What We Do

We can't imagine a world without a healthy, flowing Verde River

Did You Know?

The Verde River Watershed supports hundreds of wildlife species.

270

Bird Species

92

Mammal Species

74

Amphibian and Reptile Species

Home » What We Do

Water

We use innovation to lead the way in implementing the best solutions to sustain Arizona’s water resources. Homes and businesses save millions of gallons of water each year through rainwater capture and by participating in the Verde River Exchange. As of 2022, The Verde River Exchange has kept over 32 million gallons of water flowing in the Verde River since 2016. Farmers and Ranchers protect the river by improving irrigation efficiency, properly managing herbicides and pesticides, and removing invasive species.

Fun Fact

The Verde River is fed by groundwater from the Chino and Verde basins, with over 102 major springs contributing to river flows. The Verde River and its tributary streams provide over 400 miles of interconnected riparian forests along a flowing river.

Land

One of the rarest riverside forests in North America is found here in the Verde River basin, the Fremont Cottonwood-Goodding Willow Gallery Forest. Our restoration program ensures that the land is healthy and able to support this rare plant community, along with rare and endangered species like the Arizona cliffrose, southwestern willow flycatcher, narrow-headed gartersnake, and the yellow-billed cuckoo. Supporting our biodiversity will keep our lands healthy.

Did You Know?

The Verde and Salt River system supports the largest number of breeding bald eagle pairs in Arizona.

People

We bring people together around the river and support them in leading river friendly lives. We help you learn how to use water sustainability, keep waterways clean, grow native vegetation for wildlife, and support river-healthy communities. You can join us at one of our events, like the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, work for good at one of our volunteer days, and even party for the Verde during Fiesta de la Garza. We encourage you to sign up to learn more and support your values by supporting Friends of the Verde River by becoming a donor.

Want to Participate?

You can show your support for a healthy Verde River through tax-deductible donations.

Climate

The climate is warming and that has consequences for the Verde River and its sources. Hotter temperatures result in greater pumping of water to irrigate lawns and farms. Evaporation increases, resulting in dryer soils and stressed plants and animals. It is more important than ever that we take actions to be more river friendly. Using less water leaves more for nature. When it rains, keep more of the water on your property by slowing it down with berms and capturing the water flowing off your roof. Encourage water to puddle and sink into the group, refilling the aquifers beneath our feet. Planting trees and shrubs, especially native species, also slows down the rain, allowing it to soak in instead of running off. Harvesting the rain is an important action you can take to keep our rivers flowing.

Did You Know?

We can't imagine a world without a healthy, flowing Verde River

Did You Know?

Water

The Verde River is fed by groundwater from the Chino and Verde basins, with over 102 major springs contributing to river flows. The Verde River and its tributary streams provide over 400 miles of interconnected riparian forests along a flowing river.

Land

The Verde and Salt River system supports the largest number of breeding bald eagle pairs in Arizona.

People

You can show your support for a healthy Verde River through tax-deductible donations.

Climate

Hotter temperatures result in greater pumping of water to irrigate lawns, gardens, and farms.

Working Collaboratively for a Healthy, Flowing Verde River system.

Mailing Address

Located At

Quick Links

We can't imagine a world without a healthy, flowing Verde River

Did You Know?

Water

The Verde River is fed by groundwater from the Chino and Verde basins, with over 102 major springs contributing to river flows. The Verde River and its tributary streams provide over 400 miles of interconnected riparian forests along a flowing river.

Land

The Verde and Salt River system supports the largest number of breeding bald eagle pairs in Arizona.

People

You can show your support for a healthy Verde River through tax-deductible donations.

Climate

Hotter temperatures result in greater pumping of water to irrigate lawns, gardens, and farms.

Working Collaboratively for a Healthy, Flowing Verde River system.

Mailing Address

Located At

Quick Links

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