*This journey begins at the “Pond and Wetlands Garden” sign on the path that leads to the Willow Bend building.

Welcome to the Willow Bend quest!
We hope your journey is the best.
Begin beside the “Wetlands” sign
that rests upon the pond’s shoreline.

Activity: Water collected from Willow Bend’s roof supplies water not only to the pond itself, but to the surrounding wildlife. Can you spot any signs of animals, plants, or insects that use this urban water source?
 
Around the pond you have to go
in clockwise circle, nice & slow
and pass beside three conifers.
Ahead you’ll find two cylinders.

Activity: Not only do we harvest rainwater in our pond, but these cisterns help us collect water for use in our gardens. The largest cistern holds 1,500 gallons, how many gallons can you reach by tip-toe?
 
Your food scraps need a place to stay
so put them where they can decay.
Your garden needs them, so don’t fear!
Little & black, a bin stands near.

Activity: Welcome to our compost bins! These little earth machines use the sun’s heat to help turn our food and yard waste into wonderful soil for use in the native edibles garden next to the fence. Even if you don’t have a garden, could composting still be useful? Why?
 
Continue on the path to see…
a sign that’s by the small pine tree.
In springtime when nectar appears
the hummingbirds will all draw near!

Activity: This eastern exposure garden provides a sunny morning place for viewing hummingbirds gathering nectar from an assortment of their favorite native flowers. Pretend that you’re this bird that flaps its wings 800 times in 10 seconds, how many flaps can you do?
 
There is a bush that has a smell
(this type of sage does not cook well),
and by its side a round stone lies
where you can see how time sure flies.

Activity: Look up at the windows all in a row before you, which way do they face? There’s a hint written on the stone, also known as the Willow Bend sundial, at your feet! Is it bright enough today to also tell the time with this instrument of old?
 

A wooden fence will lead the way
so off the edge you will not stray.
Stones make up a cobbled stair—
your feet will find more traction there.

Activity: The lighter rocks, called Coconino Sandstone, were created when giant sand dunes covered this place; the red rocks, called Moenkopi Sandstone, where created when this area was covered in a large river. Lean down and feel the texture of Flagstaff’s history! *Be sure to stay on the path to avoid any poison oak!
 
Go down the path past artifacts,
these rusty bits from Sawmill’s past.
Trek through the ponderosa pines.
Look for stream’s erosive designs.

Activity: The Rio de Flag stream may not always be flowing, but you can still see the dip in the terrain eroded out by its path. What do you think is the source of the water in the Rio (hint: the Rio begins its journey in the San Francisco Peaks)?
 
The stepping stones lead you across
onto the trail. You won’t be lost.
Next take a right and reach the bend.
A willow’s branches there extend.

Activity: This large native willow, located at the Rio de Flag’s bend, is how our facility got its name! A public contest was held to rename our center; “Willow Bend” won. Close your eyes for ten seconds and describe what you can hear while at the willow’s bend.
 
A hidden path lies up ahead.
Toward the right you’ll upward tread.
Go past the place where children play,
and find the public’s art display.

Activity: Art and community are important to many Flagstaff residents; this mural showcases rotational artwork each year submitted by the public. On its street-facing side is a mosaic honoring the namesake of this park. Share you favorite part of this mural.
 
Someone is waiting, they stand by
with wings outstretched toward the sky.
On throne of pillars standing tall
this mystery awaits your call.

Activity: This sculpture is a riddle in itself! Though displayed in Sawmill Park, there is no plaque giving away what this sculpture represents. Can you figure it out? Here’s a clue: the red “wings” are made from a snowplow.

Another sculpture lines the way;
pass it by with no delay.
Observe the garden with large rocks
where lizards love to laze in flocks.

Activity: Our Lizard Garden occupies a sunny and dry slope that is ideal for plants and animals adapted to warmer conditions. The basalt boulders spread throughout are a lizard favorite on a sunny day; if you were a lizard why would you want to be on these rocks?
 
Rectangular with muddy shroud,
a building stands alone and proud,
a place to learn of nature’s worth
and how to help protect the earth.

Activity: Congratulations! You’ve made it to the finish line and to our Willow Bend entrance! Our building exemplifies the “living within your climate” philosophy; with its straw bale walls, passive solar construction, and water catchment system we “walk the talk” of sustainable living! Step inside for more learning and, most importantly, fun! Don’t forget your treasure!