Get Involved
We hope to see you at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the 2025 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival!
When: April 24 – 27, 2025
Where: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, plus guided birding tours across the Verde Watershed
Join us in 2025 as we learn about birds in art and their creative influence. Our Keynote Speaker this year is Julie Zickefoose and our featured bird is the Anna’s hummingbird by artist Walt Anderson. You can also read up more on Walt by going to his conservation artist website and his Facebook page.
Here are a few additional details:
- There will be a festival site at the lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.
- In-person tours will be a combination of self-transportation and van offerings.
We hope you will join us! If you have any questions or would like additional information about Early Bird Registration, please contact us by email (registrar@verderiver.org) or at calling 928-282-2202.
Register Early When You Make a Donation
Click the button to make a donation and ensure you are on Friends’ email list to receive updates about the 2025 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, taking place April 24-27, 2025! When you donate $60 or more, you qualify for Early Bird Registration. Be the first to select your field trips and workshops and ensure yourself a perfect festival schedule!
Early Bird Registration will take place January 29, 30 and 31, 2025. To qualify for Early Bird Registration, each registrant needs to have made a $60 donation to Friends of the Verde River before January 31, 2024.
About the Festival
Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats.
Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501(c) 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest.
The 2025 Theme is Birds in Art
In 2025, join us as we learn about birds in art and their creative influence. Our Keynote Speaker this year is Julie Zickefoose and our featured bird is the Anna’s hummingbird by artist Walt Anderson.
Camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Consider camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park during the festival for an immersive experience. Check for availability with the park in advance and upon arrival. Camping fees are paid directly to the park. Please check with the park for current fee information. Campsites include a table and grill, with water and showers available. Reserve campsites online or by calling the reservation call center. The park also offers cabins for rent within a short walk to the River Day Use area. Advanced reservations are required; contact the park at (928) 634-5283 for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Get ready to spread your wings! Friends of the Verde River (Friends) is calling on enthusiastic individuals to join our volunteer team for the 2025 Birding and Nature Festival – Migration. From April 24 to April 27 at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, we’re seeking passionate volunteers to play a crucial role in the success of this extraordinary event.
How to Volunteer
Ready to make a difference? Whether you’re interested in welcoming visitors, hosting workshops, leading field trips, or helping with festival coordination, there’s a spot for you!
Volunteer Gathering
Our volunteer gathering will be in February 2025. Please sign up as a volunteer, if you wish to receive an email when the date and time are announced.
More Events
MLK Day of Service, January 20, 2025 volunteers work on projects in the Verde Valley including invasive species removal, gully restoration and trash clean-ups.
Join us for Fiesta de la Garza on December 5, 2024, a night of awards, auctions, and celebration, as we honor the dedication of our community members and partners supporting the mission of Friends of the Verde River.
Bid on unique items and experiences to support a thriving Verde River—our Online Silent Auction runs November 4 – December 5, 2024!
