Friends of the Verde River

Friends of the Verde River has deep roots in Cottonwood reaching back to the spring of 2007. A group of volunteer river activists wanted to take a more hands-on approach to protect the Verde River and create river access points.

At the time, Arizona State Parks was seeking a nongovernmental partner to support the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. Friends of Verde River Greenway emerged, committing to river restoration and enhancement.

The group grew and incorporated in December 2011 as a 501(c)3, taking on a leadership role within the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC), a public/private collaborative charged with implementing invasive plant control and other habitat restoration activities.

In 2017 Friends merged with the Verde River Basin Partnership and the Verde River Valley Nature Organization, changing its name to Friends of the Verde River. A new strategic plan expanded the programs to the areas of protecting habitat, sustaining flows and promoting community stewardship.

Today, Friends envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River and tributaries that support our particular environment, vibrant economy and quality of life for generations to come.

We consider ourselves a key part of the Verde Valley community, running events such as the annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, the Verde River Runoff, Fiesta de la Garza, Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Verde Valley Bioblitz and many more.

We have funded projects such as signage on the Old Town Cottonwood’s Jail Trail river walk, serve as a member and fiscal sponsor of the Verde Front, and lead the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition, which has restored habitat in the Greenway and other areas of the watershed.

Our work directly benefits the City of Cottonwood and we are proud to be headquartered here. www.verderiver.org

Photo provided by Friends of the Verde River