Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Minutes
July 17th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present: Sara Day, Kira Russo, Barb Phillips, Russ Kasch, Lauren Vanier, Jaclyn Torkelson
Board members absent:
Others: Lee Williams
Board Liaison: Sanoma Boynton
Call to order at 11:02 AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
Treasurer Report – $20,456 checking including $300 from ASU. Board members are encouraged to donate.
Stream Steward Report – No new adopters since the last meeting, but we have had a handful of stewards had their cleanups. Also, the July city stream clean up series removed 207 lbs. of trash by the Southside Community garden.
Lee Williams from the City – Water services director. Application of herbicides on city property must have a permit to do so and a licensed profession must apply. Also, trees cannot be killed on the city property as they cause a hazard for deadfall. Recently there were some mature Siberian elms were killed on city property which is illegal. Lee wanted to reach out to just reiterate what the rules are and what stream stewards are allowed to do on city property. Reason for stormwater is to move water out of the city, which is why native willows are removed from the channel while nonnative elms along the stream are allowed to stay.
AmeriCorps Position – 450 hours, Kira reached out to Oscar to see if they wanted to apply again. Barb and Kira will be the application reviewers. The new AmeriCorps position can work on the private landowner project. Kira will set up a time to review applicants and set up interviews.
Update on Biophilia grant: The report is done. They have received it. We will see if they need anything else from us.
Neighbors on the Rio – Barb has been talking to a bunch of people and wants to target about 5 landowners to start. There are a few good folks that own substantial acreage along both sides of the Rio. We will get together and create a game plan for a targeted approach; Kira will send the details around. We also need to get the survey out, get addresses, and set goals and strategy. We can also do soil/water sampling for pollutants as part of the package for participants.
Meeting minutes on Website – Kira has saved all the data from the website, for the meeting minutes do we have a preference for sharing the minutes on the website. Settled on a webpage.
Science in the Park – September 26th. We did the riparian stuff on earth day but should bringing in the topic of the whole watershed might be good this time. Need to set up a science committee to educate folks on healthy ecosystems at events such as Science in the Park. Can have different levels of educational materials and talking points depending on who approaches the table (small children, middle school, high school, adults). Kira will reach out to Emily with the city to get some of her already developed materials
AZ Community Foundation grant – Asked for our W-9, and Sara sent it over to June. Chris and Oscar worked on that and Kira sent it out.
Envoys – 135 8th Grade Students in Fall 2026 –Could do pruning, rubbish removal, as well as showing students how riparian systems work and other educational programming. Sylvia with the city might be a better person to pass this project to, Russ will contact and see if they are interested. We are happy to attend anything they put together.
Committees -
Community events (includes walks, Earth Day, festivals)
Conservation Project (Neighbors on the Rio, or whatever we end up calling it)
Community Science (includes wet-dry mapping/education)
Toyota Funding Potential – Kira saw a sign at the Toyota dealership that they provide funding for watersheds so that is a potential lead for future funding.
Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
Leroux springs in the early fall might be a good walk
Fire mitigation contacts? Noah Baker is a potential city contact (does fire home assessments, fire behavior modeling etc.)
Barb knows a Mr. Lowe working with AI developing digital boy scout style badges for youth which are earned by learning ecological/environmental concepts.
Chemicals in reclaimed water folks -
James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn 12:05 PM
Next Meeting: - August 21st
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
July 17th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at ________AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report –
2) Stream Steward Report –
3) Lee Williams from the City –
4) AmeriCorps Position -
5) Update on Biophilia grant: The report is done. They have received it. We will see if
they need anything else from us.
6) Neighbors on the Rio - Barb
7) Meeting minutes on Website -
8) Science in the Park –
9) AZ Community Foundation grant –
10) Envoys – 135 8 th Grade Students in Fall 2026 – Russ will contact. Need to figure out
programming. Could do pruning, rubbish removal, as well as showing students how
riparian systems work and other educational programming.
11) Committees -
Community events (includes walks, Earth Day, festivals)
Conservation Project (or whatever we end up calling it)
Community Science (includes wet-dry mapping/education)
12) Toyota Funding Potential
13) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
14) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
15) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ________PM
Next Meeting: - August 21st
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Minutes
June 26th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present: Sara Day, James Major, Kira Russo, Russ Kasch, Lauren Vanier, Jaclyn
Torkelson, barb Phillips
Board members absent:
Others: David Gressley
Board Liaison: Sanoma
Call to order at 11:07 AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – $20,182 in the bank.
2) Stream Steward Report – Number of folks going out and doing clean-ups. Also had the
watershed clean up series (near Bushmaster Park). 11 volunteers picked up hundreds of
pounds. 1 new adoption. Next watershed clean up series is July 11 th .
3) David Gressley – Verde River Watershed Report Card – Presentation from the ED of the
Friends of the Verde River. Presentation materials are available online at verderiver.org.
David discussed how some of the metrics were developed. He also discussed some of the
organization funding for Friends of the Verde River. Davidg@verderiver.org.
4) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell– Kira is wrapping up the report, will meet
with Sara to get financials.
5) AmeriCorps – Got our member for 450 hours for next semester and we can start the
process of hiring someone. May want to ask Oscar if they would like to reapply.
6) Science in the Park – All set up there, need to bring a table
7) Flood Control Project – Project is moving forward. We can send any questions we
might have to Sanoma, and she will forward them to the right person, or you can google
connect flagstaff site to get more information about different projects.
8) AI center in Flag – Need to keep an eye on.
9) WaterSMART – Kira will follow up with Chris Newell.
10) Envoys – 135 8 th Grade Students in Fall 2026 – Russ will contact. Need to figure out
programming. Could do pruning, rubbish removal, as well as showing students how
riparian systems work and other educational programming.
11) Working with Landowners – Kira is working on; Barb is also working with landowners
in Lockett Ranch to raise awareness of invasive species. Barb also has information and
resources to share with landowners that are looking for more knowledge. Barb will send
an electronic version of the plan.
12) Advertising and Outreach (radio, print, online) – Hold off on this until we get more
organized.
13) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants. Russ is
going to contact Kathy Flaccuss and Barb will send the info about one of the Fleishman
relatives. Noah Baker of the Flag Fire Department might be a candidate as they raise
awareness of what homeowners can do to reduce fire risk.
14) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
15) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn 12:20 PM
Next Meeting: - July 17th
June—Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
June 26th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at ________AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report –
2) Stream Steward Report –
3) David Gressley -
4) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell–
5) AmeriCorps –
6) Flood Control Project -
7) AI center in Flag –
8) WaterSMART –
9) Envoys – 135 8 th Grade Students in Fall 2026 – Russ will contact. Need to figure out
programming. Could do pruning, rubbish removal, as well as showing students how
riparian systems work and other educational programming.
10) Working with Landowners -
11) Advertising and Outreach (radio, print, online) -
12) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
13) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
14) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ________PM
May—Board Meeting Minutes
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
May 15th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present: Sara Day, James Major, Kira Russo, Russ Kasch, Lauren Vanier, Jaclyn Torkelson
Board members absent: Barb Phillips
Others:
Board Liaison: Sanoma
Call to order at 11:08 AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: $22,009 in the bank. SAM registration paid. $22 in the
donation bucket. One payment to our consultant under new contract.
2) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps – Sonoma will be the point of contact. No new
stewards, but we are getting supply requests. Expect more activity in June. Clean-up will
be in the same section as Earth Day. Solidifying the rest of the clean-up locations. Also,
an invasive workshop in June. 2 sandbagging events. Removing old sandbags and cinders
as well. Sadie and Patsy have their walks coming up, Sanoma invited the board to attend.
In July they are doing another walk over at McCallister Ranch, dates TBD.
3) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell– First payment of new contract completed.
Kira will check with Sara/Chris to see about the next payment. Attended the WaterSmart
Grant meeting, Kira will check with Chris about what transpired. Kira and Sara are
working on a separate grant
4) Application deadline for AmeriCorps is May 15 th – James will submit today after
Sanoma checks about office space.
5) Wet-Dry Mapping – Only 1 non-board volunteer so far. James will send another email
reminder on Monday.
6) AI center in Flag – Kira went to the meeting last week. Joanne Keene brought up the
point that it might be useful to get public input.
7) WaterSMART – Chris Newell attended the last meeting. Kira will check with her to see
where it stands.
8) FoRio Bylaws Discussion – Propose that we vote now to add Jaclyn to the board. James
made the motion, Russ seconded motion carries. Welcome to the board Jaclyn. Also need
to check board terms. We should also create committees for projects per the by-laws.
9) Envoys – 135 8 th Grade Students in Fall 2026 – Russ will contact. Need to figure out
programming. Could do pruning, rubbish removal, as well as showing students how
riparian systems work and other educational programming.
10) AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout the Rio
and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches – If we get the AmeriCorps member from the
application James submits they will continue to work on this project with Paul.
11) Working with Landowners - Intern Emily is working with landowners and in the
process of creating a land-owner survey. Kira needs to contact Emily to see about her
continued availability. The grant we just applied for with Chris could provide money to
get someone to work on this.
12) For next month – Advertising and Outreach (radio, print, online) -
13) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
June - Paul will lead a walk in June (13th), Russ has an abstract that he can send so we
can advertise on the website and send an email to members.
14) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
15) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn 12:03 PM
Next Meeting: - June 26th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
May 15th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at _____ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ________ in the bank.
2) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps –
3) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell–
4) Application deadline for AmeriCorps is May 15 th – James
5) Wet-Dry Mapping –
6) AI center in Flag –
7) WaterSMART –
8) FoRio Bylaws Discussion –
9) Envoys – 135 8 th Grade Students in Fall 2026
10) AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout the Rio
and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches –
11) Working with Landowners - Intern Emily is working with land owners and in the
process of creating a land-owner survey.
12) Water Smart grant –
13) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
14) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
15) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
16) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn _____ PM
Next Meeting: - June 26th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Minutes
April 17th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present: James, Sara, Kira, Barb, Russ,
Board members absent: Lauren
Others: Chris Newell, Oscar, Paul, Jaclyn
Board Liaison: Sanoma
Call to order at 11:09_ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ___24,000_____ in the bank. Sara is working on getting the
renewal
2) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps – Not present today, busy with earth day projects
3) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell– AZ Community Foundation Grant that will
include operating support and capacity building. Chis is going to ask for $10k but will
likely get between 3 & 5k. Due on Tuesday but want to submit on Monday. Chris
discussed the goal of the grant. Sara put together a budget that would ask for $7,500 for
staff time, likely an intern to start and then perhaps a staff member through acquisition of
other grants. Chris recommends establishing a robust fund-raising arm and also formalize
partnerships with other Flagstaff NGO’s to expand outreach, cooperation, and
coordination. Someone on the board will have to go into the portal and sign up for us.
Chris will walk the board member through the process.
4) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City – Nothing new here.
5) Arizona Water for All – Poster was created. Project complete from our end
6) AI center in Flag – Public discussion on April 21 st and brought up by City Council on
May 5 th . Kira will send an email about the meeting on the 5 th to our members. Might be a
good opportunity to partner with Friends of Flagstaffs Future and see what they already
have in the way of materials already created.
7) WaterSMART –
8) Jaclyn Torkelson Board Discussion – Thanks for joining the meeting, Jaclyn! We are
working on getting the bylaws adjusted so that she may join the board.
9) Oscar’s AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches – Second and hopefully last year of
mapping 4 tree species along the Rio. Map that Oscar will be presenting the map created
at a environmental conference at NAU next week. Will continue to monitor tree and
willow growth over the next 3 or 4 years. Also have watered/dewatered records using
above stream cameras. Paul is also adding soil moisture sensors at the camera sites.
Cameras will be discontinued following the completion of Oscar’s project in a couple
weeks. Paul also brought some files that Paul Bean had left with him so he dropped off
the files to the board.
10) Application deadline for AmeriCorps is May 15 th – Kira will send an updated
description for the next steps of the project and James will update the AmeriCorps
application to send to the government. Old applications are in the Google Drive. 300
hours we are responsible for $3,000 of the $6,000 total.
11) Wet-Dry Mapping – Lauren is working on delineating 13 reaches.
12) Working with Landowners - Intern Emily is working with land owners and in the
process of creating a land-owner survey.
13) Water Smart grant - Need to look into applying for this cycle.
14) Walks – Please send ideas to Russ. Would like to revisit some of the past walks that were
very well attended and get updates or share with a new cohort of participants.
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
15) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
16) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
17) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn 12:16 PM
Next Meeting: - May 15th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
April 17th, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at _____ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ________ in the bank
2) Adjust June meeting date (Juneteenth):
3) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps –
4) Kendall work Report –
5) Update on Biophilia grant: Chris Newell–
6) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City –
7) Arizona Water for All –
8) AI center in Flag –
9) WaterSMART –
10) Jaclyn Torkelson Board Discussion -
11) Oscar’s AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches –
12) Wet-Dry Mapping –
13) Walks –
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
14) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
15) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
16) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ____ PM
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Minutes
March 20, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present: Sara, James, Kira, Barb, Russ, Lauren
Board members absent:
Others: Blake
Board Liaison: Sanoma
Call to order at 11:08 AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: $24,821 in the bank, Sara paid insurance and PO box for
another year. Sara will check to see how much money we have left for the grant that pays
Chris Newell
2) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps – Community stewards program just had their
map updated and will be available on the website soon. Easier user experience and FUTS
and Stream sections will be visible together. Will be advertising out new sections of both
stream stewards and FUTS to fill gaps left when folks moved or relinquished their
sections.
Upcoming events we can partner with or join as community members: Pre-earth day
clean up on Saturday the 18 th before ED celebration. Volunteers will meet at Bushmaster
parks and will split up between alleys and the channel. Watershed cleanup series location
TBD, second Saturday of the month from until September. Native and nonnative plant
workshops in June and will do a tour of the pollinator garden in front of the Library.
3) Kendall work Report – At the wrapping up stage, she will graduate this semester. Kira
will share the work report that Kendall has produced.
4) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City – Barb went to the meeting at
Babbit. It was obvious that in that meeting they were only talking about land that is or
will be developed. Discussion was about the types of plants that will be planted during
landscaping phase of any development. Discussion was about rewriting the regulations on
natives or nonnatives being planted. Next meeting has not been set; Barb will try to
attend next meeting when it is set. We need to remind folks in this next meeting that some
species that were viable in Flag 30 years ago are no longer viable.
5) Arizona Water for All – Traveling presentation (exhibit) about water society and
collaboration. Predominantly in Southern AZ but are trying to include Northern AZ May
13 – End of June at School of Communication at NAU. Right across from Education
building. Need a 500 word write up and 5 photos about how we are addressing water
security issues in Northern AZ. We will create a Google Doc so we can all add our two
cents.
6) AI center in Flag – Do we want to take a position on the potential construction of future
AI centers. Original question was not whether we wanted data centers build, but what are
the parameters the city wants to set for them when/if they are proposed. Next planning &
zoning meeting is March 25 th 4 PM at City Hall which will create and send a proposal to
city council for parameters. A small data center uses 131 million gallons per year
(360,000 gallons per day) Energy is another concern. Air and Noise pollution is also a
concern. Kira will represent the Friends of the Rio at the next meeting and raise the
concerns mentioned above. Need to recruit members to join the meeting to expand our
allotted time to bring up the concerns. The board voted on whether to take a position on
the matter. Kira will send an email about this.
7) WaterSMART – Grant opportunity upcoming. Kira will send the list went in the
email about WaterSMART to Chris Newell to look over them.
8) Jaclyn Torkelson Board Discussion – Jaclyn sent over bio and interest materials and
Kira sent them to the board. Next meeting we will go over bylaws for adding board
members and will also invite Jaclyn to the next board meeting.
9) Riparian Management meeting with the City on March 18 th – met with mayor and
councilmembers and city manager. Brought up the items mentioned by Paul in the earlier
email. Meeting went well and we think the outcome was that the city is willing to work
with us on environmental concerns. Breeding bird times and vegetation management are
very important topics for cooperation with the city. Knowing what the city is doing when
and where things are happening. There could be more of an emphasis on ecosystem
services over beautification when it comes to city planning efforts.
10) Oscar's AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches – no update today
11) Wet-Dry Mapping – There is a document that lays out how many reaches there are. The
app should be even easier to use than in the past.
12) Walks –
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help. Russ is working on this,
nothing to add today. Blake brought up an opportunity for an upcoming festival in late
August and early September
13) Update on Biophilia grant – Need to complete by July
14) Earth Day – Event materials are stored at Natural Channel Design.
15) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
16) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
17) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn 12:30 PM
Next Meeting: - April 17th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
March 20, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at _____ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ________ in the bank
2) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps –
3) Kendall work Report –
4) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City –
5) Arizona Water for All –
6) AI center in Flag –
7) WaterSMART –
8) Jaclyn Torkelson Board Discussion -
9) Riparian Management meeting with the City on March 18 th –
10) Oscar’s AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches –
11) Wet-Dry Mapping –
12) Walks –
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
13) Update on Biophilia grant –
14) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
15) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
16) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ____ PM
Next Meeting: - March 20th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
February 20, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81687017533?pwd=0nPeV4g1YdeaO5onTt6KfPJ9zoGvIt.1
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison:
Call to order at _____ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ________ in the bank
2) Adding backup data to External HD – Done?
3) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps –
4) Kendall work Report –
5) Jaclyn Torkelson – Environmental Chemistry NAU: see forwarded email
6) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City –
7) Tree sapling discussion with the city/ Ed Schenk – Proposal points for riparian
restoration/improvements in Flagstaff – Thomas Whitham- see forwarded email -
8) Oscar’s AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches –
9) Engaging grade school students – Discussed this topic at the members meeting. Russ
will invite the educator that was interested to our next meeting.
10) Engaging Students in Watershed & Restoration Projects through CommunityShare
– Sheryl Wells:
11) Wet-Dry Mapping –
12) Walks –
Time to start planning the walks for this year. Need a Walk lead, Russ is happy to help
with the walks and Kira and the rest of the board will help.
13) Update on Biophilia grant –
14) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
15) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
16) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ____ PM
Next Meeting: - March 20th
Friends of the Rio de Flag Board Agenda
January 16, 2026
In person at Office of Sustainability Office: 419 Mogollon ST FLG and via Zoom:
Typically, we meet on the 3rd Friday of each month.
Zoom Link: https://nau.zoom.us/j/71008091715
Passcode: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
Board members present:
Board members absent:
Others:
Board Liaison: Sanoma -
Call to order at _____ AM.
Approval of the Minutes of Prior Board Meeting
Topics on agenda this month
1) Treasurer Report – Sara: ________ in the bank
2) Adding backup data to External HD – Sara will hand off the external to Kira.
3) Stream Steward Report/ AmeriCorps – Blake, Sadie Beattie, Patsy Denis, –
4) Kendall work Report – Kira just was in contact with Kendall and she will join us again
next semester and work with Emily.
5) Coordinated work between the Arboretum and the City – Kira, Tamara Lawless
(water conservation with the city) –
6) Lee Williams (the Water Services Director for the City of Flagstaff) what can and
cannot be done in the stream channel.
7) Tree sapling discussion with the city/ Ed Schenk –
8) Posting our Board Minutes – James will create a space for the minutes and add a link to
the website (Still need to do)
9) Annual Members Meeting recap –
10) Oscar's AmeriCorps work with Paul on mapping riparian vegetation throughout
the Rio and quantifying stream flow on 4 reaches –
11) Engaging Students in Watershed & Restoration Projects through CommunityShare
–
12) Wet-Dry Mapping –
13) NAU School of Earth and Sustainability Capstone Collaboration – Blake –
14) Rio de Flag Conservation Network –
15) Chris Newell – Nothing new to update.
16) Open Channel – No update.
17) Walks – Ask folks at members meeting what they would like to see as walks next year.
Done for the season
18) Update on Biophilia grant –
19) Moving Forward with Priority Projects -
20) James will send out the call for agenda items one week before the board meeting
and distribute the agenda prior to the meeting.
21) Remember to bring the donation bucket to events!
Adjourn ____ PM
Next Meeting: - February 20th
Agenda 2026 Members Meeting
Thursday 1/15/2026, 6:00 - 7:30 PM, East Flagstaff Community Library
3000 N. 4th Street, Suite 5
Zoom Link--Meeting ID: 710 0809 1715/Pass Code: [email deflagrio@gmail.com for passcode]
1. Welcome—Introduction of board
2. Sanoma Boynton—Introduction of her team/Sanoma will provide an
update on the Stream Stewards program and invasives.
3. Kira Russo—Introduce Helen Papp, Kendall Holloway, and Emily
LeFrois/We are launching a new program to conserve the Rio de Flag on
private parcels, using a program similar to a successful effort in Rhode
Island. Additionally, we will talk about our capacity building grant with
Biophilia and our work with grant coordinator Chris Newell.
Barb Phillips—Barb will talk about capstone work with NAU students and
how this relates to work with private property owners.
4. Paul Beier—Introduce Oscar Ma/Riparian science! We are creating
Flagstaff’s very first map of riparian trees (willows, box elders, cottonwoods,
Arizona cherries). We are also measuring growth of these plants in several
stream reaches to help the City conserve our riparian trees after the Army
Corps of Engineers puts the Rio into a two-mile-long concrete tube.
5. Looking for volunteers for Memorial Day weekend for wet-dry mapping
on the Rio
6. Sara Day—Treasurer’s report
Our sincere thanks for your involvement and support in preserving the Rio de Flag!