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Just Released!

Our New Children’s Book “Otter Spotter” is Now Available

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our newest children’s book, Otter Spotter.

Step into the wild and winding waters of the Verde River with this delightful story that brings the playful spirit of river otters to life. Through the playful rhymes of author Phoebe Fox and the beautiful watercolor illustrations of Jim Fox, young readers are invited to watch, wonder, and discover the secret world of these remarkable animals.

Perfect for families, classrooms, and gifts, Otter Spotter is more than a story—it’s an invitation to explore, protect, and celebrate our river and its wildlife.

Otter Spotter was made possible through the generous support of the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, in honor of the children of Arizona, and the Austin F. Marx Foundation, dedicated to advancing conservation, education, and community enrichment. Their commitment ensures that future generations can discover the joy of the river otter and the importance of protecting the Verde River.

Buy the book

Happening this Week

All Afield – Happy Hour and Expert Panel Discussion

Do you want to learn how riparian restoration and wildlife corridors work together? Join the Happy Hour and Expert Panel Discussion, hosted by the Arizona Wildlife Federation. You’ll hear from local and national experts, including Friends’ own David Gressly, as they share solutions that help protect water and wildlife. Bring your curiosity and enjoy good conversation, great company, and a shared love for Arizona’s wild places. We’ll see you there!

When: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: The Prairie Patio at Wren House, 6396 Lear Ln, Prescott, AZ 86301

Happening this Week

Watershed Restoration Day

Join us in the Prescott National Forest to help stabilize gullies and improve watershed health. You’ll learn how to build simple rock and juniper structures that protect our landscape. This is a hands-on day in the forest, so bring long sleeves, sturdy boots, lunch, and plenty of water. Tools and gloves will be provided.

To RSVP, please email rachel.jones2@usda.gov or call 928-910-5701. Let us know if you can help drive and how many people your vehicle can carry.

When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Meet at Prescott National Forest Office, 344 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86303

Get Involved

Become an Otter Spotter

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.

Learn More

Events

See all of our upcoming events.

Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival 2026

See you back at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, April 23-26, 2026! Enjoy expert guides, explore diverse habitats, and embrace the beauty of spring in the Verde Valley.

Family Nature Day 2026

Join us for Family Nature Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for a fun-filled day of nature walks, hands-on activities, live animal exhibits, and more – free admission for the whole family!

Friends of the Verde River - MLK Day of Service

MLK Day of Service 2026

MLK Day of Service, January 19, 2026 volunteers work on projects in the Verde Valley including invasive species removal, gully restoration and trash clean-ups.

Fiesta de la Garza 2025

Join us for Fiesta de la Garza on December 4, 2025 for a night of awards, auctions, and celebration, as we honor the dedication of our community members and partners supporting our mission.

October Volunteering and Community Events

October 1, 2025

Fall is here in the Verde Valley, and October is packed with…

Arizona Wildlife Federation Seeks Public Lands Coordinator

September 25, 2025

The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) is seeking a Public Lands…

September Volunteering and Community Events

September 1, 2025

September is full of opportunities to give back, learn something…

Keeping the Verde Flowing!

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.

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Our Approach

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:

Water

Land

People

Climate

Events and Information

What’s New

Upcoming Events

Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival 2026

See you back at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, April 23-26, 2026! Enjoy expert guides, explore diverse habitats, and embrace the beauty of spring in the Verde Valley.

Family Nature Day 2026

Join us for Family Nature Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for a fun-filled day of nature walks, hands-on activities, live animal exhibits, and more – free admission for the whole family!

MLK Day of Service 2026

MLK Day of Service, January 19, 2026 volunteers work on projects in the Verde Valley including invasive species removal, gully restoration and trash clean-ups.

See More Events

Event Sponsorship

Become an Event Sponsor

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

Download Our Sponsorship Packet

In the Know

Stay Informed on all things Verde River

Friends respects the privacy of individual donors and, except where disclosure is required by law, will not sell or otherwise make available the names and contact information of donors without providing them an opportunity at least once a year to opt out of the use of their names.

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Friends respects the privacy of individual donors and, except where disclosure is required by law, will not sell or otherwise make available the names and contact information of donors without providing them an opportunity at least once a year to opt out of the use of their names.

Make an Impact

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River Friendly Living

Empowering local residents, businesses, and governments to make choices that protect the Verde River.

Volunteer

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.

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Donate

You can protect the Verde River and its threatened wildlife today!

Become an Otter Spotter

Become a Water Quality Volunteer

Become an Otter Spotter

Become a Water Quality Volunteer

Our New Children’s Book “Otter Spotter” is Now Available

All Afield – Happy Hour and Expert Panel Discussion

Watershed Restoration Day

Become an Otter Spotter

Events

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Keeping the Verde Flowing!