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FRIENDS OF THE VERDE RIVER
COTTONWOOD, AZ · EIN 452927355 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE T30 · Philanthropy & Grantmaking · Medium ($1M-$10M) · verderiver.org
revenue
$1.9M
expenses
$1.7M
net assets
$635K
employees
16
volunteers
104
program ratio
68%
mission · from form 990

TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY FOR A HEALTHY FLOWING VERDE RIVER SYSTEM

profile · synthesized from sources

Friends of the Verde River is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Verde River watershed in Arizona. They engage local communities in sustainable water practices, habitat restoration, and wildlife protection, while promoting river-friendly living principles. Their initiatives include invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, and educational programs.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $801K
    ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, AND WILDLIFE HABITAT RESTORATION. THE VERDE RIVER SUPPORTS IMPORTANT UNIQUE WATER-DEPENDENT ECOSYSTEMS IN ARIZONA. OVER 270 SPECIES OF BIRDS, 94 SPECIES OF MAMMALS, 76 SPECIES OF NATIVE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES, AND COUNTLESS INVERTEBRATES USE THE VERDE RIVER SYSTEM AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFE CYCLES. FRIENDS OF THE VERDE RIVER WORKS WITH MEMBERS OF THE VERDE WATERSHED RESTORATION COALITION (VWRC), A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT UNITING PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND AGENCIES WITH A COMMON INTEREST IN THE HEALTH OF THE VERDE RIVER WATERSHED. IN FY23 WE MONITORED AND TREATED 2,197 ACRES OF HABITAT, HELD VOLUNTEER EVENTS, AND WORKED WITH 12 NEW PRIVATE LANDOWNERS.
  2. #2 $12K
    NATURE PARKS AND OTHER SIMILAR PROMOTING COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP. THE VERDE RIVER LINKS PEOPLE TOGETHER, IMPROVING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AROUND NATURE. VERDE WATER WATCHERS, A NEW GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS THAT IS MONITORING WATER POLLUTION IN LOWER OAK CREEK, COLLECTED 227 WATER SAMPLES OVER THE YEAR BY VOLUNTEERS WORKING 181 VOLUNTEER HOURS. DURING THE 2023 VERDE BIOBLITZ, 587 PARTICIPANTS MADE 5,928 OBSERVATIONS OF 1,076 ANIMALS OR PLANTS OVER TWO WEEKS IN APRIL, ADVANCING OUR KNOWLEDGE AND ENGAGING YOUTH IN NATURE. ABOUT PEOPLE 300 REGISTERED FOR THE VERDE VALLEY BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL, FOUR DAYS OF BIRDING TRIPS AND WORKSHOPS CENTERED IN COTTONWOOD. OVER 100 PEOPLE VOLUNTEERED DURING FY23.
named programs · 4 · from sources

what they call their work

Habitat Restoration
Focuses on removing invasive species and restoring native habitats in the Verde River watershed.
River Friendly Living
Promotes sustainable water practices and community engagement in river conservation efforts.
Verde River Exchange
Facilitates the purchase of Water Offset Credits to restore water to local rivers and streams.
Water Quality Monitoring
Engages community volunteers in monitoring water quality to maintain state clean water standards.
activities · 8 groups

what they do

  • Watershed Planning & Management 9 activities
    • Land and Water Planning Research
      Conducts research and develops tools to support integrated land and water planning in the Verde River watershed, including resources to help landowners understand surface water rights in Arizona.
    • Land and Water Planning Research
      Conducts research and develops tools to support integrated land and water planning in the Verde River watershed, including resources to help landowners understand surface water rights in Arizona.
    • Policy and Regional Coordination
      Facilitates regional coordination and informs statewide policy from a local perspective in the Verde Watershed, while implementing on-the-ground conservation projects.
    • Resource Toolbox for Sustainable Development
      Provides a resource toolbox with information on managing growth and development to support sustainable water use, economic strength through natural resource protection, and efficient infrastructure planning in the Verde River Watershed.
    • Resource Toolbox for Sustainable Development
      Provides a resource toolbox with information on managing growth and development to support sustainable water use, economic strength through natural resource protection, and efficient infrastructure planning in the Verde River Watershed.
    • Sustainable Growth Resource Toolbox
      Provides a resource toolbox with information on managing growth and development to support sustainable water use, economic strength through natural resource protection, and efficient infrastructure planning in the Verde River Watershed.
    • Sustainable Water Use Resource Development
      Provides a resource toolbox with information on managing growth and development to support sustainable water use, economic strength through natural resource protection, and efficient infrastructure planning in the Verde River Watershed.
    • Watershed Conservation and Policy Advocacy
      Implements on-the-ground conservation projects, facilitates regional coordination, and informs statewide policy from a local perspective to restore, preserve, and promote the natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the Verde River and its tributaries.
    • Watershed Management and Policy Influence
      Implements on-the-ground conservation projects, facilitates regional coordination, and informs statewide policy from a local perspective to restore, preserve, and promote the natural, cultural, scenic, and recreational resources of the Verde River and its tributaries.
  • Water Offset & Incentive Programs 6 activities
    • Agricultural Conservation Support
      Supports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river by promoting improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
    • Agricultural Stewardship Support
      Supports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river through improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
    • Agricultural Stewardship Support
      Supports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river through improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
    • Farmer and Rancher Support for River Protection
      Supports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river by providing guidance on improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
    • Verde River Exchange Program
      Operates the Verde River Exchange program, which allows participants to purchase Water Offset Credits to restore water to local rivers and streams. This program has kept over 32 million gallons of water flowing in the Verde River since 2016.
    • Verde River Exchange Program
      Operates the Verde River Exchange program, which allows participants to purchase Water Offset Credits to restore water to local rivers and streams. This program has kept over 32 million gallons of water flowing in the Verde River since 2016.
  • Community Garden Events & Tours 4 activities
    • Community Engagement and Education
      Hosts public events such as the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, volunteer days, and Fiesta de la Garza to promote river-friendly practices, and engages students in environmental education like the Annual Verde Valley Bioblitz.
    • Community Engagement and Education
      Hosts public events like the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, volunteer days, and Fiesta de la Garza to promote river-friendly practices, and engages students in environmental education through events like the Annual Verde Valley Bioblitz.
    • Community Engagement and Education
      Hosts public events like the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, volunteer days, and Fiesta de la Garza to promote river-friendly practices, and engages students in environmental education activities such as the Annual Verde Valley Bioblitz.
    • Community Engagement and Education
      Hosts public events such as the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, volunteer days, and Fiesta de la Garza to promote river-friendly practices. The organization also engages students in environmental education, such as over 200 fifth graders in the 2022 Annual Verde Valley Bioblitz.
  • Infrastructure Installation & Site Maintenance 4 activities
    • Fencing and Access Control
      Installs fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas and removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests to support conservation efforts.
    • Fencing and Access Management
      Removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests and installs fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas.
    • Riparian Area Protection
      Removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests and installs new fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas.
    • Riparian Area Protection
      Installs fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas and removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests to protect natural resources.
  • Riparian & Habitat Restoration 3 activities
    • Erosion Control and Habitat Restoration
      Installs rock structures, thins juniper trees, closes social trails, and seeds with native grasses to control erosion. Specific projects include installing 25 rock erosion control structures and 54 juniper erosion control structures in gullies, and thinning or removing 580 acres of invasive junipers and 1,150 trees at the Munds Draw erosion control project.
    • Erosion Control and Habitat Restoration
      Implements projects to control erosion by installing rock structures, thinning juniper trees, closing social trails, and seeding with native grasses. This includes installing 25 rock erosion control structures and 54 juniper erosion control structures in gullies, and thinning or removing 580 acres of invasive junipers and 1,150 trees at the Munds Draw erosion control project.
    • Erosion Control and Habitat Restoration
      Installs rock structures, thins juniper trees, closes social trails, and seeds with native grasses to control erosion. This includes installing 25 rock erosion control structures and 54 juniper erosion control structures in gullies, and thinning or removing 580 acres of invasive junipers and 1,150 trees at the Munds Draw erosion control project.
  • Invasive Species Removal 2 activities
    • Invasive Species Management
      Identifies and prioritizes the control of four invasive plant species that threaten watershed function and has eliminated invasive species from over 10,500 acres of riparian forest.
    • Invasive Species Management
      Identifies and prioritizes the control of four invasive plant species that threaten watershed function and has eliminated invasive species from over 10,500 acres of riparian forest.
  • Water Quality & Hydrologic Monitoring 2 activities
    • Water Quality Monitoring (Verde Water Watchers)
      Trains and coordinates community scientists, known as Verde Water Watchers, to regularly test for water pollution in rivers and creeks, conducting monthly sampling for pollutants like E. coli and turbidity.
    • Water Quality Monitoring (Verde Water Watchers)
      Trains and coordinates community scientists, known as Verde Water Watchers, to regularly test for water pollution, such as E. coli and turbidity, in rivers and creeks through monthly sampling.
  • Uncategorized 3 activities
    • Groundwater Recharge Projects
      Designs and installs infrastructure, such as an infiltration basin in Camp Verde, to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater, with one project capturing over 300,000 gallons of water per year.
    • Water Recharge and Conservation Infrastructure
      Designs and installs infrastructure such as an infiltration basin in Camp Verde that captures over 300,000 gallons of water per year from a building's roof and parking lot to recharge groundwater.
    • Water Recharge and Conservation Infrastructure
      Designs and installs infrastructure, such as an infiltration basin in Camp Verde, to capture rainwater and recharge groundwater, capturing over 300,000 gallons of water per year from a building's roof and parking lot.
financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$1.87M
Contributions & grants$1.06M57%
Program service revenue$740K40%
Investment income$1680%
Other revenue$70K
expenses
Total expenses$1.68M
Program expenses68%
Admin / overhead23%
Fundraising9%
Salaries & benefits$648K
Grants paid out$15K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$836K
Cash$548K
Investments$0
Liabilities$200K
Net assets$635K
Liquid reserves3.9 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +48.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
NANCY STEELE EXECUTIVE DI 40 $91K
board members · 8
  • ANNE BUZZARD — DIRECTOR
  • BLYTHE NEWELL — DIRECTOR
  • DICK LYNCH — DIRECTOR
  • JEANNE SWARTHOUT — TREASURER
  • JENI O' CALLAGHAN — PRESIDENT
  • JENNIFER DIFFLEY — VICE PRESIDE
  • LINDA STITZER — DIRECTOR
  • TONY GIOIA — SECRETARY
relationships · 36

who they work with

  • 1% for the Planet Network — Member organization participating in the 1% for the Planet network.
  • Arizona Government — Engages with state-level planning and policy contexts in Arizona to promote sustainable land and water management practices.
  • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Partner — Meghan Smart, Community Science Coordinator, discussed water quality monitoring.
  • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Partner — Teams up with ADEQ to train and coordinate community scientists for water quality monitoring, and sends sampling results to ADEQ to inform management decisions.
  • Arizona Game and Fish Department Partner — Hannah Griscom, Wildlife Habitat Specialist, discussed critical local bird habitat and conservation efforts.
  • Arizona State University Partner — Awarded Friends of the Verde River the Knowledge for Exchange Resilience Award.
  • Audubon Southwest Partner — Tice Supplee, Director of Bird Conservation, discussed critical local bird habitat and conservation efforts.
  • Bureau of Reclamation Funder — Secured a Water Smart grant from the Bureau of Reclamation to create a coordinated, watershed-wide sampling plan.
  • Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards Partner — Participated in the Verde River Exchange since its launch in 2016, purchasing Water Offset Credits.
  • Camp Verde Unified School District Partner — Thomasene Cardona, School Board Member, discussed her role as a community leader and river conservation.
  • Citizens’ Water Advocacy Group Partner — Gary Beverly, Chair, discussed changes in the Upper Verde River and efforts to keep it flowing.
  • City of Cottonwood Partner — Mayor Tim Elinski and City Manager Ron Corbin discussed the importance of the Verde River to the city, threats, and future recreation/water management.
  • City of Sedona Partner — Mayor Sandy Moriarty participated in a panel discussion on water in Sedona and the Verde Valley.
  • Coconino National Forest Partner — Janie Agyagos discussed the impacts of the Backbone and Rafael Fires and how the US Forest Service helps burned areas recover.
  • Coconino National Forest Partner — Works with the National Forest as part of the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition to identify areas of erosion concern.
  • Forest Service Partner — Partnered with the Forest Service to identify high-priority sediment reduction projects on public lands.
  • Nina C. Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Funder — Funding support for the Verde Land & Water Planning Toolbox project
  • Out of Africa Wildlife Park Partner — Joined the Verde River Exchange in 2017 to offset water used for exhibits and animal habitats.
  • Page Springs Cellars & Vineyards Partner — Participated in the Verde River Exchange since 2016, purchasing Water Offset Credits.
  • Pines Inn & Suites Partner — Owner Anna May Cory discussed implementing River Friendly Living principles at her property.
  • Prescott National Forest Partner — Works with the National Forest as part of the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition to identify areas of erosion concern.
  • Sinagua Malt Partner — Local business that incentivizes water conservation by creating a market for low water use crops like barley.
  • The Fish’s Garden Partner — Participates in the Verde River Exchange to offset its water use, making its aquaponics farming more sustainable.
  • TinyCamp Cottonwood Resort Partner — Owner Darin Dinsmore discussed implementing River Friendly Living principles at his property.
  • Tonto National Forest Partner — Kelly Mott Lacroix discussed the impacts of the Backbone and Rafael Fires and how the US Forest Service helps burned areas recover.
  • Tonto National Forest Partner — Works with the National Forest as part of the Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition to identify areas of erosion concern.
  • Town of Camp Verde Partner — Mayor Dee Jenkins participated in a panel discussion on water in Sedona and the Verde Valley.
  • Town of Clarkdale Partner — Mayor Robyn Prud’homme-Bauer participated in a panel discussion on water in Sedona and the Verde Valley.
  • US Forest Service Partner — Janie Agayos, wildlife biologist, discussed pronghorns, wildlife corridors, and grassland species in the Verde River watershed.
  • Verde River Exchange Partner — Collaborates on a program that keeps water flowing in the Verde River through water savings and credits.
+ 6 more