
• Be entirely original and not AI-generated. 
• Be free of copyright or trademark infringement. 

Final designs are subject to review and modification as necessary to comply with ADOT and law enforcement readability standards. 

Submission Information 

Entries must be submitted electronically through CrowdRiff in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format. Files must have a minimum resolution of 72 ppi and may not exceed 16 MB. The winning artist will be required to provide a layered, editable version of the artwork, with vector artwork preferred. 

Complete contest rules, design specifications, ADOT guidelines, and submission instructions are available here. 

Submissions may be uploaded at: https://upload.crowdriff.com/grand-canyon-conservancy-72339d67 

No purchase is necessary to enter. Entries are limited to individual artists (no agencies). Grand Canyon Conservancy reserves the right to disqualify submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or politically partisan content. The selected artist will grant Grand Canyon Conservancy and the Arizona Department of Transportation an exclusive, perpetual worldwide license for use of the winning design on the specialty license plate and related marketing materials. Non-winning artists retain ownership of their submitted artwork. 

About Grand Canyon Conservancy 

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org. 

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, announced today that it has been awarded a $720,000 innovation grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to launch Enhancing the Grand Canyon Visitor Experience through Digital Connectivity, a new initiative that will bring free public WiFi and expanded digital interpretation opportunities to Grand Canyon National Park.

The award is part of a $10 million investment in innovation by NPF that will support 18 projects benefiting 21 national parks. The highly competitive program was created to help parks and their nonprofit partners test innovative ideas, implement scalable technologies, and share solutions that strengthen park operations and enhance visitor experiences. More than 200 proposals were submitted during the program's first funding cycle. 

"This investment allows us to reimagine how visitors experience Grand Canyon while preserving what makes this place so extraordinary," said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. "By expanding digital connectivity and interpretation, we're helping visitors more easily access important information, deepen their understanding of the canyon's remarkable natural and cultural history, and create a safer, more enriching experience for millions of people each year."

The multi-phase initiative will create free public WiFi access at Grand Canyon National Park while expanding digital interpretation opportunities that help visitors connect more deeply with the park's landscapes, history, cultures, and science.

"Innovation has always been part of the story of our national parks, but turning new ideas into action can be difficult. That's where philanthropy can help," said NPF President and CEO Jeff Reinbold. "The National Park Foundation is excited to empower parks and park partners to test new approaches, learn what works, and scale solutions that will help our national parks thrive for generations to come." 

The first phase of the project will expand free public WiFi access at key locations throughout the park. GCC recently completed the initial development of visitor WiFi at five GCC stores and is preparing to launch WiFi at these first sites. Future expansion will include additional locations such as bus stops, parking areas, shade structures, entry stations, and overlooks.

Visitors who connect to GCC's WiFi will access a landing page featuring park alerts, safety information, events, educational programs, maps, and resources designed to help them make the most of their visit.

Building on this new connectivity, the second phase of the project will expand opportunities for digital interpretation. Through digital platforms and potential partnerships with existing app providers, visitors will be able to access immersive, location-based content, including audio stories, videos, historic photographs, educational resources, and other interpretive experiences that bring Grand Canyon's natural and cultural stories to life.

Grand Canyon Conservancy's project is one of several innovative efforts funded through the NPF’s inaugural program, which includes projects focused on visitor connectivity, real-time traffic management, data-informed decision-making, and other scalable technologies designed to improve national parks across the country. 

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs on the region's natural and cultural history. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, public educational programs, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitats. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit grandcanyon.org. 

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, announced today that the APS Foundation has committed a transformational $1 million gift toward the rehabilitation and redesign of the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

The APS Foundation commitment serves as the lead gift in Grand Canyon Conservancy’s capital campaign supporting major restoration, rehabilitation, and visitor infrastructure projects at Grand Canyon’s North Rim following the Dragon Bravo Fire in 2025. This effort is part of a broader comprehensive campaign for Grand Canyon National Park.

The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained corridor trail from the North Rim into the canyon and serves hikers, backpackers, stock users, and rim-to-rim runners from around the world. Increasing visitation, particularly during spring and fall shoulder seasons, has placed significant strain on the current trailhead infrastructure, resulting in severe parking congestion, traffic hazards, and impacts to surrounding natural resources. 

“The North Kaibab Trail offers one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences anywhere in the world, but the current trailhead no longer meets the needs of today’s visitors,” said Elizabeth Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “We are deeply grateful to the APS Foundation for this visionary investment in the future of Grand Canyon. Their leadership gift will help create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming experience for millions of visitors while protecting the canyon’s fragile resources for generations to come.”

The project is expected to significantly improve the visitor experience by creating upgraded restrooms, shade structures, information kiosks, accessible pathways, improved wayfinding, expanded and reorganized parking, enhanced pedestrian circulation, and upgraded utilities and interpretive infrastructure. These improvements will reduce congestion and confusion, particularly during times of high visitation when parking utilization has exceeded 400 percent of designated capacity. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the APS Foundation for this generous investment in the future of Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” said Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. “The North Kaibab Trailhead is the gateway to one of the park’s most iconic experiences, and these improvements will make a tremendous difference for visitors while helping us better protect the surrounding landscape. As we continue recovering from the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire, partnerships like this one are essential to rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring that future generations can safely experience and enjoy Grand Canyon.”

"As APS marks 140 years of serving Arizona and America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the APS Foundation has an opportunity to invest in the places and infrastructure that connect generations," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO and Chair of the APS Foundation. "The North Kaibab Trailhead project is about safety, resilience, and stewardship – helping the North Rim recover, improving the visitor experience, and ensuring this national treasure remains accessible and enjoyable for millions of visitors long into the future."

Grand Canyon Conservancy will continue fundraising efforts in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park to support a long-term vision for North Rim recovery, restoration, and resilient redevelopment following the Dragon Bravo Fire, including critical infrastructure, visitor experience, trail, and resource protection projects.

For more information or to support North Rim Recovery, visit Grand Canyon Conservancy.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

About APS Foundation

Founded in 1981, the APS Foundation has invested more than $70 million in Arizona communities, supporting STEM education, workforce development, heat relief and other needs that contribute to long-term economic vitality. APS Foundation support is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.

Elizabeth and William Sweeney, A Thoughtful and Enduring Legacy 

For more than a decade, Elizabeth and William Sweeney have reflected on 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 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 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, Chief Philanthropy Officer

Sheila and Allen Henry, A Life Shaped by the Canyon 

For more than a decade, Sheila and Allen Henry embodied the spirit of the Canyon Compass Award through deep personal connection, enduring generosity, and unwavering commitment to Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC). 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. 

Their philanthropy reflects both passion and purpose. For over 14 consecutive years, they have contributed transformative support for the Desert View Inter-tribal 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.   

“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

2025 Recipients: 

Susan and William Ahearn, May 2025 

Dawn and Stan Sutherland, Sept 2025 

Why This Moment Matters

Why does an ancient natural structure — one that outlasted ice ages and watched mammals evolve — need our help right now?

Because even what feels timeless can be vulnerable. Last year's wildfire was a stark reminder that this vast, enduring place is fragile. At the same time, federal funding for national park maintenance and conservation has been shrinking.

This year, our country turns 250. It’s a moment to ask what we want to carry forward into the next 250 and beyond. Grand Canyon, one of the most extraordinary places on earth, is at the heart of that answer.

One Grand Day is our chance to stand up for what we value, and to turn our love for this place into action.

How You Can Help

Share the occasion with your networks to help us spread the word!

• Download One Grand Day Graphics.
• Post on social.
• Share one of GCC’s posts.
• Text a friend. 

Donate

How to Tell Your Story

You don’t need the perfect words. You just need yours.

A good post or message does not have to say everything. In fact, it is often stronger when it comes from one honest memory, one feeling, or one reason this place matters to you.

Here’s a simple way to shape it:

1.  Start with a moment, memory, or first impression

When did Grand Canyon first enter your life or imagination? Was it a visit, a photo, a family trip, a story, a book, or simply the feeling of seeing it for the first time?

You might begin with:

– "I still remember the first time I..."

– "When I think of this place, I think about..."

– "One thing I’ll never forget is..."

2.  Share why it matters to you personally

What does Grand Canyon make you feel? What does it represent in your life? Awe, peace, perspective, beauty, history, belonging, wonder, connection?

You might say:

– "This place makes me feel..."

– "What I love most about it is..."

– "This place has stayed with me because..."

3.  Name what matters about protecting it

What could be lost if this place is not cared for? What deserves to be protected—the wildlife, plants, dark skies, quiet, stories, cultural significance, beauty, access, or the chance for future generations to experience the same wonder? Speak to what matters most to you.

You might say:

– "Protecting this place matters because..."

– "I want future generations to be able to..."

– "What’s worth protecting here is..."

– "Without care, we risk losing..."

4.  Invite others in

Keep it simple, warm, and natural. You are not trying to sound polished. You are simply opening the door.

You might say:

– "On June 23, I’m joining One Grand Day."

– "I’d love for you to be part of it too."

– "Will you join me in celebrating and protecting Grand Canyon?"

Another way to begin

Not everyone connects through memory first. Some people may feel more drawn to speak about what is at stake, the impact, or why protecting this place matters now. That is just as powerful.

If that feels more natural to you, start there: with why this place matters, what you want to protect, and why others should care.

You can use this in a text, a social media post, an email, or even a conversation over coffee. The medium does not matter. What matters is your voice.

Sample Messages

Use these as a starting point, or write something only you would say.

A few reminders

▪  You do not need to write a lot.

▪  A photo and a few honest words are enough.

▪  Specific memories and feelings are often what people connect with most.

▪  There is no single right way to tell your story.

SHORT SOCIAL POST

Some places leave an impression. Grand Canyon is one of them.

On June 23, I’m joining One Grand Day — a day to celebrate and protect the awe, beauty, and wonder of this living landscape.

I hope you’ll join me. [LINK]

LONGER SOCIAL POST

I’ve been thinking about Grand Canyon lately — partly because I love it, and partly because a place like this shouldn’t be taken for granted.

It’s easy to think a place this vast will always be there, unchanged.

But even wonder is vulnerable.

Threats do not always arrive in obvious ways. Sometimes they come as wildfire, extreme weather, or damage after a sudden event. Sometimes they build over time: strain on trails, fragile habitats under pressure, or stories and cultural resources at risk.

That’s why this place needs ongoing care — to protect the beauty, wildlife, quiet, dark skies, and deep sense of awe that stay with people long after they leave.

On June 23, I’m joining One Grand Day — a day when people who care about the canyon come together and make that care visible.

I’ll be part of it. I’d love for you to be, too.

[LINK]

TEXT MESSAGE

You know how much I love Grand Canyon, right? There’s now a day called One Grand Day — when people who care about it come together to help protect it. It’s on June 23, and I’ll be part of it. Want to join me? [LINK]

EMAIL

Subject: Want to join me?

Hi [Name],

I’m not sure if I ever told you how much Grand Canyon means to me.

It started with [your connection to the canyon — a trip, a photo, a lifelong dream, or whatever feels true for you].

Ever since, it’s been one of those places that has stayed with me.

That’s why I’m joining One Grand Day on June 23 — a day when people who care about this place come together to celebrate it and help protect it.

I’d love for you to be part of it, too.

[LINK]

— [Your Name]

Thank You Message

After One Grand Day, say thank you. Here’s a note you can post — and tag the people who gave — or send directly.

Thank you for being part of One Grand Day with me. It means a lot to know you showed up for something that matters deeply to me.

Sharing Resources 

With this toolkit, you get access to:

▪  Shareable graphics and campaign imagery

▪  The One Grand Day logo

▪  [QR code / URL]

Use them freely, or write something in your own words.

Thank you for being part of One Grand Day.

The canyon has endured because people in every generation decided it was worth protecting.

You’re part of that lineage now.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy 

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park. Our mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.

When you give to Grand Canyon Conservancy, your gift funds:

▪ Trail restoration and historic building preservation

▪ Protection of wildlife and natural habitats

▪ Educational programs for visitors, youth, and the public

▪ Dark skies preservation

▪ Cultural heritage programs in partnership with the 11 tribes connected to Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, Ariz.— Grand Canyon Conservancy is thrilled to announce the 18th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon National Park, which continues its tradition of captivating visitors and supporting artists inspired by the canyon while raising funds for an art venue at the South Rim.   

“For nearly two decades, Celebration of Art has highlighted the profound connection between Grand Canyon and the artists it inspires,” said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “This event not only showcases extraordinary work but also deepens our understanding of this remarkable place and ensures its stories continue to inspire future generations.”

Celebration of Art showcases a curated selection of artists whose works are inspired by the canyon. This year’s exhibition theme, Earth-Mapping, explores sensory, ecological, and cartographic interpretations of Grand Canyon National Park through plein air, abstraction, photography, design, and conceptual landscape works, inviting viewers to see the canyon in new ways.

“Earth-Mapping examines the role of artists in capturing moments that become records of environmental and ecological change,” said Cece Cole, curator of Celebration of Art. “These works extend beyond representation, offering scientific, historical, and cultural insight for generations to come.”

From September 21st to 25th, artists begin arriving with the opportunity to create onsite along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, capturing its breathtaking beauty firsthand. On Saturday, September 26th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., a Collectors' Reception (ticketed event) will take place at Kolb Studio and is an opportunity to meet the artists and acquire unique pieces. 

The Exhibition and Sale will open to the public on Sunday, September 27th at historic Kolb Studio, showcasing the works of participating artists. Additionally, the Exhibition and Sale will continue at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org through March 31st, 2027, providing art enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to purchase pieces inspired by Grand Canyon. 

Celebration of Art is the main fundraising source for a future Art Venue and Exhibition Space at Grand Canyon National Park. After years of anticipation, an existing building at the South Rim has been identified as the future location in the National Park Service Headquarters building. Originally a visitors’ center and exhibit hall for the park, it is a historic Mission 66 building designed by Cecile Doty and is conveniently located at the South Rim. 

2026 Artists: 

José Bermúdez (b. Havana, Cuba 1922-d. Phoenix, AZ 1998)
Elizabeth Black, Boulder, CO 
John D. Cogan, Farmington, NM
Michelle Condrat, Salt Lake City, UT
Bill Cramer, Prescott, AZ
Cody DeLong, Bonfim, Porto, Portugal 
Monica Esposito, Grand Junction, CO 
Linda Glover Gooch, Mesa, AZ
Estephania González, Tempe, AZ
Tim McDavid, Houston, TX 
James McGrew, Lake Oswego, OR 
Dan Namingha, Santa Fe, NM
Daniella Napolitano, Phoenix, AZ
Natalya Nez, Ramah, NM
Jose Luis Nunez, San Diego, CA 
Matagi Sorenson, Santa Fe, NM 
Dawn Sutherland, Tucson, AZ 
Paula Swain, Decatur, NE 
Priscilla Tacheney, Prescott Valley, AZ 
Jared Yazzie, Tempe AZ

Event Schedule:*

Artists at Work
September 21–25, 2026
Participating artists will demonstrate their craft at various locations along the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village. 

Collectors’ Reception  
September 26, 2026, 5:30–7:00 p.m. (ticketed event) at Kolb Studio  
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique works of art, mingle with the artists, and enjoy light appetizers and drinks. 

Public Grand Opening 
September 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. at Kolb Studio 
The gallery is open to the public for the first time, and all works are available for purchase. 

Exhibition and Sale   
September 27, 2026–March 31, 2027
The entire Celebration of Art Collection will be available for viewing and purchase at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org beginning Sunday, September 27, 2026. 

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free with park admission and open to the public. All events and times are subject to change. Please visit grandcanyon.org/coa for event updates and links to all online activities.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel P. Miller, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer. Miller will join GCC on May 11.

Miller brings more than 20 years of experience in financial leadership across public accounting and nonprofit institutions. He joins GCC from Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville, where he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, overseeing finance, human resources, and membership operations. 

Throughout his career, Miller has demonstrated a strong track record of strengthening financial systems, driving data-informed decision-making, and supporting organizational growth. At Cheekwood, he played a key role in elevating financial performance, helping the institution achieve record cash flows and expand its operations significantly. 

“Dan brings an exceptional combination of financial expertise, strategic insight, and a deep appreciation for mission-driven work,” said Elizabeth Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact and support critical projects that will protect and preserve Grand Canyon for generations to come.”

Miller began his career in public accounting, including experience at Deloitte, and spent more than 15 years at a regional Nashville firm, where he advanced to Audit Principal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, is a Certified Public Accountant, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has also been recognized with the Nashville Business Journal’s CFO Award in the nonprofit category. 

Drawn to GCC’s mission, Miller expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization at a pivotal moment.

As Chief Financial Officer, Miller will oversee all aspects of GCC’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-term strategic planning, ensuring the organization continues to effectively support priority projects within Grand Canyon National Park.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC)

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. GCC members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

Grand Canyon, AZ — Grand Canyon Conservancy and Northern Arizona University School of Art + Design are expanding their collaboration with the launch of a new Emerging Artist Residency at Grand Canyon National Park. The initiative creates a dedicated pathway for one NAU student or recent alum each year to participate in a place-based residency experience at the canyon.

The residency builds on an existing partnership that connects NAU faculty and students with Grand Canyon Conservancy’s established Artist in Residence program, which receives more than 350 applications annually from artists around the world. Through this new effort, the partners aim to address a critical gap: access to early-career professional opportunities that help emerging artists develop sustainable creative practices. This collaboration is further strengthened through an annual exhibition at the School of Art + Design’s Beasley Gallery, where work from Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Artist in Residence program is shared with the Northern Arizona community.

“Supporting artists at the beginning of their careers affirms the vital role of the arts in fostering meaningful relationships to place,” said Clover Morell, Senior Residency Program Manager, Grand Canyon Conservancy. “By investing in artists who are already connected to this region, we are strengthening community, deepening stewardship, and ensuring that the stories of Grand Canyon continue to be told in new and compelling ways.”

The inaugural residency will feature ceramic artist and environmentalist Sonora Rain Orchard, whose multidisciplinary practice reflects a deep connection to the desert landscape. Orchard’s work combines figurative sculpture, desert-derived textures, and depictions of the natural world to explore themes of relationality, speculative futures, and the interconnectedness of human and ecological systems. Drawing on locally and ethically sourced “wild” clay and informed by practices including drawing, metalwork, and printmaking, their work is shaped by both artistic exploration and lived experience—ranging from environmental education to community organizing.

“On behalf of the School of Art +Design, we're thrilled to partner with Grand Canyon Conservancy on this residency opportunity for NAU art students,” said David Politzer, Director, NAU School of Art + Design. “Our first resident, Sonora Rain Orchard, is an exceptional student, and we could not imagine a more fitting inaugural recipient. The opportunity to live and work at Grand Canyon is genuinely rare, and the creative potential it unlocks cannot be overstated. This residency arrives at a pivotal moment in Rain's development, bridging undergraduate study and whatever comes next, offering the sustained time, space, and inspiration that early-career artists so rarely get.”

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires people to protect and enhance Grand Canyon National Park for present and future generations. 

About Northern Arizona University School of Art + Design

The School of Art + Design at Northern Arizona University offers a student-centered course of study that prepares artists, designers, and art educators with the skills to be conscientious and impactful leaders in the creative sector. Under the mentorship of dedicated faculty, students immerse themselves in diverse perspectives, skill-building, and experimentation that leads to the development of mature visual voices.

Our location is elemental to our mission. The forests, mountains, and canyons of the Colorado Plateau are a grounding source of inspiration for creative inquiry. We are committed to offering an affordable arts education as an engine of opportunity for Northern Arizonans and all those who call this place home.

2026 Board Leadership Continuity 

Randy Brown continues to serve as Board Chair, and Stan Sutherland continues as Secretary, ensuring continuity and experienced governance during a pivotal time for the park. Pamela Kerr has been elected Vice Chair, bringing deep experience as a nonprofit leader and a strong background in organizational strategy, stewardship, and board leadership.

“These leadership decisions reflect confidence, continuity, and readiness,” said GCC CEO Elizabeth Silkes. “At a time when Grand Canyon National Park has faced significant challenges and uncertainties, this board is prepared to support GCC with unity, creativity, and resolve.”

New Board Members as of January 1, 2026

Joining the board in 2026 is a new class of four directors whose collective expertise spans finance, law, tribal governance, public service, corporate leadership, and philanthropy. Together, they strengthen GCC’s ability to support innovative programming, deepen partnerships, and sustain the park’s natural and cultural resources for generations to come.

This transition comes amid record numbers of new members, donors, and partners, reflecting broad public support for Grand Canyon and confidence in GCC’s mission and leadership.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

As the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history finally comes to an end, life at Grand Canyon is beginning to stir again. Rangers are returning, visitors are arriving with renewed joy, and the canyon continues to welcome us all. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the extraordinary generosity of people like you.

Because of your support, visitors were still able to experience the beauty, grandeur, and wonder of Grand Canyon National Park even while so many essential federal operations were paused. Your gifts ensured that critical, time-sensitive conservation and research projects could continue uninterrupted, projects that protect fragile ecosystems, safeguard cultural and archaeological resources, and enhance our understanding of wildlife across the canyon.

Just as importantly, your compassion reached the heart of the Grand Canyon community. You made it possible for us to provide warm clothing, community dinners, and sustained support for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry, offering comfort, connection, and stability to families and individuals weathering an uncertain time.

As we turn toward what comes next, I invite you to stay alongside us. The road to full recovery will take time, and some impacts of the shutdown may take months or even years to fully understand. But already, thanks to you, progress is taking shape.

Together with our partners at the National Park Service, and with the continued commitment of supporters like you, we will keep caring for the landscape, the people, and the stories of Grand Canyon. Thank you for being such an essential part of this work. 

I hope you’ll consider continuing your support so we can ensure the canyon remains protected and thriving for all who come after us.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Silkes

CEO, Grand Canyon Conservancy

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (Oct. 30, 2025) — In a year marked by both a major wildfire at the North Rim and now a government shutdown, Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC) are joining forces to ensure that Grand Canyon residents and park employees continue to have access to essential food and resources.

Through direct funding, GCC—the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park—is supporting FFFC’s efforts to keep the Grand Canyon Food Pantry operating at full capacity. The Pantry, managed by one full-time staff member and a dedicated team of volunteers, plays a crucial role in providing nourishment and stability to the local community, particularly during times of crisis.

The Grand Canyon Food Pantry, operated by FFFC, recovers hundreds of pounds of food each week through an extensive food rescue program that partners with local concessioners and grocery stores. This community-driven effort ensures continued access to nutritious food during government shutdowns, fires, and seasonal transitions that can disrupt life and work at the canyon.

“As uncertainty continues with the government shutdown, we thank GCC for supporting the Flagstaff Family Food Center and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry as we prepare for an increase in need,” said Ethan Amos, CEO of the Flagstaff Family Food Center. “Our mission is ‘Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day,’ and we remain committed to ensuring that no one in the Grand Canyon community faces hunger alone.”

“Grand Canyon Conservancy is proud to assist our Grand Canyon community in any way we can during this challenging time,” said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “The Grand Canyon Food Pantry is a vital community lifeline, and we’re honored to help sustain its essential work.”

Together, GCC and FFFC are demonstrating how local partnerships can strengthen the Grand Canyon community—helping ensure that even in times of crisis, compassion, cooperation, and care continue to thrive.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

About the Flagstaff Family Food Center

The Flagstaff Family Food Center gives hope to local families by providing hunger relief and working to increase food security in the community. We rescue food from local sources, coordinate incredible volunteers to prepare, serve, and distribute food, and maintain a safe community gathering place for sharing meals. Through our various food programs, we provide thousands of meals daily throughout northern Arizona. When you give to the Flagstaff Family Food Center, your contributions stay local as we work together to feed our neighbors in need. For more information, visit https://hotfood.org.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (Oct. 29, 2025)– Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, 2025, restoring access to key inner canyon destinations following earlier closures caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire, trail stabilization efforts, and ongoing infrastructure work. 

In addition to overnight access, the Phantom Ranch area and the lower section of the South Kaibab Trail (from Tipoff to Phantom Ranch) will also reopen to day-use visitors on the same date.

Trail Access Update

As of Nov. 1, the following conditions apply.

Reopening:

• Phantom Ranch Canteen
• Phantom Ranch Cabins
• Bright Angel Campground
• Lower South Kaibab Trail (Tipoff to Phantom Ranch)

Remaining Closed:

• River Trail, from River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, including the Silver Bridge, remains closed through Dec. 31, 2025, due to construction activities related to the Trans-Canyon Waterline Replacement Project
• North Kaibab Trail north of the Clear Creek Trail junction, due to multiple post-fire hazards and ongoing construction. These hazards include unstable terrain, rockfall risk, debris accumulations, flash flood risk, and trail damage and infrastructure instability.

Important: Water Availability Will Be Limited Starting Nov. 4

Beginning Nov. 4, a temporary interruption in water pumping operations will occur as part of the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. This interruption is through approximately Nov. 18 and will prevent new water from being transported into Phantom Ranch.

Drinking water will remain available at key locations in the inner canyon, including:

• Phantom Ranch (center spigot near the Canteen)
• Havasupai Gardens

Water will not be available at:

• Bright Angel Campground, the Delta Restroom, and Boat Beach
• 1.5-Mile and 3-Mile Resthouses *(winterized for the season; will be turned back on in Spring 2026)

Water availability may vary by location, so visitors should always plan accordingly.

Backcountry users are strongly encouraged to:

• Carry sufficient water
• Bring reliable water treatment methods:
  • For safe water guidelines:
    https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safe-water.htm
• Check the latest conditions before beginning any inner canyon travel:
  • For up-to-date information on trail and water conditions, visit:
    https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm

Infrastructure Work Continues

This temporary interruption in water pumping is part of a scheduled phase of the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project, which involves replacing and testing a key pipeline segment. This phase is expected to conclude around November 18, 2025, after which water transport operations will resume.

The larger Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project is a multi-year infrastructure effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system and is anticipated to continue through 2027.

Although access to Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground is resuming, visitors should expect ongoing operational impacts during this construction period.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

• Check updated conditions at nps.gov/grca.
• Prepare for limited services and dry conditions in the inner canyon.
• Follow all posted trail signage and safety guidelines.
• Practice Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (Oct. 28, 2025) — As the federal government shutdown continues to affect operations across national parks, Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is providing funding to ensure critical, time-sensitive projects continue without interruption.

The organization is contributing $48,000 to fund essential Science and Resource Management projects and to cover National Park Service staff time on work that cannot be delayed. The projects address urgent environmental, cultural, and wildlife conservation needs across the canyon, allowing vital research and preservation activities to proceed despite the shutdown.

“Our mission has always been to support Grand Canyon National Park, a role that becomes all the more essential when the park is facing challenges like the government shutdown,” said Liz Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “These projects protect the canyon’s ecosystems, cultural heritage, and water quality—efforts that can’t be paused without consequence. We’re proud that generous donor support allows us to step in and keep this vital work going.”

Projects Funded During the Shutdown

Dragon Bravo Fire Cultural Assessments and Reporting

Following this year’s Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim, GCC funding enables a park fire archaeologist to complete assessments of cultural and archaeological sites affected by the blaze. The resulting reports will be shared with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office and the park’s tribal partners to guide future preservation and stabilization efforts. Completing the reports now will prevent further resource damage and inform next steps for site protection.

Post-Fire Water Quality and Flood Risk Monitoring

To safeguard Grand Canyon’s water resources, GCC is funding water quality analysis, runoff modeling, and the installation of water gauges above Phantom Ranch. The project is designed to detect potential contaminants and build an early warning system for flood risks following the fire. The work involves park geoscientists and American Conservation Experience interns.

Wildlife Collaring and Tracking for Innovative Conservation K-9 Program

GCC funding supports the collaring of habituated elk and bighorn sheep on the South Rim as part of a renewed effort to reduce human-wildlife conflicts through innovative, science-based management. This movement data will serve as the first documentation of the effectiveness of using trained Conservation K-9 units—specifically, a dog named Blue to alter the behavior of habituated ungulates. The collars must be deployed before winter, as seasonal conditions will erase the temporary markings used to identify the animals. The collars will also provide essential baseline data to evaluate the impact of the K-9 intervention on wildlife behavior and human–wildlife interactions.

Fisheries: Early Detection of Invasive Fish for Native Fish Protection

The fisheries program will continue monitoring for the potential spread of non-native fish species in critical reaches of the Colorado River. This work will include collaborating with teams from the Bureau of Reclamation and the American Conservation Experience for early detection and rapid response work. Completing this work during the shutdown will keep the fisheries team on schedule to protect native species and habitats.

Additional GCC support covers data management, mapping, safety measures, and equipment for these projects.

“Thanks to the generosity of GCC members and donors, this funding ensures the continuity of critical science and stewardship at one of the most iconic places on Earth,” Silkes said. “These are the moments when steady partnership can have a tremendous impact.”

About Grand Canyon Conservancy

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.

Photos: NPS Rangers tranquilize and collar an elk (NPS Photo), DOI BAER Team hydrologists assess a minor washout as part of their work to ground-truth soil burn severity findings (DOI BAER Team Photo), Razorback sucker (Photo Credit: Amy Martin), Grand Canyon wildlife biologists rangers collar a bighorn sheep. NPS Photo)

6 Essential Flash Flood Safety Tips for Grand Canyon Visitors

• Seek Higher Ground: The moment you see or hear rapidly rising water, move to higher ground immediately. 
• Abandon Vehicle: If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, leave it immediately and get to higher ground, as water can quickly sweep it away. 
• Do Not Drive or Walk Through Floodwaters: Roads and paths can be washed out, and you cannot see submerged debris or how fast the water is moving. 
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay away from streams, drainage ditches, low-lying areas, canyons, and other flood-prone spots. 
• Heed Warnings: Pay attention to NOAA Weather Radio and local alerts for watches and warnings. 
• Recognize the Danger of Fast-Moving Water: Even six inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult off their feet. When in doubt, stay out. 

Source: NOLS

Visiting Grand Canyon This Weekend?

Monsoon storms can bring sudden flash flooding. Protect yourself and others by following these Grand Canyon-specific safety reminders:

• Exercise caution when hiking in Grand Canyon, Marble Canyon, and Glen Canyon areas. Slot canyons are stunning but can become deadly during storms. Thunderstorms 25 miles away can trigger flash floods!
• Avoid camping in dry washes. If you must camp nearby, choose the highest ground possible and look for signs of past flooding, such as debris lines or water stains on rocks.
• Always stay alert near creeks or drainages. Face upstream and stay vigilant—flash floods can occur even if it isn’t raining directly where you are.
• Move to higher ground immediately if you see or hear a flood coming. Do not try to outrun a flood.
• Avoid hiking on Bright Angel or South Kaibab Trails during heavy rain.
• Do not attempt to cross drainages with flowing water.
• Take shelter during thunderstorms - especially from lightning and flash flooding.

Source: NPS

🔗 View Updated Weather Forecast here

🔗 Weather Danger Information here (NPS)

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Beginning Oct. 1, 2025, Grand Canyon National Park will partially reopen select areas of the North Rim to public access following the Dragon Bravo Fire.  

The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.  

“Reopening portions of the North Rim allows visitors to once again experience some of the park’s most scenic areas while we continue to assess post-fire impacts and begin recovery efforts,” said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable. “This is the first of several phased reopenings planned for the North Rim, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work diligently to restore access.”  

All other areas of the North Rim remain closed for the foreseeable future due to safety concerns and ongoing recovery efforts related to impacts from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Violation of these closure orders will be strictly enforced. 

The North Kaibab Trail is closed until further notice due to extensive damage and rockfalls along the upper section of the trail. Trail assessments are ongoing, and information about current trail conditions and the open or closed status of rim-based trails on the North Rim can be found at: www.nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm. 

 Visitors are advised to use caution when traveling in the reopened areas. Hazards remain, including dead standing trees, the potential for flash flooding even in areas not directly affected by the fire, and the presence of crews and equipment actively working on recovery operations.  

Due to the remote nature of the North Rim, visitors should be fully self-sufficient and bring all food, water, and supplies. There is no power, running water, cell service, or visitor services currently available in the reopened areas. Fuel is not available within the park, so visitors should plan ahead and ensure they have sufficient fuel before entering the North Rim area. Emergency response will be extremely limited, and response times may be significantly delayed. Winter driving conditions, including snow and icy roads, are possible at any time, and drivers should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.  

Vehicles over 22 feet in total length are not allowed on the Cape Royal Road due to tight turns, limited parking, and narrow roadway conditions. 

For those seeking overnight accommodations, lodging is available outside the park at Kaibab Lodge, Jacob Lake, Marble Canyon, Page, Fredonia, and Kanab, Utah. The nearest fuel is available at the North Rim Country Store and at Jacob Lake. 

Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions and park alerts before traveling by visiting www.nps.gov/grca. 

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications grca_public_affairs@nps.gov

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Grand Canyon Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s 17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, a tradition that provides a vibrant experience for visitors and a venue for artists inspired by the canyon. Selected artists developed their works live at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during the week of September 18–21. This year’s winning artists include:

Best of Show Award, presented by Plein Air Magazine
Bill Cramer, Prescott, Arizona
The award is selected by a panel of judges and recognizes the entire body of work an artist has produced for the event. This year’s judges were renowned Grand Canyon artist Bruce Aiken and Wade Weber, Director of Education at Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

People’s Choice Award 
Michelle Condrat, Salt Lake City, Utah
The award is determined by the public through online voting. 

Artists’ Choice Award, presented by Fine Art Connoisseur 
John D. Cogan, Farmington, New Mexico
The award is chosen by Celebration of Art participating artists for the individual who embodies the spirit of the event, combined with effort, skill, and creativity.

The Celebration of Art Exhibition and Sale is open to the public at Kolb Studio through April 26, 2026. Kolb Studio operation hours may be found here.

Online sales of artwork may be found here.

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) has been raising funds for a dedicated art and exhibit venue at the South Rim through our annual Celebration of Art. The funds raised are a testament to the dedication and generosity of individuals who understand the power of art in preserving and sharing the legacy of Grand Canyon National Park. 

Thank you to our 2025 Celebration of Art sponsors:

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Lynn and Dave Rahn and the Beckman Foundation

KAIBAB SPONSORS
Jeanne and Nigel Finney

COCONINO SPONSORS
Terri Kline
The Picerne Family
Stephen and Elizabeth Watson

VISHNU SPONSORS
Kathy Duley and Carroll Huntress
Andrew and Pamela Kerr
Loven Contracting
Margaret T. Morris Foundation
Dan, Donna, and Tyson Winarski

MEDIA SPONSORS
Fine Art Connoisseur  
Plein Air Magazine

2025 PARTICIPATING 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 A. Gómez, 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 

Flagstaff, AZ  – In response to the devastating wildfires along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, two dedicated funds have been established to aid those impacted by the disaster and support the recovery of the iconic landscape. 

Individuals and organizations looking to contribute to relief and recovery efforts can donate directly to Grand Canyon Conservancy(GCC) and United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA). GCC, the official nonprofit partner of the park, has launched a North Rim Fund to provide critical short-term support as well as assist in the long-term recovery of the iconic North Rim as it begins to heal and rebuild.

“Donations will support sustained recovery, repopulation, and rebuilding efforts over time,” said GCC CEO Liz Silkes. “Those future needs will be identified once the fire is contained and a comprehensive damage assessment has been completed.”

Because of its status as an official partner of the park, GCC cannot provide direct funding or gifts to National Park Service employees. To ensure those affected receive critical support, GCC is partnering with UWNA and other essential service providers to assist North Rim community members’ individual needs. 

UWNA is accepting donations through its Crisis Response Fund, which will be used to help individuals and families impacted by the wildfires with food, clothing, emergency shelter, and other basic needs.

“The United Way is working with our government and nonprofit partners so that those who live and work in the North Rim have what they need to get through this crisis,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta.

The public is invited to contribute to these relief and recovery efforts, helping meet immediate needs as well as ensuring the recovery of one of America’s most treasured places. To donate or learn more, please visit Grand Canyon Conservancy and United Way of Northern Arizona.
 

Have you ever looked up into the night sky and wondered about the names of all those stars, asteroids, and comets? Well just recently, a National Park Ranger who has been working to preserve our views of these night skies has received the honor of having a newly discovered asteroid named after him!

Lowell Observatory officially named a newly discovered asteroid in honor of Grand Canyon National Park Dark Sky Ranger, Rader Lane—forever etching his name into the cosmos. Say hello to the newest asteroid, 30280 RaderLane! The announcement, made by Kevin Schindler, Historian and Public Information Officer at Lowell Observatory, came during a heartwarming ceremony surrounded by friends, colleagues, and fellow stargazers at this year’s Grand Canyon Star Party. 

This is a big deal for the astronomy community, with Rader's efforts featured in a recently published piece by Dave Eicher, Editor-in-Chief of Astronomy Magazine, "Years ago, three big star parties dominated plans for astronomy enthusiasts in the United States. They were Stellafane, Riverside, and the Texas Star Party. Stellafane and the TSP are still chugging along, and sadly, the Riverside event is no more. But another huge player has been building for more than three decades now, and it is the largest star party in the country — the Grand Canyon Star Party. "

Rader has been a driving force behind the park’s Dark Skies Preservation Programs, helping Grand Canyon earn its designation as an International Dark Sky Park and coordinating the annual Star Party event— the largest of its kind in the country. 

“Thank you to Kevin and Lowell Observatory for your partnership and support for Grand Canyon and the Dark Skies Program,” Rader shared. “This was a night I will never forget—not least for the honor of having been presented to me by a friend and colleague whom I greatly admire, but also for having so many of my favorite people in the park there to witness and show support.”

Grand Canyon Conservancy is honored to support Grand Canyon National Park's efforts to engage and educate the public on the importance of dark skies, and is excited to share this special recognition of Rader Lane. 

Fewer than 100 people have hiked the Grand Canyon from end to end. The Grandest Trek is a collection of remarkable stories of some who did. Most of them are inspiring. Some are tragic. All are true. 

The book is born out of Dr. Tom Myers’s own journey with his son, who was struggling through adolescence at the time. Together, the two made a series of linked hikes of more than 600 grueling miles through harsh and unforgiving terrain, completing Grand Canyon’s length in 2016.

The Grandest Trek, now available in GCC Park Stores and online, presents the fascinating history of lengthwise hiking in Grand Canyon while delivering a powerful message: spending time in nature can heal emotional wounds and forge unbreakable bonds of human connection.

“It’s almost impossible to go anywhere or read anything about Grand Canyon without following a trail cut by Tom Myers. Having such an extensive medical knowledge of the Grand Canyon is impressive on its own, but Tom also possesses a deep and historic understanding of the place. He’s the physician who’s spent decades practicing medicine on the South Rim while simultaneously cowriting not one but two seminal texts: Death in Grand Canyon, the most authoritative primer on fatalities at the crown jewel of America’s national park system, and Grand Obsession, the definitive biography of Harvey Butchart, godfather of below-rim hiking. Now comes The Grandest Trek, Myers’ crowning achievement as one of the Canyon’s finest voices and advocates.” 

— Kevin Fedarko, Author of The Emerald Mile and A Walk in the Park 

“The Grandest Trek is a gripping adventure story. By traversing one of the world’s most unforgiving landscapes together, Tom Myers and his teenage son Weston forged a bond as deep as the Grand Canyon itself. The Grandest Trek is as much about Grand Canyon history as it is a multifaceted journey through parenting. Ultimately, Myers proves that often the best way to overcome life’s challenges is to surround yourself with natural beauty and simply keep putting one foot in front of the other.” 

— Annette McGivney, Author of Pure Land: A True Story of Three Lives, Three Cultures, and the Search for Heaven on Earth

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Grand Canyon Conservancy in memory of Robert Eschka Benson, one of Grand Canyon’s greatest hikers. The book is available for purchase at www.grandcanyon.org/store. 

About the Author: Dr. Tom Myers has worked at Grand Canyon as a physician since 1990 and serves as a local medical advisor for the National Park Service. A dedicated explorer of the Canyon backcountry since his late teens, he also has a special interest in Grand Canyon human history and wilderness medicine. An amateur writer, historian, and researcher in his free time, he has co-authored/authored multiple Grand Canyon-related publications, including four other books and numerous medical journal articles. He and his wife Becky live in Flagstaff, Arizona, and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy: Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org. 

Grand Canyon, Ariz.— Grand Canyon Conservancy is thrilled to announce the 17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art at Grand Canyon National Park, which continues its tradition of captivating visitors and supporting artists inspired by the canyon while raising funds for an art venue at the South Rim.   

"Grand Canyon National Park has long been a source of inspiration for artists, and this extraordinary event beautifully unites the community, the park, and the power of art with the spirit of giving," said Bonnie Baker, GCC’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. 

This year’s event brings exciting new additions, expanding to showcase a diverse range of mediums. Attendees can explore basketry, metalsmithing, photography, offering a richer and more dynamic artistic experience.

From September 18th to 21st, artists will create "en plein air” (outside on location) along the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, capturing its breathtaking beauty firsthand. On Saturday, September 20th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., a Collectors' Reception (ticketed event) will take place at Kolb Studio and is an opportunity to meet the artists and acquire unique pieces.  

The Exhibition and Sale will open to the public on Sunday, September 21st at historic Kolb Studio, showcasing the works of participating artists. Additionally, the Exhibition and Sale will continue at Kolb Studio and online through April 26th, 2026, providing art enthusiasts with an extended opportunity to purchase pieces inspired by Grand Canyon.  

An online gallery will feature all artwork available for purchase, bringing the beauty of Grand Canyon to art lovers worldwide, and giving them access to this unique collection. The online sales gallery will go live the week of September 22nd on our online Park Store.  

Celebration of Art is the main fundraising source for a future new art venue at Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon Conservancy has officially identified a location for the new art venue in the National Park Service Headquarters building. Originally a visitors’ center and exhibit hall for the park, it is a historic Mission 66 building designed by Cecile Doty and is conveniently located at the South Rim. 

2025 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 

Event Schedule:*  

Online Auction 
August 29–September 21, 2025 
Artworks featured are original pieces, and specifically selected by each artist.  

Artist Demonstrations  
September 18–21, 2025 
Participating artists will demonstrate their craft at various locations along the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village and at Desert View Watchtower. There will be a special Sunrise Demonstration with all participating artists on September 20 from 6:00–10:00 a.m. between Mather Point and Bright Angel Trailhead. 

Collectors’ Reception  
September 20, 2025, 5:30–7:00 p.m. (ticketed event) at Kolb Studio  
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase unique works of art, mingle with the artists, and enjoy light appetizers and drinks.  

Artist Quick Draw 
September 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Kolb Studio 
Each artist will produce a piece along the South Rim between Bright Angel Trailhead and Verkamp’s Visitor Center. Artworks will be available for purchase at Kolb Studio.  

Public Grand Opening 
September 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. at Kolb Studio 
The gallery is open to the public for the first time, and all works are available for purchase. 

Exhibition and Sale   
September 21, 2025–April 26, 2026 
The entire Celebration of Art Collection will be available for viewing and purchase at Kolb Studio and online at shop.grandcanyon.org beginning the week of September 22nd. 

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free with park admission and open to the public. All events and times are subject to change. Please visit grandcanyon.org/coa for event updates and links to all online activities. 

See also: 10-Year Anniversary of the Cultural Demonstration Program at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz.—Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, proudly announces the appointment of new leadership and the addition of five distinguished board members. Randall Brown assumes the role of Board Chair, accompanied by Scott Key as Vice Chair. David Cermak, Pamela Kerr, Samantha Phillips Beers, Jessica Turner, and Kevin Washburn join the board, further enriching GCC's diverse team of 18 business and community leaders from across the United States. Committed to fostering a deep appreciation for Grand Canyon National Park, these individuals exemplify GCC's mission to inspire and support generations of park champions.

Randall Brown, Dallas, Texas, Board Chair
Randall Brown brings 35+ years of legal expertise to GCC. He is a partner at Haynes Boone, an international corporate law firm, and served as chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group for 15 years. His dedication to volunteer efforts includes serving as the Dallas Opera’s audit committee chair. A passionate advocate for the canyon, Randy has completed nine backpacking trips and four river trips since his first visit in 2003. He has served on the board since 2020 and continues to champion projects to improve Indigenous affairs within the park as well as the restoration of trails and park facilities to preserve this indescribable and stunning natural Wonder of the World.

Scott Key, San Francisco, Calif., Board Vice Chair
Scott Key is a visionary retail CEO known for driving success through customer focus, innovation, and digital transformation, having founded and scaled three businesses to over $1B in net sales. His achievements include leading the transformation of David's Bridal while diversifying business lines and establishing industry-leading divisions at Gap Inc., such as ATHLETA. Committed to social good, Scott has raised over $50M for nonprofit organizations and serves on multiple boards. Scott’s career journey began in the nonprofit sector (American Cancer Society), where he witnessed firsthand the profound impact skilled professionals have on advancing a non-profit’s mission. His decision to join the Board of Directors at Grand Canyon Conservancy is driven by a desire to connect people with the natural world while supporting educational and conservation goals.

David Cermak, Denver, Colo.
David retired from Vanguard in 2022. He has over 35 years of financial and leadership experience, having worked for some of the largest firms in the industry, holding executive positions in North America, Europe, and Asia. During his career, he built a reputation for his global outlook, leadership, innovative and strategic thinking, and operational excellence. Since 2022, David has served as an advisor for the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance and worked as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He holds an M.B.A. in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and a B.A. in International Studies from The University of Colorado Boulder. He also holds executive education certificates from Harvard Business School and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. David is passionate about global travel, motorcycle riding, hiking, and exploring national parks.

Pamela Kerr, Tucson, Ariz.
With a degree from Manhattanville University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Pam designed, implemented, and marketed the Health/Environment Management System (HEMS) for Amoco Corporation and Amoco Computer Services. She served on the Association of Junior Leagues’ International Board of Directors and Chaired the Nominating Committee. Pam was District Governor of District 6440 (70 Rotary Clubs in Northeastern Illinois) for Rotary International in 2008–2009. In her district, Pam chaired and co-chaired the HealthRays Rotary Project, bringing digital X-ray capability to public health clinics in Guatemala. She is a Life Member of the Illinois St. Andrew Society. Pam is passionate about broadening the message of the Indigenous cultures and histories at Grand Canyon and making the messages accessible to all who come to Grand Canyon from around the world. Now retired, she and her husband, Andy, share a love of Grand Canyon and its geology and enjoy discovering the art and history of those who have called the canyon home.  

Samantha Phillips Beers, Philadelphia, Pa.
Samantha Phillips Beers is an attorney with Steptoe and Johnson PLLC, with over 30 years of significant experience in environmental law, climate, policy, and sustainable economic development. She spent over 30 years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she spent most of her career managing the enforcement, environmental justice, tribal, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) programs. Samantha has decades of experience successfully collaborating with multiple stakeholders to identify and mitigate environmental and public health concerns to enable equitable development. She is an avid outdoors advocate, finding peace in movement whether city hiking in Philadelphia, New York, Lisbon, or Rome or more rugged surroundings like the Adirondacks and Grand Canyon National Park. Samantha earned a B.A. from Haverford College and a Law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. She is a proud mother and grandmother currently living in the University City section of Philadelphia.

Jessica Turner, Baltimore, Md.
Jessica (Wahl) Turner is the first President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), America’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations, businesses, and organizations, and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Association (ORRA). Under her leadership, ORR has connected all segments of the outdoor recreation economy to pass historical legislation like the Explore Act and the Great American Outdoors Act and achieve millions of dollars in funding for public lands, waters, and rural gateway communities. Jessica has over a decade of experience navigating the halls of The White House, the Department of the Interior (DOI), Capitol Hill, state recreation offices, and outdoor lifestyle brands. Prior to ORR, she directed the Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) outdoor recreation portfolio in Washington D.C., where she successfully gained landmark government recognition of outdoor recreation’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product as one of America’s leading industry sectors. Jessica began her career at the Department of the Interior where she managed external relations for the Secretary, as well as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Outside and Let’s Move! in Indian Country initiatives. She is also the co-founder and past chair of the Coalition for Outdoor Access, serves on the Board of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, and has been recognized for her leadership in D.C. and the outdoor industry with the Hill’s Top Lobbyist and Outdoors’ 30 Under 30. Jessica has an M.A. and B.A. in American Government from Georgetown University and is a passionate outdoorswoman.

Kevin Washburn, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Kevin Washburn is a law professor who has spent about half of his career in academia and half in federal public service. He has served as dean of the University of Iowa College of Law and the University of New Mexico Law School and served on the law faculties at the University of Minnesota and the University of Arizona. He also spent a year as the Oneida Visiting Professor at Harvard Law School. He will join the UC Berkeley law faculty as a professor in the fall of 2025. Kevin began his career as an environmental and natural resources attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and then as a federal prosecutor in New Mexico. He also served as the third General Counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission. In President Obama’s second term, he served as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior. Later, he led the transition team for the Department of the Interior when the Biden-Harris Administration took office. He has also served on the State Department’s Advisory Council on International (Public) Law. As an academic, Kevin’s research has focused on criminal justice in Indian country, Indian gaming, and more recently, Indigenous conservation, including tribal co-management of federal public lands and “land back” for tribal nations. He is the co-editor-in-chief of the 2024 edition of Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law. His work has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous other courts. He received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Oklahoma and a J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Yale Journal on Regulation. He is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and spent most of his childhood on or near the Chickasaw Reservation in Oklahoma.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy:  
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.

See also: Grand Canyon Conservancy Announces New CEO, Elizabeth Silkes

Silkes brings over 14 years of experience and expertise from her role as Executive Director of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC), where she oversaw a dynamic network of more than 370 museums, historic sites, and memory initiatives across 80 countries. In this role, she fostered civic engagement, advanced transitional justice, and supported human rights through innovative programs, exhibit designs, and global collaboration.

“As the official partner to Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy performs invaluable service to our mission of preserving this remarkable place and making it available to our visitors,” said Ed Keable, Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent. “Elizabeth Silkes brings a wide array of experience and a deep passion for the Grand Canyon as the new GCC Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to working with Elizabeth and her talented team in the new year and into the future to meet our shared mission.” 

Silkes has also served on the board of ICOM-US, the U.S. National Committee of the International Council of Museums; as an International Advisor to the Accounts of the Conflict project at the University of Ulster INCORE; as an international advisor to UNESCO; and as a member of the Law Advisory Council for the Fetzer Institute.

“I am thrilled to be taking on the role of CEO at Grand Canyon Conservancy, where the members, partners, staff, board, and the larger community are carrying out remarkable work. I look forward especially to deepening and expanding collaborative efforts underway with the Intertribal Working Group and the 11 associated tribes who have called Grand Canyon home since time immemorial,” shared Silkes. “Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy can be a model for how our natural spaces can promote healing, civic engagement, conservation, and protection long into the future.”

About Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC)

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.

Media Contact: 

Mindy Riesenberg
Chief Communications Officer, Grand Canyon Conservancy
(928) 863-3878
mriesenberg@grandcanyon.org

See also: GCC Appoints New Board Leadership and Welcomes Five New Board Members

Grand Canyon Conservancy's Annual Celebration of Art

Celebration of Art (CoA) is a wonderful tradition at Grand Canyon National Park, providing a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a dedicated art venue at the park.

Founded in 2009, CoA invites participating artists to paint "en plein air" (outside on location) for a week at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Artists are tasked with capturing the ever-changing colors and light as the sun moves across the intricate layers of the canyon. Paintings produced during this special event are shared with the public during a four-month sale and exhibition online and at Historic Kolb Studio.

Proceeds from Celebration of Art will go towards creating a dedicated art venue at Grand Canyon. This location will be the hub of art activity at the canyon, displaying current collections and providing room for future acquisitions.

GCC Accepting Artist Applications

Grand Canyon Conservancy is currently accepting applications from artists who want to participate in the 2025 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art, which will take place September 13-20, 2025. This prestigious event is open not only to landscape painters but to artists who work in collage, charcoal, pastel, and graphite.

Artwork created en plein air during the event will be featured in both onsite and online exhibitions, with proceeds funding vital initiatives, including the development of a permanent art venue at Grand Canyon.

“Grand Canyon Celebration of Art has grown into a cherished tradition that highlights the incredible talent of artists and gives them a rare opportunity to make a deep connection with Grand Canyon,” said GCC Chief Communications Officer Mindy Riesenberg. “This year we are expanding that opportunity to artists in more mediums. This is truly a one-of-a-kind event that allows artists to showcase their skills while supporting a dedicated art venue at Grand Canyon. 

Grand Canyon Celebration of Art is open to artists with previous experience in capturing the beauty of the Grand Canyon, the desert Southwest or other national parks in the West. Prior onsite painting experience at Grand Canyon is not required.

The deadline for artists to submit their application is January 15, 2025. Interested artists can find more details and apply here. Submissions must include a completed application form as well as a portfolio. There is no fee to apply.

About GCC

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our donors fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. We exist to support Grand Canyon National Park in its goal to provide enriching and fulfilling visitor experiences and protecting the park for future generations. 

Conclusion

Don't miss your chance to apply to the 17th Annual Celebration of Art! Applications to participate as an artist are open now through January 15, 2025. The event is open to all artists 18 years and older with plein air experience and expertise in representing the Grand Canyon, desert Southwest, or National Parks in the Western U.S.  

The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art is an invitational and juried event. A panel of three to five jurors will review all applications and will select four to six artists who, together with returning and invited artists, will comprise the participants in the 2025 event. Notification of acceptance will be emailed to each applicant no later than February 7, 2025. 

The Ann and Vincent Figueredo Endowed Fund

This newly established Fund will provide enduring support for programs dedicated to celebrating and preserving the cultural heritage and voices of Grand Canyon’s first people—the 11 tribal communities who have lived in and stewarded the canyon since time immemorial. 

“The Ann and Vincent Figueredo Endowed Fund will enrich the experience of Grand Canyon visitors by deepening their understanding of the canyon’s cultural significance and the enduring relationship between the tribes and the land,” said Bonnie Baker, Chief Philanthropy Officer at GCC. “We are inspired by Ann and Vincent’s vision and generosity, which will uplift Indigenous voices and foster greater recognition of their history, stories, and contributions within the park.”

The endowment will support Indigenous-led initiatives, educational programs, and staffing by members of the 11 associated tribes or National Park Service employees involved in Indigenous programming. By bolstering these programs, the Fund ensures that future generations of park visitors gain a richer perspective on the canyon’s cultural heritage and an appreciation of the ongoing contributions of tribal communities.

“Grand Canyon National Park is committed to Indigenous first-voice interpretation, and thanks to Ann and Vincent Figueredo’s meaningful investment, this Fund will empower the park to share these stories and celebrate the deep connections the tribes maintain with this land,” said Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. “Their generosity allows us to ensure that these important cultural narratives remain an integral part of the Grand Canyon experience.”

Learn more about Indigenous Programs at Grand Canyon National Park.

To make a gift in support of this endowment fund, visit the GCC donation page and note Figueredo Endowment. 

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Family members of Chenoa Nickerson, the Arizona woman who was tragically killed last month during a flash flood in the Grand Canyon, are inviting the public to honor her memory by donating to Grand Canyon National Park’s Search and Rescue Program.

Nickerson was hiking with her husband near the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River on Aug. 22–her 33rd birthday—when a flash flood swept her away. Rescue teams searched three days before her body was found by a group of Colorado River rafters, 19 miles downstream from the confluence.

Nickerson’s siblings—Tamara Morales, Kyra Farkas and Janosh Wolters—have created a memorial fund through Grand Canyon Conservancy in their sister’s name to support Grand Canyon Search and Rescue (SAR).

In a joint statement the siblings said, “These brave men and women utilized every resource to find our sweet sister by navigating dangerous terrain with extremely limited methods of communication while leaving no stone unturned. We are profoundly grateful for them and fully acknowledge that they defied the impossible to bring our family the gift of closure.”

Grand Canyon SAR is among the busiest search-and-rescue programs in the entire national parks system, responding to more than 300 incidents per year. The Grand Canyon SAR team conducts rescue operations across 1,904 square miles of rugged terrain, from high-desert cliffs to the rushing waters of the Colorado River.

Donations to the Chenoa Nickerson Memorial Fund will help the Grand Canyon SAR program do the following:

• Purchase equipment such as underwater-breathing apparatuses and pack rafts for swift- water rescue.
• Fund training for rappelling, swift-water rescue and SAR logistics.
• Fund supportive programs for first responders and their families.

Grand Canyon Conservancy also funds the Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) program, making contact with thousands of park visitors in an effort to prevent emergencies before they happen. PSAR rangers are highly trained volunteers who assess and aid visitors on the trail, often giving them water and salty snacks, to make sure they get out of the canyon safely.