Around the Education Center

Willow Bend Gardens

The Habitat Gardens surrounding the Center are maintained by volunteers for the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department. Certified as a “backyard wildlife habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation, the gardens feature a small pond and plants native to the Colorado Plateau — unique communities such as desert scrub, meadow, forest, and a rainwater terrace garden.

Features in the garden:

  • Outdoor Classroom

  • Sundial

  • Pond

  • Wildlife Viewing Platform

  • Water conservation system

  • Compost system

  • Ramada

Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park

The Willow Bend Environmental Education Center is situated in Elizabeth "Liz" C. Archuleta County Park, a multicultural art and nature park. Attractions outside the gardens include:

  • A playground

  • A storybook walk (with options in English, Spanish, and Dine)

  • Art sculptures

  • A stone labyrinth

Sinclair Wash Trail

Willow Bend is named for the bend in Sinclair Wash below the park, where willow trees grow. Three habitats converge here: riparian (streamside), ponderosa forest, and rocky slope. The mingling of these habitats makes this area especially rich in its diversity of plants and animals. For this reason, Willow Bend is a designated Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience!

From Willow Bend you can access the Flagstaff Urban Trail System along the Rio de Flag. Stop in and visit before your hike to plot your trip on our new 3-D relief map; check out some binoculars and field guides and see what wildlife and birds have been spotted recently.

This section of the Rio de Flag is perfect for a short hike especially for families with children, with lush riparian areas that provide great wildlife habitat.


At the start of the hike the Rio slices through ancient limestone cliffs on one side and recent lava flows on the other. A one mile hike through the canyon leads to a wetlands area.

Willow Bend is a classic urban wildlife corridor, serving as a convenient launching point from nearby retail outlets to natural surroundings. Within walking distance to the north are many new shops including Whole Foods, Wildflower Bread Company, REI, Chico’s, and Pita Jungle. After shopping or a lunch break, drop in for a hike and tour!