Friends of the Verde River will host the 2024 State of the Verde Watershed Conference along with field trips related to the Verde Watershed, September 24-26, 2024 at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona.

One-Day Registration is Available

There are now options for one-day registration. If you cannot make it for the full conference, you can select one day to attend.

conference pricing

Theme: Ripples of Impact – Strengthening Watershed Partnerships

This conference will highlight the far-reaching effects that collaborative efforts can have on the broader environment and communities. Senior practitioners will share the latest science-based knowledge and promote stronger partnerships.

Join your peers, experts, and dedicated river stewards for Ripples of Impact: Strengthening Watershed Partnerships. An exceptional lineup of keynote speakers include former Arizona Governor and Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt, Yavapai-Apache Nation Chairwoman Tanya Lewis, and State Director for the Arizona Chapter of The Nature Conservancy Daniel Stellar. This conference will build on the insights from the 2022 State of the Verde Watershed Conference and provide a preview of the 2025 Verde Watershed Report Card. Discover the progress made through recent projects aimed at improving our watershed’s report card scores.

Dates: September 24-26, 2024
Location: Cliff Castle Casino, Camp Verde, Arizona

Keynote Speakers

All of our keynote speakers offer a unique view of strengthening watershed partnerships.

Bruce Babbitt will be speaking on the long term issues and the need for partnerships in the Verde Watershed.

Tanya Lewis will share a more cultural view and speak about the importance of the Verde River as a member of the Yavapai Apache Nation.

Daniel Stellar offers a background of both history and future conservation.

See Speakers

Field Trips

Make sure to check out the field trips on September 26, 2024.

Restoration River Float: Join our Restoration team for a scenic float down the Verde River, where you’ll learn about important restoration projects and enjoy a thrilling Water to Wine tour ending at Alcantara Vineyards. This trip offers a perfect mix of adventure and education, with insights into conservation efforts along the way.

Harvesting the Rain: Discover how you can turn rain into a resource with a hands-on tour of rain harvesting and stormwater control projects in Camp Verde. You’ll leave with practical tips and knowledge to implement sustainable water practices at your home or business.

Montezuma Well Trip: Join us for a stroll and discussion of Spring Ecosystem Ecology. You’ll join Dr. Larry Stevens on a scenic stroll through Montezuma Well, exploring its unique spring ecosystem and discussing the critical role of groundwater in the Verde River basin. This walk offers a rare chance to deepen your understanding of the area’s ecology and history.

Verde Watershed Headwaters Field Trip: You’ll embark on a guided exploration of the Verde River’s headwaters, visiting Prescott Water Wells, Del Rio Springs, and Sullivan Dam, while learning about the conservation challenges facing this vital area. Enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife, including possible sightings of Bald Eagles and beaver dams.

View Full Agenda

Sponsor the Conference

You can help keep the Verde flowing into the future by sponsoring events like the State of the Verde Watershed Conference. View the Sponsorship Packet by clicking here to see what each level of sponsorship offers your organization.

For sponsorship questions, contact:
Susan Van Norman, Director of Stewardship
Phone: 928-301-4543