Earth Day celebrations highlight Arizona’s natural wonders
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — Today is Earth Day, and people all over the world are celebrating our planet and pledging new ways to protect it.
Arizona is home to dozens of national monuments, parks, and forests, ranging from pine forests to red rock formations. Flagstaff is an epicenter for nature lovers, situated in the heart of the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest and a gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Ryan Randazzo with Discover Flagstaff said the proximity to world-class nature is not lost on people living in town. “I think everyone who lives in the city of Flagstaff recognizes how special the outdoors is.”
Randazzo said the nature and climate not only draw people from across the state but also draw people from around the world.
“Really, the outdoors is the big draw here,” he said. “We’ve got one of the seven wonders of the world with the Grand Canyon, so we find visitors from around the world come into Flagstaff every year.”
A study by the American Psychological Association shows that spending time in nature can improve mental health, mood, and emotional well-being. Frank Telles lives in Flagstaff and is a researcher at Northern Arizona University. He uses local nature to decompress.
“I like going out here and enjoying nature, breathing in the fresh air, [and] taking my samples,” Telles said. “That’s how I de-stress.”
He is also part of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals. On Tuesday, he was one of many people at Buffalo Park spreading conservation messages for Earth Day.
“Today is a very special day, Earth Day, especially here in Flagstaff,” Telles said. “Tribal communities have called this home, Kinłání, since time immemorial. So we need to protect this land for future generations, definitely, because we want to breathe clean air and we want to drink clean water.”
Telles said one of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is to learn about our planet.
“My message is to go out in nature,” he said. “Learn about what’s there. Also, connect with the local community, especially the tribal nations. They have a lot to teach us.”
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