Get Involved
We hope to see you at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the 2026 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival!
When: April 23 – 27, 2026
Where: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, plus guided birding tours across the Verde Watershed
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 2026 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. 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, 2026. To qualify for Early Bird Registration, each registrant needs to have made a $60 donation to Friends of the Verde River before January 31, 2026.
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.
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.
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!
Sign up to Volunteer
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.
More Events
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, January 19, 2026 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 4, 2025 for a night of awards, auctions, and celebration, as we honor the dedication of our community members and partners supporting our mission.
