Flagstaff locals took part during a small snowstorm Flagstaff City Open Space Program Employees and volunteers took a night hike at Buffalo Park on January 25th to watch the full moon rise over Mount Elden.
The open space program Monthly Full Moon Hike Bringing communities together and providing learning opportunities for participants open space And connect with nature.
Sylvia Struss is the coordinator of the Open Spaces program. She recruits volunteers to maintain open spaces and organizes full moon hikes. Strass said she plans these treks because she loves hiking and she thinks the full moon in Flagstaff is beautiful.
“Even though we're in the middle of winter, it's a celebration of getting out from the dark skies and meeting like-minded people and learning,” Strass said. “For me, it's about telling people about Buffalo Park, or what was once here, or how wildlife migrates here, or what kinds of plants are already here. It's also an educational opportunity.”
Before the hike, Strass provided the group members with peanut butter crackers, hiking poles and snow clips. She also handed out free red lights to hikers. red light There is less light pollution and it is more efficient for astronomical events.
“Our mission is to protect the open space currently reserved for wildlife, plants, and humans,” Strass said.
According to Strass, open space refers to protected land that has been kept as natural as possible through open space programs.
The program does not designate Buffalo Park as open space, as exercise stations, restrooms and parks have been added. ramada Available for rental. However, he manages more than 3,000 acres of open space in Flagstaff, including Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve, Observatory Mesa Natural Area, and McMillan Mesa Natural Area.
The three employees of the Open Space Program are doing great work in open space through a community of volunteers known as “Open Space.” open space steward. They maintain these landscapes by cleaning up trash, maintaining trails, pulling invasive weeds and fencing.
Through our partnership with Arizona Trail Associationsponsored by the Open Space Program. teaching experience For elementary school students. Strass said employees and stewards educate students in outdoor environments like Picture Canyon, where students help with projects like trail work and weeding while learning why these tasks are important. It is said that there is.
Full Moon Hike is held monthly regardless of weather.
Strass began the event with a brief introduction before hikers embarked on a two-mile trek to watch the full moon rise.
Desert Mulford, who participated in the hike, is a member of the American Business Alliance with Environmental Literacy Core, which works with Open Spaces programs to educate youth around Flagstaff.
Mulford said such events are important because they provide an opportunity for like-minded people to build connections.
“I know how to appreciate blue skies and gray skies. [and] Just accept it and be aware of it,” Mulford said. “If I can do that with others, I and they will have a richer experience together, and we will care for our planet even more.”
On that day, there were only 6 participants, as the sky was cloudy and there was a blizzard. However, in an intimate group setting, participants are more likely to observe small details such as sounds and smells, Strass said.
During the hike, Strass taught participants about local plants, wildlife, and the history of Buffalo Park.
Strauss said the park was once home to buffalo. Amusement park themed to the Wild West very similar to the 60's bear arizona. She pointed out to hikers the ruins of a replica Native American village, another feature of the former Buffalo Park.
As the hike progressed, it started to snow and visibility became poor. Those in attendance expressed concerns about whether the moon would show up. However, as it got dark, the snow and clouds began to disappear, and the sky cleared and the moon was visible.
The group remained in the same spot for nearly 20 minutes to get an unobstructed view of the full moon. The moon rose above the silhouette of the mountains and came into full view through the clouds, illuminating the park.
Origin indigenous people According to custom, each month's full moon has a name, and January is the Wolf Moon.
As attendees observed the view, Strass elaborated on the symbolism of the Wolf Moon. She said the moon represents the transition from winter to spring and the time when wolves wake up and start looking for food.
“The appearance of the Wolf Moon reminds us of the natural flow of the seasons and signifies a time of new beginnings,” Strass said. “Wolves remind us to trust our instincts and tap into our inner strength and perseverance.”
Fragit and the others gathered under the moonlight to express their gratitude for spending the night with Wolf Moon.
“My favorite time of day was definitely the full moon, and I loved watching my own shadow, especially the shadow of the trees falling from the full moon,” Mulford said. “It's just amazing. When I first saw it come up above the clouds, it was just the most peaceful thing.”
As the hikers made their way back to the parking lot, the temperature began to drop and the muddy trail froze.
The City of Flagstaff Open Space Program hosts events like this that give participants a unique connection to the earth, the moon, and the stars above.
