The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Jess Root
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As if hiking Sedona or exploring Flagstaff's historic downtown by foot weren't enough to make my sustainable Southwest adventure already alluring, its Arboretum certainly did.
Flagstaff's Flora: Hardy, High-Elevation & Utterly Handsome
The breathtaking locale not only helps protect the Colorado Plateau's high-elevation, hardy and drought-tolerant native plant species (including some very rare and endangered varieties)--the Arboretum educates and inspires Flagstaff locals to go native when gardening. Thus reducing water-thirsty non-native plant species in the area, encouraging water conservation.
Lucky for me, my friend and gracious host happens to be their volunteer coordinator and PR assistant. I wouldn't just explore the beautiful grounds; later, I'd be put to work, volunteering at their annual fundraising gala.
The Arboretum's native penstemon garden. Photo credit: Jess Root
During a lovely guided tour, I learned that Flagstaff's high elevation (7,000 feet) is home to unique, native flora. And visiting the Arboretum is like stepping into a semi-desert oasis, complete eye candy for flower lovers like me. From rainbow varieties of yarrow to hummingbird-friendly bee balms, among my favorites were the penstemons ranging from light purple, to rust orange and deep red.
The Arboretum Gets Two Green Thumbs Up
The property's passive solar greenhouse. Photo credit: Jess Root
I was psyched to learn of the Arboretum's robust green initiatives beyond plants, like their attempt to replenish dwindling populations of the Colorado Spinedace, a fish endemic to the Colorado River running through Arizona. The water conservation garden utilizes rainwater harvesting. Their property boasts a passive solar greenhouse and they offer a variety of tours including birds of prey, wildflower walks, wild mushroom hunting and enthobotany tours. I joined the latter, listening in on a sweet Navajo elder share Native American uses of herbs, berries and other plants for food, medicine, household items and agriculture.
Garden Gloves to Garden Party
After a rich day of botany, I switched from garden gloves mode to garden party attire. It was the Arboretum's annual Summer Soiree for which I'd be volunteering. Voluntourism isn't just a great way to give back to the community you're visiting--but an awesome way to meet and mingle with locals. Instead of looking at Flagstaff's postcard panorama, I felt like I actually stepped into it--getting to know and see the place, through a local's eye.
I helped get the outdoor tent set up, manned the live auction table, and enjoyed the elegant fundraising festivities set behind an amazing sunset backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks.
Me (left) and my friend/host, Elizabeth, pictured with renowned local Navajo artist Baje Whitethorne Sr. He donated his painting for the gala's featured auction item.
The entire evening was memorable, meaningful and most of all, rewarding. The Arboretum staff, the generous local artists and community members enthusiastically came out to share their support of keeping the Arboretum's mission alive and thriving. It proved this beautiful country (including the sultry Southwest) is home to pockets of likeminded citizens helping protect our planet and its plant-life palette of colors it shares with us--if we are able to slow down to enjoy it.
Don't visit Flagstaff without making a pit stop at the Arb! Head over to their website to learn more, plan your visit, or make an online donation.
More on Green Travel:
How to Go Green: Travel & Outdoors
Making Travel Meaningful: My Grand, Green Southwest Adventure (Part 1)
Making Travel Meaningful, Part 2: Farmers Markets & Free Yoga in Flagstaff
