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Friends of the Verde River is proud to recognize Salt River Project (SRP) as the recipient of the 2025 Heron Award for Business Partner. This award honors SRP’s ongoing commitment to the Verde River watershed through its increased support of our River Friendly Living program and stewardship efforts.
River Friendly Living inspires a culture of voluntary river conservation by supporting and recognizing residents, businesses, and communities that take action to protect the Verde River. As a certification and grant program, River Friendly Living helps participants complete impactful projects such as irrigation efficiency upgrades, greywater reuse systems, rain harvesting, smart metering, lawn removal, and habitat improvements.
In 2024, the program reached a major milestone. Friends of the Verde River awarded 33 River Friendly Living Grants totaling $96,000, the largest amount in the program’s history. These grants support water conservation and habitat enhancement throughout the watershed — and SRP’s partnership played a key role in making this record-setting year possible. Their contribution is focused specifically on advancing water efficiency projects, aligning with their goal to conserve 5 billion gallons of water through partnerships by 2035.
In 2025, the River Friendly Living program expanded to include two grant cycles. The spring cycle was dedicated to Camp Verde residents and businesses, and a fall cycle was open to all participants across the Verde River watershed and SRP service area. This growth reflects both the increasing demand for local water conservation solutions and the strength of partnerships like the one we share with SRP.
About Salt River Project
Salt River Project (SRP) is a long-standing water and power provider in Arizona and a committed partner in protecting the state’s rivers and watersheds. With a goal to conserve 5 billion gallons of water through partnerships by 2035, SRP invests in projects that strengthen water efficiency, support local communities, and safeguard natural resources.
SRP’s partnership with Friends of the Verde River has been essential to the success of the River Friendly Living program. Their support directly funds water-saving improvements such as irrigation upgrades, smart metering, rainwater harvesting, and other efficiency projects that help homes and businesses reduce water use and protect the Verde River.
Because of SRP’s vision and commitment, Friends of the Verde River has been able to expand grant opportunities, reach more participants, and elevate conservation efforts across the watershed. Their leadership helps ensure a healthy, flowing Verde River for generations to come.
The Heron Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to protect the Verde River. Through leadership, partnership, and action, SRP exemplifies what this recognition represents.
We are deeply grateful for SRP’s continued dedication to a healthy, flowing Verde River.
The Heron Awards
Each Heron Award is a beautiful, glass-blown work of art crafted by local artists at The Melting Point. These one-of-a-kind pieces symbolize our deep appreciation for those who help Friends of the Verde River protect and restore one of the Southwest’s last free-flowing rivers. They embody creativity, dedication, and the river’s enduring resilience.
We also take great pride in recognizing our partners and supporters during our annual gala, Fiesta de la Garza, where the community comes together to celebrate the people who make our work possible.
