Happening this Week
Runners are getting ready to lace up their running shoes for the inaugural Rhino Run at Out of Africa! This 5K fun run celebrates International Rhino Day and supports conservation efforts to protect rhinos from poaching, habitat loss, and other threats. The route loops through the park twice, giving runners the chance to pass by wildlife—including Jericho, the beloved southern white rhino.
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Where: Out of Africa Wildlife Park, 4020 N. Cherry Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Cost: $60
Get Involved
Otter Spotter helps protect the Verde River and the animals that live there—especially river otters! We use river otter charm and the good news of their recovery in our waterways to show that we humans have the ability to solve environmental problems. When river otters thrive, we know our waters are in good shape.
On Sale
Have you heard about our beautifully illustrated children’s book, On the Verde River? It was recently featured at the 2024 National Book Festival as part of the Library of Congress’s “Great Reads” program, representing Arizona’s literary heritage.
Written by Arizona author Phoebe Fox, with stunning illustrations by Jim Fox, On the Verde River takes children on a captivating journey along the Verde River, introducing them to the diverse life and beauty of this important ecosystem. Perfect for children aged 2 to 10, this hardcover book nurtures curiosity, environmental awareness, and a love of nature.
Special Gift Package: $40 – Includes the hardcover book, an adorable stuffed otter, a heron patch and a blank greeting card. This makes a wonderful gift for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 11:28:022025-09-15 11:49:54Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival 2026
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 10:23:162025-09-15 11:35:18Family Nature Day 2026
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 10:11:232025-09-15 11:37:42MLK Day of Service 2026
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 10:06:492025-09-15 11:48:57Fiesta de la Garza 2025
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-01 01:00:362025-09-15 08:44:50September Volunteering and Community Events
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James Frazier
James Frazier2025-07-23 14:33:232025-07-23 14:33:34Students Become River Scientists Through New Verde Watershed Fellowship Program
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James Frazier
James Frazier2025-07-23 14:24:302025-07-23 14:31:54The Verde Valley Across TimeAbout Us
The Verde River is one of Arizona’s few remaining flowing rivers. The river and its tributaries, such as Granite Creek, Sycamore Creek, Oak Creek, and Fossil Creek, provide lush corridors of life as they wind their way through beautiful, iconic, and arid landscapes. The Verde River system is an environmental and cultural treasure for local communities, the state of Arizona, and beyond.
Friends of the Verde River (Friends) envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River and tributaries that support our natural environment, vibrant communities, and quality of life for future generations.
We focus our work on restoring habitat, sustaining river flows, and building supportive communities. We proactively engage in a combination of “boots-on-the-ground” projects and policy solutions guided by sound conservation principles and which meet human and environmental needs in an outcomes-oriented manner. Below are some of our initiatives:
What’s New
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 11:28:022025-09-15 11:49:54Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival 2026
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 10:23:162025-09-15 11:35:18Family Nature Day 2026
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Katherine Sirimarco
Katherine Sirimarco2025-09-15 10:11:232025-09-15 11:37:42MLK Day of Service 2026Event Sponsorship
Our Event Sponsors are important partners who enjoy special recognition and other perks.
For more information, contact:
Grace Filson, Events and Fundraising Coordinator
contactus@verderiver.org
In the Know
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Empowering local residents, businesses, and governments to make choices that protect the Verde River.
The Verde River needs your help! Volunteers are critical to the work we do and we would love for you to join us in our efforts.
