Get Involved
2024 Funded Projects
In 2024, the River Friendly Living Grants supported 20 projects that promote water conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable living in the Verde Valley. Highlights from the year include:
- Nine home-based rain harvesting systems were funded to help homeowners capture rainwater, reducing demand on local water sources.
- One home-based greywater reuse project was funded, allowing a homeowner to reuse water for landscaping, further minimizing water waste.
- The Science Vortex received funding to install a rain harvesting system at Cottonwood Community School, teaching students the importance of water conservation.
- Wild Heart Farms was awarded a grant to implement a stormwater control project that promotes groundwater recharge and protects the farm from flood damage.
- Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) in Sedona installed a stormwater control system that diverts runoff from the road to water landscaping, reducing water use and erosion.
- One homeowner was funded to treat invasive species on their property, protecting the native ecosystem.
- Two homeowners along the Verde River Corridor received funding to develop erosion control plans, preventing land degradation and improving riverbank stability.
- The Red Rock Ditch Association in Sedona was funded to repair their irrigation canal, which had been leaking 25 million gallons of water per year. The repaired canal now returns that water to Oak Creek.
- Origins Bed and Breakfast in Cottonwood removed 0.18 acres of grass, saving an estimated 170,000 gallons of water annually.
- TinyCamp Oak Creek, a River Friendly Development, received funding to install a pollinator garden to enhance the habitat on their property.
These diverse projects demonstrate the power of community-driven efforts to protect the Verde River and promote sustainable water use across the region.
