Dec 6, 2023
In the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, there is a little used trail called Bear Sign. Exactly how it got its name is unclear, but anyone hiking it can make a pretty good guess. Recently, a Friends of the Forest volunteer was hiking Bear Sign and found that...
Nov 1, 2023
Friends of the Forest Sedona is a 30-year old all-volunteer nonprofit. Members are dedicated to maintaining, protecting and restoring the scenic beauty of the National Forest lands in the greater Sedona area. By building a partnership with the Red Rock Ranger District...
Oct 4, 2023
What is that fuzzy or scaly stuff that grows on rocks, trees, and even soil in our area? It is probably a lichen. Since March of 2015, Friends of the Forest member, Garry Neil, with the assistance of Janie Agyagos, Wildlife Biologist for the US Forest Service, have...
Sep 6, 2023
Monitoring and caring for the wildlife, fish, and plants within the Coconino National Forest is more than a fulltime job. Red Rock Ranger District, Wildlife Biologist Janie Agyagos balances the needs of the forest by prioritizing projects and tapping into volunteers....
Aug 9, 2023
August 9th marks 79 years since the U.S. Forest Service and Ad Council partnered to create the living mascot that has become the worldwide symbol for wildfire prevention and education. We are celebrating Smokey’s birthday by talking about the kind of fire that even...
Jul 5, 2023
With just under 10,000 residents and over 3 million visitors per year, it is hard to preserve and protect the beauty of the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest. Leave No Trace, an international nonprofit focused on using the power of science, education...
Jun 7, 2023
There are hundreds of trails in the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District. Keeping them in great condition takes a lot of people and more than just grooming the trails. Written graffiti, stickers and “artwork” cairns are a real problem. Friends of the...
May 3, 2023
Dogs and children are more at risk for heatstroke than adults. When it is 90 degrees outside in Sedona, it does not feel that bad, because it is dry heat. However, the ground temperatures are 140+ degrees. This radiant ground heat means that dogs and children...
Apr 18, 2023
Friends of the Forest Sedona is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. It supports the Forest Service with expertise and thousands of volunteer hours per year across a range of activities....
Mar 1, 2023
On February 1st, the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest began the final phase of construction and restoration on the Cathedral Rock Trail. The closure will remain in effect until March 31st as crews work on the upper portion of Cathedral Rock....
Feb 1, 2023
What is an invasive plant and why is it a problem? An invasive plant is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health. Here in the Verde Valley, the Coconino Forest Service has identified...
Jan 12, 2023
The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colorful falcon. Many adore kestrels for their lovely plumage and big personality. Unfortunately, this historically common little falcon has become a rare sight in many regions of North America, where...
