To our Local Flagstaff Market.
What is really happening in our market?
Today, the housing market is about as active as we have seen in years.
Why?
     As of the end of May

• We had 16% fewer homes on the market then the year before
• Mortgage interest rates are hovering in the 3.5% range and expected to stay that way through the end of the year
• Our Absorption Rate, the number of months it will take to sell all the homes on the market is siting at 3.4 months, down from 4.5 months in 2019.
• Experts in Real Estate say 6 months is a good figure, any more and we are in a Buyer’s Market, any less and in a Seller’s Market.
• We are Strongly entrenched in a Seller’s Market

So Today,
Fewer homes on the market, not enough for the current number of buyers out looking.
Many homes priced within the market value they are located  in are getting multiple offers. 
Next month will be the end of the 1st half of 2020, at that time I will give a more detailed look into our market. 
Until then, please never hesitate to reach out,

 Wild Flower Garden

As mentioned last month, I got some Native WildFlower seeds from 'The Arboretum at Flagstaff' and planted those on May 10th.
Things are progressing, but interesting to know that my friends Megan and Chads garden is way ahead of mine and they planted theirs just a week before mine. This does show how the micro-climates and daily sun levels affect plant growth around Flagstaff.

Here are the Native Plants that sometime in the future will mature.
I did talk to a friend who has gone though the Master Garden program, she planted seeds last year, and then this year. Those that were planted last year are up and almost blooming and those planted this year are about where mine are, out of the ground an inch or so, she said patience:) is the key, the time will come.

As you look at the two pictures, the top section gets slightly less sun and those are head of the bottom section that gets more sun. Though neither get much sun until 1:00'ish each day.

Also at least at this point, there are slight different seeds maturing and sprouting in the area that gets more intense sun?

Below is the list of seeds that were in the packets.
I was going to do close-ups of  the different sprouts coming up, but just a little early for that, maybe next month.

Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Spreading fleabane (Erigeron divergens), Winged buckwheat (Eriogonum alatum), Redroot buckwheat (Eriogonum racemosum), Sulfur-flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum), Red dome blanketflower (Gaillardia pinnatifida), Scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), Rocky Mountain iris (Iris missouriensis), Hoary tansyaster (Machaeranthera canescens), Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Sunset Crater penstemon (Penstemon clutei), Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri), Mexcian hat (Ratibida columnifera), Cut-leaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), Fendler’s globemallow (Sphaeralcea fendleri), MacDougal verbena (Verbena macdougalii)

 This years Plant Sale at the Arboretum may be online, and is scheduled for July 18 from 9  to 2, check out the link.
Also here is the link for the Summer Gardening Tips the Arboretum puts out.

The Wildflower garden is progressing and will keep you up to date throughout the summer with this little experiment.

 One last picture,

Been out riding a lot this summer.  This was a ride that we did on the Arizona Trail from Goose Springs just past Mormon Lake to Happy Jack. Super ride, little over 20 miles passing through some great back country. This was a small tank we stopped at in the middle of the ride. I would say to enjoy the sights and smell the flowers, but the Rocky Mountain Iris (Iris missouriensis)  had just bloomed the weeks before and were done for the season. This was a great ride that I would highly recommend. Next adventure, from Happy Jack to ? well someplace south east, maybe to Clint's Well.

Until next month,
Please never hesitate to reach out with any questions you have or topics you want to discuss.
Heck, there are a lot, Real Estate, WildFlowers, Hiking, Mt Biking, and Golf.

Best wishes

Jeff

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Flagstaff’s Snowbowl has been in operation for 80 years. Only 20 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, Snowbowl opened in 1938 and is one of the oldest continually run ski areas in the United States. It has 4 chairlifts providing access to about 10 novice, 24 intermediate, and 15 advanced runs with a vertical drop of about 2,300 feet. But winter isn’t the only time to visit!

Summer is the perfect time to check out Snowbowl. There’s no better place to beat the heat! Feel the wind on your face as you enjoy the 25-minute scenic chairlift ride up to 10,800 feet. Take in the dramatic scenery of northern Arizona from a bird’s eye view. You can see the cinder cone volcanic field, as far as the red rocks of Sedona, and even the Grand Canyon on a clear day! The chairlift ride offers great opportunities for photography, observing wildlife, or just enjoying the fresh air and expansive views from the San Francisco Peaks. Once at the top, a Forest Service specialist may greet you and answer any questions you may have about local biology, geology, and history. All tickets must be purchased online.

Is the fresh mountain air making you hungry? Ski Lift Lodge Restaurant is located conveniently at the base of Snowbowl Road and offers an authentic family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor patio seating. The menu features American cuisine with made-from-scratch entrees like steaks, burgers, pasta, and pizza. The on-site full-service bar has a great selection of draft beer on tap, including local craft beers. Check out the menu here. 

The breathtaking beauty of the San Francisco Peaks has been, and continues to be, molded by the forces of nature. The remnants of a dormant volcano, the peaks are home to some of the most spectacular hikes in the state, including a trail that leads you to the summit of Humphreys Peak, with an elevation of 12,633 feet. Or you can wander along the 1.7 mile loop to Veit Springs. (This trail passes Native American pictographs, early pioneer structures, and a small spring.) Make sure you carefully plan and prepare for your hiking or backpacking trip on the San Francisco Peaks before you take off for your adventure. Follow the golden rule of no-trace hiking and camping: “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” Remember that The Peaks are subject to a wide range of climate conditions. Temperatures fluctuate greatly from night to day, and be prepared. (Please note: There is no hiking in the summer from the top of the scenic chairlift, other than a short trail to the upper observation point. Endangered species are located above timberline; therefore, hiking is restricted to designated trails only.)

Other activities which will be offered summer 2021 include summer tubing, a bungee trampoline, treasure panning, barrel rolling, disc golf, Ranger talks, and a mini ropes course. And of course, the miles of trails are there to enjoy any time of the year!

Once the snow flies, winter will bring some of the best skiing around, with multiple lifts and runs. There are also lessons offered for all ability levels in a private or group setting. Besides the restaurant, you’ll find a snack bar, day lodge, restrooms, rental equipment, an equipment repair shop, and first aid available. Hit the slopes with a Ski Bike, if you want to try something new!

Snowbowl is fun for the family, year-round!

Check it all out at www.snowbowl.ski

Looking for something to do this summer? Flagstaff has you covered with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities and places of interest. (Make sure to check in before you go, for COVID-related closures or protection measures.) Here is the starting point for you and your next Flagstaff area summer adventure:

Arboretum: The Arboretum sits among the Ponderosa pines at 7,000 feet. It is a botanical garden exhibiting more than 700 species of plants native to the Colorado Plateau. You’ll enjoy strolling through the themed gardens, hiking the nature trails and learning about local flora. Summer months offer outdoor concerts, special events and summer camps for kids. Open April-October.  thearb.org

Arizona Historical Society-Pioneer Museum: Arizona Historical Society’s Pioneer Museum is housed in the 1908 County Hospital for the indigent. It features exhibits displaying the history of Flagstaff and northern Arizona. The museum covers three acres with historic buildings and objects and is the site of the Flag Wool & Fiber Festival and year-round monthly events.  arizonahistoricalsociety.org 

Arizona Nordic Village:  Arizona Nordic Village is northern Arizona’s premiere outdoor recreation area featuring yurts, cabins and a memorable rustic chic location for destination weddings, business retreats and family reunions. Miles of trails for hiking, skiing and wildlife viewing in the Ponderosa pine forest. Venue services are provided year-round. arizonanordicvillage.com

Arizona Snowbowl Summer Scenic Chairlift:  Take in the dramatic scenery of northern Arizona from a bird’s eye view atop an extinct volcano at 11,500 feet. Kids and adults alike will love the on-mountain summer tubing and bungee trampoline activities, as well as interpretive talks, hiking, disc golf or lunch with a view at Agassiz Lodge Restaurant. Historic lodges offer a perfect setting for group trips, summer weddings, and special events. Open Memorial Day weekend through mid-October.  snowbowl.ski

Bearizona Wildlife Park:  Bearizona invites guests to drive into three miles of Arizona wilderness and witness North American wildlife including bison, big horn sheep, wolves and black bears, all from your vehicle. The Fort Bearizona walking area offers wildlife exhibits including the 11,000 square-foot Jaguar exhibit, gift shop and full restaurant and bar, Canyonlands. The complementary Wild Ride bus guided tour takes visitors through the exhibits for an up-close experience.  bearizona.com

Coconino Center for the Arts:  Flagstaff is rich in the arts and sciences, and the Flagstaff Arts Council is at the center of it all. They host ground-breaking art exhibitions, festivals, concerts, workshops and performances year-round at the Coconino Center for the Arts. The Center boasts a 200-seat theater and two distinctive gallery spaces. Open Tuesday-Saturday.   flagartscouncil.org

Elden Pueblo Heritage Site:  Elden Pueblo is an ancestral Hopi site with approximately 70 rooms that were inhabited by the Sinagua culture from 1070 to 1275 A.D. Self-guided tour brochures are available on-site during open hours with educational programs and group tours by appointment.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55092

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course (at Fort Tuthill): Flagstaff Extreme offers multiple courses that feature rope swings, scrambling walls, hanging nets, wobbly bridges and suspended “surprises”. The youth course, designed for children ages 7-11, allows parents to follow as their children progress through the course. For the more daring, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Zip Lines are suspended 15-80 feet high in the tall Ponderosa pines. All courses are self-guided, and each guest receives training prior to their day of adventure.  flagstaffextreme.com

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra: The mission of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, now in its 70^th season, is to enrich, engage and inspire the Flagstaff community through the performance of live orchestral music. The orchestra is comprised of musicians who come together from diverse backgrounds to form an impressive and exciting ensemble capable of performing a variety of musical styles and repertoire.  flagstaffsymphony.org

Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center-IMAX:  73 miles north of Flagstaff, Hwy 64 at Grand Canyon South Rim entrance, you can explore 4,000 years of history in 34 minutes. In the IMAX film, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets you will see the mysterious Anasazi people who inhabited the canyon and ride the raging Colorado River with John Wesley Powell. Also on site you’ll find Pink Jeep Tours, Adventure Store, air tour booking, Explorer’s Café, park pass sales and free maps. Purchase IMAX tickets in advance online and save 20%. explorethecanyon.com

Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel: 32 miles west of Flagstaff, The Grand Canyon Railway is more than just an iconic train. Riding the rails to the Canyon is one part of an unforgettable Grand Canyon experience. You can also enjoy the luxury of a bygone era with a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and indulge in delicious dining options at the Fred Harvey Restaurant and Spenser’s Pub. thetrain.com 

Lowell Observatory:  For the best views in Flagstaff, head to Mars Hill and the grounds of the 125-year old Lowell Observatory where Pluto was discovered in 1930. On clear nights, gaze at the Moon, planets or deep-sky objects through the giant Clark refractor telescope, and visit the new Giovale Open Deck Observatory, a unique public observing plaza with six advanced telescopes.  lowell.edu

Meteor Crater: Meteor Crater is the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. Its topographical terrain so closely resembles the surface of the Moon and other planets, that NASA astronauts use it as a training site just as the Apollo astronauts did 50 years ago. Enjoy guided rim tours, exhibit hall, gift shop and the 4-D Simulator Ride.  meteorcrater.com

Museum of Northern Arizona:  Tour the entire region in one stop, from the geology of the Grand Canyon to the colorful cultures of the Native peoples. This award-winning museum celebrates the art, culture and science of the Colorado Plateau. See the dinosaurs that once roamed. Learn about the 10 tribes of the region and share in their traditions at one of the annual art and culture festivals. The gift shop offers a large selection of fine art, authentic jewelry and books.  musnaz.org

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park:  Built in 1904 for two Riordan families instrumental in establishing Flagstaff’s early lumber industry, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is a remarkable example of American Arts & Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of logslab siding, volcanic stone arches and hand-split wooden shingles. The mansion’s interior is seen by guided tour only and includes a whimsical indoor swing. Reservations are recommended.  arizonahistoricalsociety.org

Theatrikos Theatre Company:  Theatrikos produces high-quality live theatrical productions that have entertained and engaged audiences since 1972. Located in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff, they offer six MainStage productions annually ranging from musicals to new works to award-winning comedies and dramas. Their youth program, TheatriKids, offers a wide spectrum of theater education and performance opportunities to youth ages 7-17.  theatrikos.com

U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center:  The USGS works with NASA and other space agencies to lead scientific investigations, select planetary rover landing sites, create geologic maps and cartographic products for numerous spacecraft missions throughout our solar system. In 1963, the USGS Branch of Astrogeology was established in Flagstaff with the purpose of providing lunar mapping and astronaut science training for the Apollo program. One of the remaining lunar rover vehicle simulators used for training the astronauts is on display in the Center’s lobby along with other Apollo artifacts.  astrogeology.usgs.gov

Verde Canyon Railroad:  70 miles southwest of Flagstaff, enjoy the postcard-perfect scenery that is the magic of Verde Canyon Railroad. Passengers lose themselves in the crisp canyon air, the snaking curves of the Verde river and beauty of glorious red rock formation. First-class cars boast comfortable seating, complimentary appetizers and a full-service bar. All passengers have access to open-air viewing cars for photo opportunities.  verdecanyonrr.com

Willow Bend Environmental Education Center:  Visit the Center’s sustainable building made of straw bales and heated by the sun; tour the five habitat gardens with plants native to the Colorado Plateau; and explore the new exhibits tracing the path of a drop of water featuring the 3-D relief map of northern Arizona. Access urban trails along an incised section of the Rio de Flag through a lush riparian area that is great for birding. Willow Bend is located in the Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park.  willowbendcenter.org

The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world, and with good reason.

Here are a few facts about the park that may surprise you:

Although scientists can’t really agree on the exact age of the Grand Canyon, some believe parts of it are 70 million years old!

~According to a study released in 2014, temperature history tests were performed that show at least one section could date back as far as 70 million years. However the general consensus was that much of the Grand Canyon is 5 to 6 million years old.

The oldest human artifact found in the park dates back 12,000 years!

~Some of the artifacts found included pots, jewelry, and animal figurines made from twigs. Some of the earliest Native Americans in the region include the Havasupai Tribe, who have been around the Grand Canyon for 800 years.

The Grand Canyon is so big, it can fit the entire state of Rhode Island in it!

~The Grand Canyon is 1,904 square miles, while Rhode Island is 1,214 square miles.

Weather patterns in different areas of the park can be completely different!

~The mean high temperature at the North Rim is 56°, while the mean high temperature at the South Rim is 63°. The mean high temperature at Phantom Ranch is the warmest at 82°.

Only 30% of the Grand Canyon’s caves have been explored!

~There are about 1,000 caves in the park, but only 335 have been explored and recorded.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the USA.

~In 2019, The Grand Canyon had 5.97 million visitors. This ranked it second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has 12.5 million visitors annually.

Natural fires help maintain the ecosystem and are good for the Grand Canyon!

~Research has shown that fires are actually good for the ecosystem, help thin the forest, and recycle nutrients.

The Grand Canyon is filled with wildlife, including 373 species of birds and 92 species of mammals—and seven endangered species!

~There are also 8,480 known species of invertebrates, 58 species of reptiles, and 18 species of fish. The endangered species include birds, fish, and the Kanab ambersnail.

Lets talk about something besides Real Estate this month;

I recently had the opportunity to listen to Kristin Haskins, the Executive Director of The Arboretum at Flagstaff speak at our local Flagstaff Rotary Club.
Her topic covered a lot of what is happening at the Arboretum and about Native Wildflowers.

About the Arboretum:

The Arboretum at Flagstaff was founded by Frances McAllister in 1981 as a private nonprofit organization under the official name "The Transition Zone Horticultural Institute." While research was the original primary focus, over the years it has become known as a destination for local and out-of-town visitors who want to learn more about the native plants and animals found in northern Arizona, and as a wonderful venue for a wide variety of events and educational programs.

Mission:

The Arboretum at Flagstaffs mission is to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and plant communities native to the Colorado Plateau. We strive to:

• Identify, evaluate, display, and introduce plants adaptable to the climatic and soil conditions of the Flagstaff environment
• Seek through scientific research innovative solutions to conservation issues of this high altitude environment
• Develop educational programs that increase the understanding of the need for wise stewardship of our natural environment.

Here are some Spring Seeding and Gardening Tips the Arboretum has put out.

So with all that,

I picked up some of their Native Wild Flower Seeds.
Last week on Mothers Day, May 10th I prepared a small bed in the front corner of our lot and planted the seeds.

This will be a fun experiment on how well I prepared the soil, planted the seeds and  have been keeping them watered until they sprout.

So every morning and evening, they get a drink, this morning I found 1 lone seed that has sprouted. Our friends Chad and Megan planted theirs on the 3rd and have a lot more up already, so mine I hope are just about ready to wake up.

The plot does not have any morning sun, there is a large Ponderosa Pine tree on the left you do not see and a Blue Spruce on the back right you do see.

The picture direction as you are looking at is pointed pretty close to East. So sun hits this spot about 1:00 p.m. every day.

My goal will be to update you on the garden throughout the summer.

Also in future newsletters I plan to give you more information about the Arboretum at Flagstaff. Kristin has provided a a list of the plants and will get that to you in my next newsletter. There are 16 native plants on the list. If you would like that ahead of time, reach out and I can send to you.
I also asked what book I should get to better understand our local Native Plants, she suggested;
Native Plants for High-Elevation Western Gardens by Jan Busco and Nancy Morin, this book was done in partnership with the Arboretum at Flagstaff

This will be fun to see how well this garden progresses through the summer.

I look forward updating you and please never hesitate reach out.
There are a number of things we can talk about besides Real Estate, so would love to visit

Jeff

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