In late summer the tendency is to slow down our gardening efforts. We harvest from our veggie gardens, but with the days getting shorter and kids returning to school, our gardens aren’t quite the high priority they were earlier in the season. But transitioning from summer to fall can be incredibly rewarding, and I’d hate for you to miss the opportunity of enjoying the unique joys of this season - not to mention getting your bulbs in for spring. (More on that later) Here are some items that you should think about as summer turns to fall: Flowers and Edibles First, there’s the maintenance you need to do for your late blooming annuals. Deadheading flowering plants will help encourage those last few blooms. Then it’s time to transition to those flowers that will love the cooler temps we’ll be getting in the coming weeks: mums and asters. But don’t forget those spring favorites, hardy pansies and violas, which make a return appearance in the fall. You can also still harvest from your veggie garden as well. Cool season vegetables like arugula, broccoli, spinach, kale, onions and radishes will germinate within 30 days and can stand a light frost. (If you are planning to grow from seed, however, you need to find out the growth rate and calculate how much time you have before the first frost. Stop in at Warner’s and our friendly staff can help you find which veggies are best for a fall harvest in your area’s microclimate). Trees & Shrubs The biggest benefit for planting trees and shrubs in the fall is the combination of warm soil and cool air that late summer and early autumn provide. It’s perfect for stimulating root growth, which means your tree or shrub will be well established before the ground freezes. Additionally, at this time of year, the earth is wonderfully saturated from the monsoon rains, which encourages deep root growth. There’s also less up-front care required when you plant this time of year because your tree will soon go into dormancy. Here’s a few tips for planting your new tree or shrub: When you are planting, make sure the hole you dig is about twice the width of the root ball of your shrub or tree and equally as deep. (It’s better to plant it a little above ground level than too deep.) Don’t just fill it with the soil from your garden – amend it with something like Warner’s Supreme Planting Mix to make sure it provides your new plant with the nutrients it needs. Place some of the amended soil in the bottom of your hole as well. Water your plant thoroughly before you place it in the hole. Remember to remove any wire on the root ball or to fold back the burlap so that you expose the trunk and about four inches of soil. You can add some fertilizer tablets, but make sure that they don’t touch the root system of your plant. Don’t forget the mulch. It will help conserve moisture, prevent weeds and maintain moderate soil temperatures. Once your tree or shrub is in the ground, prevent transplant shock and promote root growth by watering thoroughly with a root stimulator. Plant Bulbs now for Spring Blossoms Lastly, there is one more thing you should be planting next month, although you won’t get to see the results until next year: bulbs. If you want tulips, crocuses, hyacinth, irises, and daffodils next spring, you need to get their bulbs in the ground this fall. I can’t tell you how often we get people in March asking if we have daffodils they can plant. Your optimal time to plant is late September through October. The cool night temperatures prevent the bulbs from rotting and the coming winter will guarantee your bulbs get the necessary chill needed to bloom in spring. Bulbs need at least partial sun and well-draining soil. If your soil is mostly clay, amend it with planting mix. Dig a hole about three times the size of the bulb. So large bulbs like tulips or daffodils will need to be about 8 inches deep and other, smaller bulbs will be planted about four inches deep. Always make sure your bulb’s “nose” (the pointy end) is facing up out of the hole. We hope you enjoyed the end of summer and the beginning of fall, one of my favorite seasons. And whether it’s placing some bulbs for spring or planting a new tree, any excuse to be outside gardening during this beautiful season is a good thing! If you need any help extending your garden for summer or getting ready for fall, please call or visit Warner’s Nursery - we are here to help!

Back when I was a kid, we lived on a cul-de-sac in Tucson. Most all the families on our cul-de-sac had kids around our ages, and we were all very close. Summer found us all in someone’s backyard having chinaberry wars, seeing who could outrun the neighbor’s goose or running through the sprinklers. Our moms hosted many block parties during those days, and I have so many fond memories of growing up there. One of my favorite memories was picking peaches. Each summer, my mom would load a bunch of us in the back of the station wagon and drive to Wilcox, Az. A wonderful peach orchard was down there called Apple Annie’s. She would let us all pick peaches to our heart’s desire. We had no idea then, she was actually using us as her free labor, but we didn’t care. We loved it. Every once in a while, you could sneak a peach and enjoy the delicious juicy flavor. It was heaven! We always packed a lunch and had a picnic before we left. One trip in particular, I remember Mom bringing our dog, Prince, on the trip. I only remember that happening one time because Prince ended up getting car sick and throwing up all over the boys in the back! Another time I remember us stopping to get gas and each of us getting a piece of bazooka bubble gum. We spent the rest of the trip trying to blow the biggest bubble until one kids got very big and popped all over his face and hair. That was the end of the bubble gum. When we got back to Tucson, my mom would make homemade peach cobbler and homemade peach ice cream. The whole cul-de-sac would come over in our backyard to enjoy it. I look back on my mom in wonder. She didn’t think twice about loading all those kids up, most not her own, and give us a day we would always remember. Last year, one of my childhood friends and I went down to Wilcox. Apple Annie’s is still going strong! But they have so much more to offer now. You can pick Asian pears, apples and peaches. They have a store where they bake the most delicious pies and have a myriad of products to choose from. Down the road about 6 miles, they have a produce farm. There you can pick and/or buy tomatoes, cantaloupe, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, squash and many other great produce. The peaches at Apple Annie’s are later growing than farms in Phoenix. They start picking around the last week of July and go till September. This year I was able to make a trip down again and loaded up with some gorgeous and huge peaches. We will be enjoying them all winter canned in simple syrup or in jam. If you decide to take the trip to Wilcox, make time to stop at the Amerind Museum in Dragoon. This is a wonderful Native American museum tucked away in the hills of southern Arizona. You won’t want to miss it! Within this article you will find two of my favorite recipes for the peaches. The Jam recipe was given to me 30+ years ago by one of my mom’s closest friends. She heard that I was learning to can and sent this recipe that had been handed down in her family. It is, I believe, the best peach jam recipe I’ve ever tasted and it’s the only one I use. The Cobbler recipe is my mom’s and the one she would make for our little cul-de-sac in Tucson. Enjoy! Peach Jam 3 lbs+ peaches 1 box powdered pectin (I use Sure-Jell original) 2 Tbsp bottled lemon juice (you cannot use fresh lemon juice in canning) 5.5 cups sugar Peel fully ripe fruit and pit. Run through the food processor to puree. Measure 4 cups of fruit and put into a saucepan. Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice and the package of powdered pectin. I also add a pat of butter. This will keep it from foaming later. Place over high heat and stir until mixture comes to a hard boil. At once, add the sugar and stir in well. Bring to a full rolling boil and boil hard for 1 min., stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir for 5 minutes to cool slightly and to prevent fruit from floating. Fill jars and water bath, can according to your altitude. Peach cobbler Using a deep-dish pan (size according to your needs), butter the dish generously. Slice peeled peaches into the dish all the way to the top and sprinkle with fruit fresh (this keeps the peaches from browning and you only need to do this if you are going to freeze the cobbler). Sprinkle the top with sugar and cinnamon and dot with butter. Using a premade crust or a homemade crust, roll out and cut into 1” wide strips. Lay across the peaches in a lattice. Crimp and overlap crust around the edges. Sprinkle with more sugar and cinnamon. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes -1 hour or until bubbly and brown.

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers are in the Park this Labor Day weekend, setting Borracho Saloon’s La Capilla Stage on fire! Clyne’s iconic blend of punk-rock and country-western sound with a cool twist of mariachi influences will rock Munds Park. The two shows are sold out, but you can catch Roger here in his interview with the Pinewood News. I have to admit, other than listening to his music, I didn’t know the man behind the songs until I started learning some background for this interview. The incredible thing was after I read and listened to several interviews, I didn’t know if I liked the music or the man more. So I asked Roger, I wonder if your fans love you or the music more? Roger Well, I’m hoping there’s no difference. Music is the best part of me. If everybody knew me as I know me, I might fall a rung or two short on the ladder of approval. Sandee I believe we can all say we are a rung or two short. I dig that you have taken your life experiences and turned them into positive listening experiences. You celebrate life and all it offers and pass that along in your songs. Your fan base loves it. Roger I appreciate that. I am just a humble poet with a guitar. I’m very blessed and lucky to have such a reception in today’s media-rich, if not oversaturated age. A fan base receptive to our songs becomes a community with music as a catalyst. It really is an honor. Sandee In some of your interviews, you talk romantically about the Southwest and your father’s ranch in Tucson. Is the ranch still in your family? Roger Yes, my father is the steward of the family ranch in Tucson at present. My grandmother and grandfather purchased it in the 50s, and he’s lived on the ranch since he was a young boy. My grandparents have passed on now, but my father is still tending to the cattle. The horses on the ranch are pretty spoiled. We just don’t use them enough. My dad is kind of the lone rancher so to speak, and he has a hard time with long days in the saddle. Our horses get used to long days not working, and they get a little sour. We’re going to get a few more head and freshen up the herd and work them longer together. We want to move them to remote places in the back by the mountains and check the fences and water lines. Drop the protein and salt and do what ranchers got to do. Sandee Munds Park has a long history of cattle ranchers. We’re lucky we still have ranchers here, and it’s nice to see the cows out happily roaming the forest. When I see them, it takes me back in time, and I try to imagine what it may have been like as a settler. Roger Cowboys are iconic. They are an archetype in America, and it’s cool to see them still out there, even though that lifestyle is certainly, I don’t want to say under threat, but it’s becoming less and less viable. I know a lot of cowboys and I admire them. I may not like them all, but I admire them all. Sandee Roger, after your original band The Refreshments disbanded, you and PH decided to regroup and hike through the desert in the middle of June. This idea of trekking through the desert is extraordinary, considering the terrain and exhausting temperatures. What inspired you? Roger Yeah, PH and I, after the demise of The Refreshments, both decided that we were going to follow our life way through art. And so we challenged ourselves to physically and mentally seek inspiration through communion with nature. We bonded through this experience, as traveling through difficult paths will do. We had a lot ahead of us, and we began our journey at what we call headquarters at the ranch in Tucson. We walked north around the Whetstone Mountains all the way to Benson. It took a few days to do that and it was really dry. We began in June and we should have started in May before the springs dried up. But our travel was delayed because I had broken my ribs on the last gig of The Refreshments. We were playing in Hayden Square, and I was surfing on the monitor, tripped, and broke my ribs. When PH and I set out to hike, I put on my shoulder pack and heard a snap. There was no way I could strap on a 50-pound pack and hike for two weeks, so I took some time to heal. Anyway, we made it from headquarters to Benson. At that time, we were going to follow the San Pedro River, which goes all the way to Mexico. Except the San Pedro had already gone underground, it still flows; we just couldn’t access the water. So that was the length of that journey. We turned around and went back to headquarters; from there we headed out again towards Santa Rita. The experience was similar, very dry and not enough water, so we cut our journey short. Sandee Roger, you talk a lot about keeping it honest in music, telling authentic stories that are true to you and the band. You achieve this by staying independent and writing for music’s sake, not for radio or the charts. Was it on your desert journey from the ranch where you developed this philosophy? Roger Yes, we wanted to test our metal to see if we could take that idea and live with it by ourselves. Like how hard is this going to be? This will be a rough journey both spiritually and materially—just like the journey through the desert. A crucible by which we were going to evaluate whether we could walk away from using music as commerce. However, the decision had honestly been made before The Refreshments broke up. Long story short, Mercury Records ran a song of ours called Good Year for Bad Days. The band didn’t want it released, and they didn’t listen to that as an artistic choice. We really didn’t want it out as a single, but they used it anyway. We thought it would flop, and it did. It was a piece of music they asked us to write for the B-side. Like back in the day, you would write a side piece to accompany the main songs. Brian wrote that song real quick and never considered it a finished composition. Mercury Records ran it out on the radio, and it failed. They asked us for the next song, which would have been Wanted, a song we had real confidence in. But it was time to sign a new contract, and they wanted to see how the song did before signing us for another album. But that is not how we originally signed, so I said no. They picked us up as a heritage rock and roll band, not a band to write for the charts. I wanted to be in partnership with a record label to develop artistry and community through music. Anyway, they said if that’s your choice, we’re gonna let you go, and that choice had its ramifications. It sent tremors through the band, and that’s ultimately what split us up. So it was my choice and PH’s choice to say no to that particular condition and set us on our path to form The Peacemakers. Sandee In one of your interviews, they noted you are often compared to Springsteen, and this interviewer wondered why you weren’t as big as Springsteen, and you said that you wondered too. My question is, do you think your decision to stay honest with your music and not write for the charts has limited your reach? Roger First of all, it’s quite flattering to be compared to Bruce Springsteen or even used in the same sentence in a positive manner. His career track has certainly been rich and given a lot of definition to the concept of American rock and roll. Regarding why we’re not there, you know, we never really courted commerce through a label. We started The Peacemakers with the idea that we would work on our art and really stay true to that and see if commerce would follow. We all just lead with our art, not entirely worrying about money; maybe that is the fundamental difference. But there’s probably a lot more, I mean, Springsteen has had a 50-year career, and he’s really prolific. I don’t know, you know, it’s a really good question. But I’m happy with where I am, but I’m not complacent. I take my art, my songwriting and my performance very, very seriously. When I create my music, I don’t aim it toward the goal of courting a label or a chart position. It’s always towards giving the best possible live performance that I can give to an audience. It’s about bringing an idea or poetry through music, a recording that is there forever. I take that very seriously. Also, at the same time, trying to have fun... but seriously. So there I am. Maybe it’s because I’m a walking conundrum that sort of volume of success has never become part of our history. Sandee For me, and I am sure for most of your fans, that “walking conundrum” is what they love about you. Seeing an artist perform for art’s sake and not just the dollar is nobel. In another interview, you mentioned that in the early years, you had fun writing songs about chasing skirts and falling face down in Mexico, but that’s not who you are today. Today you are more interested in citizenship, husbandry and fatherhood. You now write songs about joy and celebration. Is this because you became a father? Roger Yeah, that was certainly a passage to a great opportunity to mature, and I took that very seriously. It’s quite the adventure of a lifetime to become a father. But yes, fatherhood, husbandhood, and the sense of community have led me on a different path. If I were 53 years old, still talking about getting drunk and chasing after encounters, that would get old pretty quick. I don’t walk that path anymore, and to write about it wouldn’t be authentic. I was that in my 20s, and I am this in my 50s. Sandee I have learned two things about you. You are not commercial, and you are keenly aware that the voice you put into the world affects people. Do you think if more musicians followed your sense of art and community, our world would be a little happier? Roger That’s a very, very good question. Regarding being noncommercial, I am not flagrantly noncommercial. I just make the music I make, and if it fits in a moment of commerciality, so be it. I just don’t aim toward any particular genre or trend. I know a lot of artists who follow their heart with their art, or vice versa. They are out there. They’re just a breed that is a little bit more rare and hard to find. I really admire artists who do that. I just got back from the Braun Brothers Reunion, which is a big kind of rock and country folk festival in the middle of nowhere, Chalice, Idaho. I was surrounded by, first of all, a huge, huge fan base. A fan base who probably never hear these artists on the radio. The fans just take their time and, through their peer group, find these musicians. Musicians like Mickey and the Motor Cars, Steve Earle and Corb Lund...these artists represent something really authentic. They are a touch rarer than what you’re going to find on the radio. It’s also the nature of the medium like radio and Tick Tock, or whatever the means of dissemination, that doesn’t really lend itself to authentic expression. But it’s out there, and when you find it, it’s gold. Anyway, regarding the world being a better place. I have no idea. I like to find my kind, and that’s where my art works, and my work is pretty darn good. Sandee Roger, I have a personal question. After listening and reading through your interviews, I noticed a guiding philosophy, a way of thinking that is present, celebratory, and an understanding that all is interconnected. And from time to time, I heard you touch on topics of God. Are you Buddhist? Roger I love that you can detect that. I practice, but I wouldn’t call myself Buddhist. I found that the original teachings are excellent ways to better yourself and be happier in a very chaotic world. I find what works for me in many different religions and spiritualities, and Buddhism is certainly one of them. I appreciate you being able to discern that. Sandee You’re getting ready to play at Borracho’s this Labor Day weekend! I cannot wait. Small venues are my absolute favorite! The La Capilla Stage is only two blocks from my home; the venue is small and intimate with the beautiful backdrop of the pines. It just creates an excellent atmosphere for enjoying your band. I wonder, which is your favorite? Large or small venues? Roger I can speak for the whole band. We like them both. When we are in downtown Phoenix or playing at the Rialto in Tucson, it’s a thrill to have a stage set in large production. It’s humbling to play in a venue that big and be able to fill the seats. On the other side of that, there’s a lot of pressure to play big venues and the expectations that go with it. You have to perform exceptionally well, and we do. But the smaller venues are an opportunity to kind of let everybody’s guard down through the music, and I can make eye contact with everybody. The lights don’t blind me. I can see all the way to the back. They’re just somehow, naturally, a little bit more fun. One of my favorite bands is Spoon, and Britt Daniel, their lead singer, put it pretty succinctly, “It’s easy to slay in a small room.” And that’s what a band always wants to do, just leave everybody breathless and give each other high fives. That’s just super cool. Somehow a small room where the audience can’t escape the decibels, the spit and the sweat, or the splinters off the sticks, it’s a really cool, very visceral, physical time, and it’s just a lot of fun. It’s full contact rock and roll. Sandee As an audience member, there’s nothing better. I mean, for me, we actually will only go to small venues anymore just because it’s just so powerful. We love it. And we love that you come to the Park to share your music! Roger Thank you. We like the idea of returning from our tours across the US, and coming home. We could just play big venues in Phoenix, but we love Arizona, and that’s where the idea of Arizona Highways came from. We thought we could play smaller joints in beautiful places throughout Arionza and call it work. They’re just super fun. We celebrate Arizona because The Peacemakers are proudly rooted here. Sandee The tattoo on your arm, the artist that designed your tattoo, does he also create your album art? Roger Yeah, it’s actually Daniel Gonzalez he’s a friend of mine. He was actually in my aunt’s art class in Southern Arizona. When he got old enough to pitch his art, I connected with him. He’s half Apache and half Mexican, which is an amazing mix because those people were historical enemies. So I love that they came together and are the embodiment of this artist who’s spreading love and peace. He designed a couple of our album covers, the Unida Cantina, The Independent, several posters, and a few t-shirt designs. He’s just great. We use him quite often. Anyway, yeah, he designed the tattoo; it’s on my right forearm. It’s my homage to my desert home. It’s sort of native and represents home, harvest, health and happiness all in one really cool design that Daniel did. Sandee Roger, another love of yours is excellent Tequila and you have a tequila of your own called Canción Tequila. Borracho’s carries it, and we have a few recipes in this issue of the Pinewood News for those at home who would enjoy it! You can catch it on page 21. Roger Yeah, our band proudly offers Canción Tequila. We started it just for fun, but the brand is growing, and we want to thank every venue carrying it. We represent Canción, and Canción represents us. We encourage everybody to raise a glass and celebrate life through rock and roll and Canción Tequila. Sandee One last question. Do you have new releases coming out? Roger Yes, we packed up, went to Wimberley, Texas, and put together a new album called TexAZ. We mentioned artists that are hard to find but very enriching, this group of guys I worked with are that. I really admire them. Some songs are from the catalog way back, and some songs are new. We released Never Thought from the album Honky Tonk Union. Cody Braun of Reckless Kelly, probably one of the best fiddle players I ever shared the stage with, produced it. From the same session, we released an original from The Refreshments, Fizzy Fuzzy Big & Buzzy, reimagined by Mike and the Moon Pies. The album also has a present-day spin on “King of The Hill.” We are pleased that Roger took time with the Pinewood News. It was our pleasure to speak with one of America’s best live rock-n-roll bands! For those lucky to catch him this Labor Day weekend at Borracho’s, be sure to try Roger’s signature Tequila, Canción. ¡Salud! Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers Arizona Tour Dates Friday, September 2 // Main Stage // Cottonwood, AZ Saturday, September 3 // Old Country Inn // Pine, AZ Sunday, September 4 // Borracho Saloon // Munds Park. AZ Saturday, September 24 // Rialto Theatre // Tucson, AZ Tour information here: rogerclyneandthepeacemakers.com/tour

Spring chores are a big deal in mountain country and mean more than dusting off the outdoor furniture and getting our cabins ready for BBQs and gatherings. If only it were that easy! Preparing for spring in the Park means checking over our cabins for winter damage and readying our homes for the next big snowfall. What? We have to think about snow in the spring? Yes! Our spring and summers are short and once monsoon season hits, completing exterior maintenance is nearly impossible. But, more than that, it’s about preparing for possible wildfires. Mundsies who have been around a while know the drill. But for folks new to the Park, knowing how to prepare your property for wildfire season is essential for your family and community. Moreover, taking care of your cabin can save you costly repairs. Check out these helpful tips: Check the Roof Your roof takes a heavy beating during the winter, and if you ignore maintenance and inspection after winter storms pound your roof, you run the risk of structural and interior home damage. Look for Damaged Shingles Damaged and loose shingles can expose your cabin to roof leaks and water damage. If shingles are broken, water will seep underneath and eventually enter your home. Also, if any shingles are loose, strong winter winds can blow them away. Repair Damaged Flashing Roof flashing is sometimes overlooked, but it’s vital to a well-maintained roof. Roof flashing protects your home from water damage by diverting water from certain areas of the roof. Replace Old Caulking During the winter, caulking can become less elastic, separate or crack. New caulking will expand and contract with the cold and warm weather, keeping critical junctures in your roof watertight and dry. So it’s important to check the sealant around vent pipes, chimneys, and counter-flashing. Trim Trees Trimming trees around your roof is a must-do task to avoid roof damage as storms come thundering through. Overhanging branches can break off during a big storm and can seriously damage your roof. Unless you are in the profession, hiring a professional trained to do these tasks is best—Especially considering the height of most cabins in the Park and the rocky terrain. Hire a Professional Elevated Roofing is a premier provider with a 4.9 Google Rating and provides free roof inspections. Essential Roofing Arizona North Tree Service Mario and Mario Landscaping & Tree Service Clean Rain Gutters Chances are, after winter storms, your gutters are full. That’s bad news for your cabin. When downspouts are clogged, rainwater can spill out of your gutters and around the perimeter of your house, putting it at risk for leaks and flooding. Prepare for spring showers by removing debris from your gutters and ensuring water flows freely. Pro Tip: Don’t hire just anyone to clean your gutters. Every job that involves working on a ladder comes with additional risks, especially for two-story cabins or higher. Gutter, roof damage, and injury can occur with the wrong professional, so choose wisely. Hire a Professional Foose Home Repair Services Mario and Mario Landscaping & Tree Service Service HVAC The start of the spring is a great time to have your home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling systems inspected and serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance will improve efficiency, save money, improve air quality, and most importantly, avoid a winter breakdown! You especially want to avoid issues with your heater during the winter months. Snowfall, like we’ve experienced this winter, may prevent timely service. Further, it’s a busy time of the year, and you may not get service exactly when needed. So plan ahead. Hire a Professional Fiscor Heating & Cooling is a premier provider with a 4.9 Google Rating from 166 satisfied customers. You can trust them to take care of your HVAC needs. Check Vents As the snow melts away from your home’s foundation, checking any vents along the foundation or in the attic is important. Look for missing or damaged screens, debris, signs of insect or rodent infestation, or other issues. Test Alarms Let the change of season be your reminder to test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for proper functioning. Change batteries if necessary. Alarms can malfunction as they age, so if yours are older than seven years, consider replacing them. Take a Walk Around Your Cabin As you walk around your cabin, look for damage or wear caused by ice, snow, or low temperatures. Inspect your foundation for cracks or gaps, and seal windows or doors if needed. Similarly, take a look at your deck for loose or damaged boards, and seal up any cracks in your walkway or drive. Check Your Plumbing Take a look at your pipes inside and out for cracks or damage from the winter, as well as leaks, wet spots, or water damage. Hire a Professional Dynamic Plumbing Indigenous Plumbing Liberty Plumbing Pinewood Plumbing Landscaping & Pine Needle Clean Up A hot ember from a nearby campfire, firepit or wildfire can travel 5-20 miles and still be hot enough to ignite a fire where it lands. Therefore, it is critical that all Mundsies do their part and ensure their property is firewise ready. Preparing Your Cabin for Wildfire Season Remove pine needles and other green waste from gutters. Remove leaf/pine needles within at least 10 feet of your cabin. Cut down or thin trees to create defensible space on your property. Remove tall, dry grass from the property surrounding your home. Trim branches that overhang your cabin, porch, and deck, and prune branches of large trees 6 to 10 feet from the ground. Prune excess growth from your bushes and shrubs regularly. Take all green waste to the Willard Springs green waste site (Free Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) If you cannot get it to the curb for the Bear Jaw Crew to pick up and remove, please follow their guidelines. Hire a Professional 4-Sons Landscape Maintenance (pine needle cleanup and removal) Arizona North Tree Service (tree trimming) Goodfellas (pine needle cleanup and removal) a premier provider with a 5.0 Google Rating. Mario and Mario Landscaping & Tree Service (pine needle cleanup & tree trimming) Munds Cabin Crew (pine needle cleanup and removal) Ultimate Yard Service (pine needle cleanup and removal) Remember, completing cabin maintenance as soon as possible is always a good idea—especially if you need to hire a professional. Our local tradesmen book up fast, and at times weather gets in the way of getting things done!

Erin Brown, Munds Park’s Wildlife Manager Talks frankly with Munds Park about why dangerous animals need captured & the importance of keeping wildlife wild. Nature lovers move to Munds Park because they enjoy the woodlands and all that goes with it—including mountain lions. They are majestic animals, and it’s exciting to catch them on our cameras and share the excitement on social media. Introduce a momma and her three cubs, and that adds to the thrill. We featured mountain lions last month because they were on everyone’s mind, and it was an excellent opportunity to learn about them. After all, if we live in the mountains, we should learn about neighboring wildlife and how to co-exist. Our feature noted interesting facts and basic safety guidelines. One of the main points was that mountain lions don’t like people, and their favorite times to hunt are dusk and dawn. Well, our mountain lion and her cubs enjoy the Park any time of day. There were several daytime sightings, including one significant moment, captured by Bob Kelly, Momma strolling through the Park mid-day without concern. That, my friends, is a game changer. Arizona Game and Fish (AGFD) requested help from our community and asked for sighting tips. Unfortunately, this request was met with resistance, anger and a lack of understanding. Now, when I say lack of understanding, I am including myself. I’ve been learning about mountain lions right along with you. This is new territory for many of us. And frankly, some who think they know... really don’t. So when the controversy over capturing the mountain lions stirred, I knew it was time to call the experts. Erin Brown, Wildlife Manager for AGFD, has been Munds Park’s Wildlife Manager for 14 years. Erin came to Flagstaff from Michigan armed with a bachelor’s degree in biology, a cardboard box, a bicycle, and deep respect for the outdoors. She slugged it out at Taco Bell until she could reach her goal, working for AGFD. Becoming a Wildlife Manager takes dedication and a sincere love of animals and the outdoors. The process to join the AGFD team is demanding. Before applying, applicants need a bachelor’s in biology or a related field. The application process includes an interview, extensive background check, psychological assessment, medical exam and a physical fitness evaluation. Once candidates make it through the initial evaluations and accepted into the program, the real fun begins. Each Wildlife Manager goes through a 24-week law enforcement academy—The same training and academy Coconino County Sheriff Deputies and Flagstaff Police undergo to become a state-certified officer. Wildlife Managers are sworn Arizona peace officers with statewide jurisdiction. Once the law enforcement training is complete, AGFD put recruits through thirteen weeks of specialized training on enforcing wildlife laws. After that, they receive an additional ten weeks of field training working under the wings of a seasoned Wildlife Manager. They are dedicated, well-trained Arizona wildlife and land advocates. The mission of AGFD is to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife and habitat for over 800 species. They ensure their numbers are sustainable and their habitat is protected and healthy. In addition, they work to make outdoor recreational areas and residential areas safe for humans and wildlife. They do this for us and future generations. Unfortunately, when wild animals cross over into human territories, the job of the Wildlife Manager gets difficult. Erin explained, “As urban communities are developed, we tend to have more interactions. Not only that, our view of wildlife has changed. Now people tend to consider wildlife the same way they see domestic animals. People want to feed them, get close to them, and some even bring them in as pets. They are not our pets—not even close. But because generations are far removed from wildlife, folks are just not viewing wildlife as they should, and it’s becoming more and more of a problem. Communities like Munds Park have existed for a long time. Wildlife has always been on the fringes and should stay there. There is plenty of habitat for all our wildlife species. It’s not natural for wild animals to wander into communities. While we will occasionally see and interact with wildlife, we should not allow that to become the norm. Wild animals need to stay in their habitat. It’s better for them and us.” Feeding wild animals, intentionally or unintentionally, is a big problem and a big draw for our wild neighbors. It’s the main reason wild animals will come into an urban setting. Every time a bird feeder is hung too low, feeding and attracting squirrels, feeding pets outside, feeding feral cats, letting domestic animals roam, and not correctly storing trash all attract wildlife. When prey animals are fed, their predators will roll in. When dangerous predators roll in and stay, it’s a problem and requires Game and Fish to respond. Game and Fish follow specific policies for handling wildlife interactions. These policies are based on decades of scientific research regarding wildlife behavior and they are: Category Four is a sighting. Game and Fish will note an animal has been observed in the area, and no further action is needed. Category Three is a nuisance animal with non-repetitive behavior. For example, the animal got into somebody’s garbage one time. A Wildlife manager will offer education and help folks learn how not to attract animals to their home. If they need more support, they may visit. Category Two is a potential threat. This would include multiple incidents in an urban setting, wildlife that is normally active from dusk to dawn is active during daylight hours, repetitively using human food sources, creating property damage, being injured or confined, or a female with young. Category One is an immediate threat. The animal has threatened or attacked someone. Or, it’s been previously relocated and back to cause trouble, or tried to enter a dwelling or entered a dwelling. Animals also fall under Category One if they display signs of illness that can be transmitted to people. If interactions with an animal become Category One or Two, the department considers the animal a public safety threat. Category One wildlife are generally lethally removed. For ill animals, there is no “live animal” rabies test available. Rabies tests require a portion of the brain or spinal column and therefore wildlife is killed and submitted for rabies testing so victims of wildlife attacks can use the results of the rabies test to inform their medical treatment. For Category Two wildlife, they can sometimes relocate it. In other cases, like all mountain lions, adult male bears, and adult coyotes, they are often lethally removed. The scientific literature suggests adult males of many species are more aggressive and territorial and it has been shown adult males are more likely to return to the area of capture post-relocation and therefore not relocated. Juvenile wildlife and adult females aren’t as territorial or aggressive. In the case of mountain lions, both males and females are lethally removed because of their territoriality. When relocated, conflict may occur in the release area, often resulting in severe injury or death of one or both mountain lions. Our mountain lion and her cubs started as Category Four with just several observations. But because the sighting moved from camera captures in the night hours to several daytime sightings, including one human and cub encounter, they were moved from a Category Four to a Category Two threat at the beginning of February. Game and Fish have no choice but to take action in the interest of human safety. Erin noted, “Lethally removing an adult female mountain lion and her three cubs is not in anyone’s best interest. That’s why we decided to contract with Wildlife Services and try to relocate them to a Wildlife Sanctuary. We can’t let her stay here, getting comfortable, because we don’t want anyone hurt. So removing her is the only way to go.” Social Media Armchair Quarterbacks When the Pinewood News was asked to solicit tips through social media to help Game and Fish track our mountain lion and her cubs, it was mainly met with anger and distress. No one wants to see harm come to these beautiful animals, but ignoring the science and the nature of the animal puts our community at risk. I asked Erin to correct or clarify anything she saw on social media. Here is what we learned. The snow is too high for the cubs, and finding food is difficult. False. There’s plenty of habitat and prey species in the forest for mom and her cubs. She must teach her cubs to hunt in the woods as nature intended. The snow is high and challenging, but mountain lions naturally live in snow country and adapt. This mom simply found it convenient to hunt here. Further, if mom is allowed to stay, she will teach her cubs that hunting among humans is normal. Once the cubs move out, they may find another neighborhood to call home—putting the lions and the community at risk. If you choose to live in the forest, you choose to live WITH the forest. To the people complaining about the lion, please move because you’re not wanted here. False. Erin explains, “They were here first is not a valid case. We are here and have been—For decades. We are here and we have children. We have pets. And for parents, if they had to worry about a mountain lion living here or their child being safe, they will choose their child. Think about it. When kids get scared, what do they do? They run. That is the worst thing you can do when facing a mountain lion. Running triggers their prey response, and an attack would be imminent. That’s why I said earlier that the longer she is here, the more interactions there will be, and the chance of one of them going bad is good. You just need a child to run, or if a dog on a leash comes around the corner and barks, that’s nothing but bad news. To provide for human safety, we must encourage wildlife that we are here, and it must return to its habitat. And leaving it alone doesn’t convince it’s unwelcome.” Lots of people tried to tell people politely…. To shut up. No one seemed to have gotten the hints… next time we will be more direct and spell it out….. False. Keeping quiet or bullying your community to “shut up” and not report sightings may hinder AGFD and put your community at risk of a serious incident. Let AGFD, trained and dedicated experts, determine the correct action. Don’t allow people to deter you from doing what is right, and call AGFD with sightings at (623) 236-7201. Game and Fish lethally removed a black bear from Munds Park about five years ago. True. Erin remembers this incident and stated, “That decision absolutely came down to public safety. We received several reports. The first few reports were Category One, just some sightings. Then moved to Category Two after the bear became a nuisance. Then we got the call that it tried to enter someone’s cabin. That was our cut-off. We did not have a choice. Public safety is our number one concern. We understand bears’ behavior, and we know this bear has learned to enter homes. If we had let the bear live and relocated it, it would do it again, jeopardizing the safety of the people we are here to protect. Everybody wants a scenario where the animal lives, but sometimes it’s just not possible.” After dedicating her life to wildlife conservation and serving Munds Park for over a decade, I asked Erin how the negative comments about AGFD on social media made her feel. She said, “We use our training, experience, and department science-based policies to guide us—I know I do my job well. So when people go online and say we’re doing a terrible thing by not relocating the mountain lion, all I can do is try and educate them. Because of my training and expertise, I know what a mountain lion’s behavior would be if I relocated it. I know what could happen if she were allowed to stay too long. So negative comments don’t get to me. I see them as an opportunity to educate.” I asked Erin if she could ask the community to do one thing to help AGFD with their mission, what would it be? “It’s critical to keep wildlife wild. That is the number one goal. As I explained, Arizona has plenty of habitat for all our wildlife. Allowing wild animals to become comfortable in urban areas increases the likelihood of a dangerous encounter and typically does not end well for the animal. Everyone should remove outside food sources, water, and shelter that attract wildlife. Outdoor cats are considered urban prey species. If I had my way, I’d tell everyone to teach the cat to use a litter box and keep them indoors. Properly manage your garbage. If you feed your pet outside, pick up the food. Close-off access to areas under your porch or cabin; Javelina love living in these spaces. We also highly recommend not feeding wildlife. In bigger counties and in the city of Flagstaff, it’s illegal. Feeding wildlife is never, never beneficial. You only attract them to an urban community putting them and your neighbors in danger. Feeding birds is okay. We ask that bird feeders are at least five feet in the air so animals can’t get to the feed. If the feed spills or gets knocked over, go out and clean it up.” What’s next for Momma & her cubs? AGFD is going to hang back a bit. Typically, their hound’s noses work better with fresh snow, and tracks are easier to see, so they may return after the snowstorms. They are really hoping Momma and the cubs move back into the forest. In the meantime, AGFD want residents to haze Momma and her cubs. She must be convinced she doesn’t want to be here and move back into the forest. This is the best case scenario. How to haze a dangerous animal? Open windows and yell at them. Set off your car alarm or honk your horn. Use your hose and burst them with water during the spring and summer months, but stay safe and close to your front door. Use a soda can filled with pennies. You can shake, rattle, or even throw it at the animal. Use a blow horn. Do not release dogs on them. Dogs will make them aggressive. Remember, mountain lions typically do not want to interact with humans. As long as you don’t run and trigger her prey response, you can yell and stand tall to convince her you are scarier, and she will probably believe you. Unfortunately, as they get habituated to human movement around them, they tend to lose that natural fear. No one in the Park wants any animal lethally removed, but if we continue to feed and attract them to the Park intentionally or through laziness with our trash, this will be the reality. Because folks, the safety of our community comes first. Do the right thing and call Game and Fish at (623) 236-7201 with sightings of any dangerous or nuisance animal and keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe.

Our staff at Warner’s Nursery are pretty passionate about the versatile tomato for many reasons. They are fun to grow, tantalize the senses and can be a primary ingredient in soups, sauces and salads. But did you know that tomatoes are not just good, but also good for you? Tomatoes are chock-full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It’s an organic pigment that gives tomatoes their bright red color and protects them from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Similarly, they can help protect your cells from damage. Tomatoes also have potassium, vitamins B and E, and other nutrients. Here are just a few of the ways tomatoes are good for your health: They boost your immune system, with the lycopene taking on free radical molecules and helping prevent cancers. They can lower your levels of LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Vitamins B and E are plentiful in tomatoes, and they can boost your heart health. Here’s one for all of us that are shackled to our mobile devices: Tomatoes contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which research indicates can help protect your eyes from the blue light made by all those screens we stare at all day. Just the way lycopene protects a tomato’s skin from burning, it can also help shield you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, don’t skip on the sunscreen. Tomatoes help from the inside of your body and won’t keep you from getting a burn if you go out without protection. Despite northern Arizona’s short growing season, it is possible to have lush tomato plants gracing your garden with their beautiful lycopene-filled red bulbs. Scientific selection has helped make tomatoes hardier. Over the years, hybridization has resulted in an ever-growing selection of plants with traits that are helpful in our region, such as tomatoes that mature faster and ones that can withstand cooler climates. A few of our favorites at Warner’s Nursery include: Better Boy, which could also be called “Big Boy,” as it often produces plump, juicy fruits that weigh more than one pound! Celebrity, which is known for its taste as well as its resistance to disease. The Early Girl truly lives up to its name, providing meaty, ripe 4-to-6-ounce fruits extra early in the season. Stupice is another popular plant that ripens early and has abundant yields, producing 3-to-6-ounce red fruits with exceptional flavor. Then there’s Siberian which, as you might have guessed, can withstand cool conditions and can be successfully germinated at slightly lower temperatures. In addition to these “full-size” varieties, there are also the compact, bite-size “cherry” tomatoes, including the Sungold, a golden beauty with a thin skin bursting with flavor, and the Sweet 100, which produces huge clusters of ½-inch fruits that are very sweet and high in vitamin C. Growing Tomatoes in northern Arizona The first – and most important – tip to growing tomatoes in our region is protecting them from northern Arizona’s changeable weather. If growing from seed, be sure to get them started early and cultivate indoors before planting them outside. If you purchase your plants as “starts” (as opposed to growing from seed), we recommend you plant them outside, but with season extenders to protect them from northern Arizona’s late frosts; we sometimes get freezing night-time temps well into June. Season extenders, tubes you fill with water and surround your plant with, absorb the heat of the sun during the day to keep your plant warm at night. Frost cloth will also help protect your tomato plants. Once your tomato plants are in the ground, remember they like lots of food and water. Some common tomato problems are caused by incorrect watering, so we recommend a drip irrigation system. Another tip is to not plant tomatoes in the same soil as last year, as this can allow disease to spread. Common Problems and What to Do About Them This brings us to the common diseases we see with tomato plants. Fortunately, most of the issues we see in northern Arizona can be controlled easily. Phosphorus deficiencies occur early in the growing season when the soil is still cool. Although our soil has phosphorus, it can be unavailable to the plant if the soil it too cold, which is yet another reason not to plant too early. However, once temperatures rise, the problem typically corrects itself. Curly top virus is transmitted by the beet leafhopper. Infected plants turn yellow and stop growing. Row covers are suggested to keep the leafhoppers off your plants. Psyllids feed on tomato plant sap and inject a toxic saliva that turns leaves yellow and distorts the stems. Check the undersides of leaves for nymphs, which are about the size of an aphid and are yellow in color, slowly turning green. They secrete small white granules that look like sugar. To control them dust the underside of the foliage with sulfur. Speaking of aphids, these insects (as well as whiteflies) cause leaf yellowing and leave a sticky substance behind. The good news – damage is usually minimal to the tomatoes themselves. However, if it becomes a problem, use insecticidal soap. Flea beetles are small, black or brown beetles that jump when disturbed. They chew small holes or pits in leaves. Wounded tissue may be more susceptible to diseases such as early blight. Again, this is a problem most plants outgrow. Early blight is caused by a fungus and typically can be seen during hotter months. This is one that might attack both the leaves and fruit of your plant. The leaves drop off, which makes your tomatoes susceptible to sunburn. Sanitation (i.e., removing affected plants) is your best option here. Tomato or tobacco hornworms are large, green or gray-green caterpillars with white to tan V-shaped or dashed markings on their sides. A green to reddish horn protrudes from the hind end. They are voracious feeders, stripping leaves from stems and even eating unripe fruit. Pick them off by hand. The caterpillars are susceptible to many common vegetable insecticides. During Memorial Day weekend, Warner’s Nursery will hold its traditional Tomatopalooza, our annual celebration of all things tomato. Stop on by to pick up some plants or ask our experts about cultivating these amazing – and very healthy - edibles.

By Misti Warner-Andersen Spring has fully arrived in Northern Arizona and, if you haven’t already started, it’s time to plant your garden. The prospect of beautiful flowers and home-grown vegetables is probably motivation enough to go play in the dirt, but if you need another reason, how about this: numerous studies show you will be healthier, and live longer, if you garden. One main reason is that foods you grow yourself are tastier and slightly more nutritious than their supermarket counterparts. Vegetables like peppers and green beans have nutrients that can degrade in transport – losing some of their healthful properties on the way to your table. Ever tasted a homegrown tomato fresh from the garden? It’s nothing like ones you buy from the store, because store tomatoes often are picked “green” to allow them to survive the trip to your market. That early picking, however, means they haven’t had a chance to fully develop their flavor. If your fruits and vegetables are tastier, you are likely to eat more of them, meeting federal guidelines to generally increase your intake of fresh, unprocessed foods. And if you are worried about our short season, please know that Warner’s selection of fruits and vegetables are specifically suited to high-altitude growing. We can also help you with what you need to grow organically, making sure your food is chemical-free. Diet and nutrition aren’t the only reason that gardening promotes good health. Numerous studies show a link between gardening and a happier, more stress-free life. A Dutch study had 30 people perform a stressful mental task then randomly assigned them to either read or garden. The gardeners not only reported being in a much better mood than the readers, their levels of cortisol – the “stress hormone” – were significantly lower than the other group. A long-term study in Australia followed almost 3,000 60-year olds for 16 years and showed that daily gardening tended to reduce the risk of dementia. A third study, this one in the United States, indicated that gardeners – who get to see a physical manifestation of their work either in beautiful blooms, stately trees, or colorful fruits and vegetables – generally report greater self-esteem. Lastly, there is the exercise benefit from getting up, getting out and getting to work in your garden. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend “moderate-intensity level activity” for about two and a half hours each week, which can reduce the risk for obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Gardening is one of the activities that meets the moderate-intensity threshold. And those who pick gardening as their preferred activity tend to exercise almost an hour longer each week than those who walk or bike. Gardening helps keep you limber because it involves exercising both your arms and legs, with particular emphasis on hand dexterity and strength. But just like you would warm up your legs before a run, it’s important to stretch out your hands and to not push yourself too hard to avoid hand or wrist injuries. Those with knee issues might want to consider raised beds to make it easier on these joints. Finally, make sure you wear and use the appropriate gear, including gloves and well-designed tools to protect your hand and wrists. And don’t forget the sunscreen, although you might want to wait 10 minutes in the sun before you apply it, so you can benefit from the extra Vitamin D. Lastly, gardening can be solitary or social, both of which have their benefits. A quiet hour or so in the garden can be just what you need after a hectic day. On the other hand, gardening can be a great family activity – I know it’s something I really enjoy with my sons! If you are ready to get all the great health benefits from gardening, please make sure to visit us at Warner’s Nursery. We’ve got a great selection of plants for your garden and our friendly experts are always ready to answer your questions and provide guidance. Gardening in the Park is brought to you by

With cold days and snow still ahead of us, it might seem a little early to start thinking about this year’s vegetable patch, but now is the perfect time to start planning so that you can start preparing for the garden you want this summer. Northern Arizona gardeners have two big challenges every year as they work to get their veggie gardens growing. The first is our high elevation and the second is a shorter-than-average growing season. We barely have 100 days where it doesn’t dip into freezing temperatures overnight. The good news is that with a little prep work outside and some seed starting indoors, you can still enjoy the whole range of cool- and warm-weather veggies. Getting the Ground Ready First off, identify and prepare your planting space. It doesn’t have to be huge, but for vegetables, you want a spot with at least five to six hours of full sun. You also need good soil. Rich soil that drains well and has a proper mix of nutrients is crucial to successful gardening. Unfortunately, bad soil is rampant throughout northern Arizona, but the only way to be sure is to test your soil. (Warner’s offers do-it-yourself testing kits). The tests will let you know what amendments you need to improve your soil. If your soil won’t support a garden, however, consider creating a “raised” garden bed. You’ll want to fill the bed with a mix of topsoil, compost and other organic materials like manure to give your plants that nutrient-rich environment that is so important for their growth. Note for condo/apartment dwellers: Just because you don’t have a yard does not mean you have to give up your dream of home-grown goodies. Container gardening will work, but we’d recommend choosing varieties bred to grow in small spaces. Anything with the words patio, pixie, tiny, baby or dwarf in their names is a good bet. And just because a plant is bred to be small doesn’t mean the fruits will be small or the yield will be less. Growing from Seeds in Early Spring While you are getting your soil ready in your yard or building your raised bed, you can start your plants off inside your home from seed. The first step is to get the right supplies. In addition to the seeds, you’ll need containers, soil and eventually, fertilizer. Seed trays are probably the easiest and most convenient way to start off your garden. Resist the temptation to repurpose houseplant soil or just get dirt from your garden. Instead, invest in a “seedling mix” that is specifically formulated to help grow seeds and is typically a lighter soil, which makes it easier for seedlings to break through the soil once they germinate. When you see the first true leaves appear, you’ll want to add some fertilizer to provide nutrients and make sure they are getting the sunshine (or lighting system) they need to grow. Transplanting As we get further into spring, watch the weather and look for a period with no frost in the forecast, probably around late April. This is a good time for “cold-season” veggies, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, lettuce, and spinach to move outside. You’ll want to wait until May to transplant warm-season vegetables like eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Here’s a trick you might want to try as you transplant your vegetables: expose your seedlings to the elements gradually before moving them to their final container or garden bed. One way is to leave the seedlings out during the day and bring them back in at night so they can adjust and “harden” to the elements. Remember that northern Arizona weather is changeable. You might need to cover your newly planted veggies with frost cloth on certain nights. You can also use season extenders, tubes you fill with water that surround an individual plant. The water in the tubes heats up from the sun during the day and keep the soil beneath the plant and the air around it warm. While we are talking about protecting your veggies, another important aspect is keeping our wildlife friends out of your garden. If you think the deer love your flowers, imagine how all the members of the woodland community will feel about your vegetables. So, when planning out your space, leave some room for a protective fence. Watering Finally, once those beautiful plants are in the ground, please remember to water them regularly. Without regular water, vegetables will not fill out and some, like tomatoes, will crack open if they suddenly plumped up with water after struggling without. The main thing to remember is that you can’t always rely on rain. Part of your planning process should focus on the best way to water regularly. As professional horticulturists and landscapers, the experts at Warner’s are big fans of drip irrigation. The newer component systems are relatively easy to install and cost a lot less than most people think. Plus, you’ll save money on water, because unlike hand-watering, drip irrigation goes directly to the plant’s roots. You lose less water to runoff and evaporation. Brought to you by The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. —Alfred Austin

Learn how you can keep our skies dark, sparkley & clear. By Kevin White, Public Program Supervisor for Lowell Observatory In 1958, Northern Arizona became the birthplace of a movement that has spread across the world: the movement to preserve our connection with the night sky. Flagstaff and Northern Arizona have long been at the forefront of astronomy, both professional and amateur. Flagstaff was once nicknamed the “Skylight City” because of its spectacular view of the night sky. These clear skies were a major part of what brought Percival Lowell to Flagstaff to found Lowell Observatory, and of what brought the U.S. Naval Observatory to Flagstaff as well. Flagstaff’s high elevation and dry climate make it a nearly ideal place for stargazing. Even today, on a clear summer night, from many parts of Flagstaff one can see the Milky Way, a rare and special privilege for denizens of a city of its size. Residents of Northern Arizona are afforded such spectacular stargazing due to efforts across our community. A large part of these efforts are Flagstaff’s lighting ordinances, which are designed to both preserve the natural sky as a source of wonder for Northern Arizona’s residents and visitors, and to permit cutting edge research for the astronomers who work here. In 1957, Lowell Observatory acquired the 69 inch Perkins Telescope. A telescope this powerful could only realize its full potential under skies minimally polluted by city lights. Even at the time, Lowell Observatory’s Mars Hill campus next to downtown Flagstaff was inadequate to the task, so Lowell Observatory placed the telescope on Anderson Mesa near Lake Mary, a location used for astronomical research to this day. Even at this more remote site, however, there were still concerns. A single searchlight could ruin the sky for sensitive observations for miles around. So Lowell Observatory astronomers petitioned Flagstaff’s City Council to enact a regulation to prevent searchlights from interfering with their work. Such an ordinance was enacted in 1958. While there was little fanfare at the time, in retrospect it was a momentous event: the world’s first ordinance to protect a dark, natural sky. In the years since then, Flagstaff and Coconino County have expanded their efforts to protect the wonders of our natural skies. For example, street lights are shaded so that their lights are directed down, and are built to shine in a color that is minimally obtrusive for research and stargazing. Dark sky protection must be balanced with safety and commercial interests, but using proper methods and lighting types we can maintain a spectacular sky while still meeting our community’s lighting needs. Many cities, counties, and regions all over the world have followed Flagstaff’s example and adopted ordinances to help preserve a natural sky. These range from our neighbors in Arizona like Sedona and Tucson, to major metropolitan areas like San Diego County, to communities around the globe like Bisei Town in Japan and Møn in Denmark. In 1991, Flagstaff was designated the first International Dark Sky City by the International Dark-Sky Association, an organization dedicated to promoting natural, non-light-polluted skies all over the world. International Dark Sky cities are designated as such to recognize exceptional work in preserving or recovering dark skies. Flagstaff remains a world leader in this regard You can help keep our skies beautiful for all of Northern Arizona’s residents and visitors. If you keep the tops of your lights properly shaded, more of the light will stay near the ground, where it is needed, rather than go upwards where it is wasted and pollutes the natural sky. To be extra sure of the effectiveness of the light’s direction, check for the International Dark-Sky Association’s (IDA’s) seal of approval on the light. If you don’t use more light than you need, you can actually improve visibility by reducing glare, reduce energy costs, and also help keep the night sky closer to its natural state. Using lights only in the times and places that they’re needed will also save energy and help preserve a natural sky. Timers and motion sensors are invaluable aids for this, but simply placing lights thoughtfully and remembering to turn them off when they are not in use is also effective. Working together, we can maintain Flagstaff’s access to the incredible natural wonder of the night sky, and let it continue to live up to its old nickname of the Skylight City.

New state legislation has provided cities, towns, and counties with the legal authority to enact minimal regulations of short-term rentals (STRs). In January, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors met to discuss the draft ordinance for STRs. There wasn’t much discussion, critique of the legislation, or future paths to improve it. The Supervisors seem primarily pleased with the outcome, which has people who want real regulation scratching their heads. But, maybe, just maybe, this is the start of something good? The regulations proposed are: STRs will be required to be permitted and provide a transaction privilege tax. The County can collect an annual permit fee of up to $250. STRs must notify all adjacent neighbors with emergency contact information. STRs can lose or have their permit suspended, plus be hit with fines from $500-$3,500 for the following ‘verified violations’: Felony offense committed at or in the vicinity of a vacation rental resulting from the knowing intentional or reckless conduct of short-term rental. A serious physical injury or wrongful death related to a short-term rental resulting from the knowing intentional or reckless conduct of the short-term rental. Owners knowingly or intentionally housing a sex offender, allowing offenses related to adult-oriented businesses, sexual crimes or prostitution, or operating or maintaining a sober-living home. Knowingly or intentionally allowing the use of a vacation rental for a special event that would otherwise require a temporary use permit and failure to maintain reasonable access for first responders. As you can see, short of a felony like murder, sex trafficking, and selling drugs (which are illegal anyway), there is no real relief for nuisances imposed upon the neighbors of short-term rentals. Overflowing trash, too many guests booked with a million cars, parking issues, noise, too many STRs in one neighborhood and trespassing—all things that steal contentment in our own neighborhoods—are still groovy with most of our lawmakers. These new regulations are not a big win, but they are a little, teeny tiny start. A public hearing will be held Tuesday, February 28. The Board will hear public comments and consider and possibly adopt the final ordinance. Members of the public wishing to observe and participate in the hearing may do so via Zoom Teleconference at 6pm. Anyone wishing to provide written comment may do so up to 24-hours before the hearing time by emailing Assistant Director of Community Development Jess McNeely at wmcneely@coconino.az.gov.

Through experience, people learned that to survive snow storms, floods, fires, hurricanes... any significant event mother nature through their way, being prepared was vital, and 'prepping' was a normal part of everyday living. Because convenience and grocery stores are on most street corners, modern people have mostly ignored this advice. But after COVID, we were reminded that the unthinkable can happen. When it does, there will be long lines and shortages of essential items—This is a history lesson we should not forget. Our ability to get essentials during significant weather events is even more difficult for those who live in Munds Park because of our remote location. So take a moment, review this list and ensure you, your family, and your pets have everything needed in case of power outages and sheltering in place is needed. Understand Weather Alerts A WATCH means Be Prepared! Go to the store, get what you need and have essential tasks complete. A WARNING means Take Action! A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action. Supplies Needed Water Have one gallon per person daily for at least five to 10 days for drinking and sanitation. While your pet may not need that much, keep an extra gallon on hand to use if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed. Food Have at least a five-day supply of non-perishable food for each person and pet in your home. Paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils Manual can opener (for food) Medications and Personal Supplies Have a 1-month supply of prescribed medications. Have on hand non-prescription medications such as pain relievers. Contact lens solution Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Communication Purchase a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert. Before storms, always fully charge cell phones. It's always good to have cell phone chargers and a backup battery for power outages. Make sure important contacts are on your phone and that you have a hard copy available. Emergency Supplies First aid kit Cash or traveler's checks Fire extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Flashlight with extra batteries Candles Hygiene Moist towelettes Garbage bags and plastic ties Diapers Cat litter Doggie potty pads Documents Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records, are saved electronically and in hard copies stored in a waterproof, portable container. Pets Sturdy leashes, harnesses and secure carriers to transport pets safely and ensure they can't escape. Ensure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification that is always up to date-and visible. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. (They may have to stay in it for hours at a time.) If your pet is prone to chewing items, inspect the carrier's inside to ensure that your pet can't dislodge or ingest items that could cause injury. Entertainment Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities Tasks to Complete Sign up for emergency alerts at Smart911. Do you have enough propane? If you are on auto-fill, don't leave it to chance. Check your meter and ensure you have enough fuel to weather the storm. Remember, propane providers cannot deliver on icy snow-filled paths once the storm has hit. Call your favorite snow plower in advance and book them ahead of the storm. Bring a supply of firewood into your cabin or somewhere close outside and weatherproof. If you have a generator, ensure it is working correctly and has enough fuel on hand. If you have a gate to get onto your property, open it before the storm, or you may not get the gate open if there is a lot of snowfall. Have your car ready in case you need to leave. Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots. Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. Line up tentative plans to stay with friends or family. If you are cold and you can't get out or it is too dangerous, do not hesitate to call 911. Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies. We are always open to local feedback. If you have ideas about sheltering in place, please let us know at Hello@ThePinewoodNews.com.

It’s flu season, and with the addition of COVID and RSV, we can use all the help we can get to stay healthy! For better immune health, Genna and I started drinking booster shots in the morning. Will it keep the flu away? We’ll let you know. We do know there’s nothing but goodness in this drink, so it can’t hurt to try! Immune Booster Shots are intensely flavored drinks that deliver a super-concentrated burst of flavor that provides your body with powerful anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties. This drink is not only good for you, but it’s incredibly simple to make. Plus, you can customize the intensity of the juice to suit your taste. All you need to make these healthy wellness shots at home is a high-powered blender and a fine-mesh strainer. Easy! Ingredients - Coconut Water - 1 bunch of fresh carrots - 4 Lemons - 4 Oranges - 1/2 Ginger Root - 1 Turmeric Root - 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper Directions 1. You don’t need a fancy juicer to make ginger shots. Just pull out your high-powered blender and a fine-mesh strainer and start juicing! 2. Chop ginger, Turmeric and carrots. No need to peel the ginger or turmeric since you’ll be straining the juice before drinking it. Just roughly chop it to make blending easier. Ginger is spicy and can cause heartburn. Adjust how much ginger you use to match your tolerance. Genna and I only use 1/2 of the ginger root per batch. For this batch, the store didn’t have fresh Turmeric in stock so I used organic ground turmeric and added 3 tablespoons. 3. Wash and Juice fresh lemons and oranges. The bright citrus flavor of lemon and orange juice pairs well with ginger and tastes much better than bottled. Fresh is always best. 4. Blend until smooth. Blend the ginger, turmeric and carrot pieces together with the coconut water until no chunks remain. 5. Strain well. Straining the mixture helps remove bits of ginger peel and those pesky ginger fibers! To get the most juice, press the solids with the back of a spoon when straining. 6. Combine and stir the lemon, orange, and ginger juice with the cayenne pepper. Add coconut water to get your desired texture. Just be sure not to over-dilute the juice. 7. Serve. Immune boost shots are meant to be drunk all at once as a quick shot. Be careful not to drink more than one shot a day since too much ginger can cause heartburn. Pile on the health benefits. To make your immune booster shots even healthier, you can always tweak the recipe and add raw honey, aloe vera juice, pineapple juice, or apple cider vinegar.