Flagstaff is a city located in the high desert, ponderosa pine forest of Northern Arizona and is the gateway to the Grand Canyon. It is a 2.5 hour drive from Phoenix to the south and to the north are the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Visible from almost any point in the area, even a hundred miles away, are the San Francisco Peaks, a landmark sacred to several Native tribes in the region.

Flagstaff has been relatively well protected from over-development, but it has been growing quickly in recent years. Many community members are concerned that this growth should be reasonable and well-planned—we are all interested in preserving Flagstaff’s unique natural and cultural environment. We have government level support for these efforts: one is the Coconino County’s Sustainable Economic Development Initiative and the other is the City of Flagstaff which has signed onto the US Mayors Climate Initiative, focuses on protection of open space, urban trails and more.

The Flagstaff Green Map encourages the discovery, use and stewardship of the region’s natural, cultural and green resources for city residents and visitors. It promotes the accomplishments made by Flagstaff residents and businesses to maintain and improve our unique city that will help us move towards a more sustainable future.

As a result of the efforts made by local citizens and the leadership exhibited by numerous businesses and organizations, we are confident that Flagstaff will remain on course towards a more sustainable future. As more individuals and industries become engaged in fostering a sustainable Flagstaff, we look forward to providing the community with updated versions of the map every two years, allowing us to emphasize the positive transformations being made.

The Flagstaff Green Map was created by Project Director Stacey Hamburg; Intern Kara Graham; Intern Jessica Makowske; and mapmaker Bronze Black. You can find more about Bronze's work at http://www.bronzeblackdesign.com.