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City educator says program served more than 2,800 people last year, seeks volunteers and stable funding
Summary
Ashley Flitty, the city’s open space educator, reported that the program provided 2,838 participant contacts during the 2024–25 year, outlined school partnerships and visiting‑school work, and asked the Flagstaff Open Space Commission for volunteer help and long‑term funding to keep the position beyond grant support.
Ashley Flitty, the city’s open space educator, told the Flagstaff Open Space Commission she and partners served 2,838 individuals during the 2024–25 school year and that the program continues to emphasize access for underserved youth.
“That picture is really dance it. Hi. My name is Ashley Flitty. I'm the open space educator with our very small open space team,” Flitty said as she reviewed a slide deck showing field trips and community booths.
Flitty told commissioners the program ran 50 field trips since August (40 on open‑space properties and 10 classroom visits), led 17 guided hikes and staffed public booths such as Willow Bend Science Saturdays and Fort Tuthill Sundays. About 1,500 of the contacts were youth, by her definition from pre‑K through high school, and she said visiting schools and partnerships increase access for students who may have fewer outdoor opportunities.
The presentation named frequent partners including Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), Willow Bend (third‑grade program), Summit alternative high school, Flagstaff High School, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Northern Arizona University (NAU) programs, Arizona Game and Fish and the Coconino National Forest Service. Flitty said one third‑grade partnership alone brought 18 classes and 542 students to Picture Canyon in the fall.
Commissioners asked about demographic data and funding. Flitty said she does not collect individual demographic forms for every student and instead relies on school demographics for more detailed breakdowns; she noted Summit, the alternative high school, tends to enroll higher numbers of students the city describes as underserved.
On funding, staff told the commission the educator position is currently supported by a heritage grant from Arizona State Parks and other temporary sources. A staff member said the position is funded through about August 2026 and that staff will request permanent budget funding in the city’s fall budget process. Flitty and staff also discussed past use of an AmeriCorps/NAU volunteer partnership and limits on repeatedly applying for the same grant programs.
Commissioners and staff discussed volunteers: Flitty said some June field trips still need volunteers and that the city provides materials and pre‑event training for volunteers. “I would even meet people beforehand,” she said, describing prep walks and briefing materials she gives stewards and volunteers.
Why it matters: the program connects schools and community groups to nearby open‑space properties such as Observatory Mesa, McMillan Mesa and Picture Canyon, aiming to build stewardship and repeat use of public lands while supporting curriculum goals for FUSD and other visiting schools.
Flitty closed by describing program goals from the city strategic plan: to inspire children and adults about conservation, support STEM careers and encourage stewardship of open spaces, and she asked commissioners and the public for help recruiting volunteers and for support to secure long‑term funding for the educator position.
Questions from commissioners and staff continued after the presentation; commissioners praised the work and encouraged outreach to additional partners.
