Staff

Science Coordinator Kelsey Whitaker was born in sunny San Diego, where she spent her childhood exploring the chaparral, identifying local bird species, and admonishing her friends to take shorter showers to conserve water. She went on to study wildlife biology at the University of Montana, where she acquired frostbite in two toes, along with a love of rock climbing, backpacking,…

Pickin’ Up in the Pines 2022

Pickin’ Up in the Pines 2022

Saturday, September 17 REGISTER TODAY! The Coconino National Forest, National Forest Foundation, Oak Creek Watershed Council, and the Arizona Dept. of Environmental Quality invite you to Pickin’ Up in the Pines!  Join us to clean up camping areas in the forests that are the headwaters of Oak Creek canyon.  In advance of major holiday weekends, get outside, clean up trash,…

Stormwater Pollution Mitigation: A Partnership with the City of Sedona and OCWC

Stormwater Pollution Mitigation: A Partnership with the City of Sedona and OCWC

In partnership with the City of Sedona, OCWC hosts cleanup events that encourage residents of the greater Sedona area to learn about stormwater pollution, the sub-basins and watersheds within the Oak Creek Watershed and Sedona area, and how they can play an important role in protecting Oak Creek. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you do not…

Voluntourism

Voluntourism

In partnership with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, OCWC hosts cleanup events that encourage visitors to the greater Sedona area to “give back” while learning about the geology, ecology, and other issues pertinent to the watershed. By participating in these events, visitors can visit scenic areas along Oak Creek, red rock country, and northern Arizona forests while making a positive…

COVID-19 is drawing more visitors to Oak Creek, a creek that is already loved to death

COVID-19 is drawing more visitors to Oak Creek, a creek that is already loved to death

In the Oak Creek Watershed, harmful recreational use is impacting water quality, wildlife habitat, and scenic beauty. These impacts not only threaten the fragile riparian ecosystem but Sedona’s natural resources and quality of life. It is a collaborative effort to protect the Oak Creek Watershed. Read about partnering groups and how COVID-19 has worsened these impacts in the recent AZ Daily…