Coconino Community College - Flagstaff

This class is available both in-person and live on Zoom.

Water is life. Yet water security is one of the most important challenges facing us. In this course, we explore where our water comes from, how decisions about water management are made, and where we are headed. We’ll discuss groundwater, the Colorado River, and more. We’ll pursue an approach where all communities and people – including you - contribute to shaping our own water future as we explore local to state-level issues and beyond. The course blends short lectures, guest speakers from across the water community, and interactive discussions. By the end of the six weeks, participants will understand where their water comes from, the systems that govern it, and practical entry points to engage in local and regional water conversations.

Co-instructors Michellsey Benally and Chris Kuzdas have combined decades of experience working with communities across the landscapes of the West and beyond. Michellsey serves as the Grand Canyon Trust’s Water Advocacy Manager, working alongside tribal and rural communities to safeguard groundwater in the Grand Canyon and Little Colorado River regions. Prior to that she worked at the Arizona Department of Water Resources managing groundwater regulation across the state.

Chris earned a PhD from Arizona State University. He currently serves as the Arizona Water Program Director for Environmental Defense Fund. He serves on the Governor’s Water Policy Council and spends much of his time collaborating with local communities to shape water policy discussions and decisions that impact them.

This class meets on six Wednesdays: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.