The northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) is a Forest Service sensitive species. Photo taken September 10, 2010.
Lightning Strike
This tall Ponderosa Pine has been struck by lightning. The scar is visible along the length of the trunk.
Photos: USFS Coconino National Forest
The forest provides many learning opportunities, and as such may be seen as the ultimate 'learning center'.
Education can be gleaned from the diversity of rugged mountains, deep canyons, meadows, and semi-desert country. Elevations range from 3,500 to 12,644 feet and cover four of the six life zones. Flora and fauna are diverse. Ocotillo and cactus are found in the lower elevations, and juniper, pine, aspen, and spruce-fir forests are plentiful in the high mountains. Wildlife such as the black bear, mountain lion, elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, and wild turkey inhabit the Forest while the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the red-tailed hawk soar in the wind.
The Coconino National Forest features several archaeological sites, interpretive sites, and visitor centers where you can learn up close more about the Forest, and its history, pre-historic peoples, flora, fauna, geology, and resources.
There are numerous seasonal learning activities throughout the Coconino National Forest. Forest rangers, National Park rangers, and expert volunteers from throughout Northern Arizona provide guided nature walks, photography hikes, stargazing parties, and talks and presentations on a wealth of subjects like wildlife, botany, archaeology, local history, and geology.
Visit the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center to learn more about local geology, plants, and animals with interactive displays and hands-on activities.
