activities · 22
what they do
direct service · 14
- Community Engagement and Education Public Environmental Events & OutreachHosts 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.
- Community Engagement and Education Public Environmental Events & OutreachHosts 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 Public Environmental Events & OutreachHosts 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.
- Erosion Control and Habitat Restoration Erosion Control and Habitat RestorationInstalls 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 Erosion Control and Habitat RestorationImplements 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.
- Fencing and Access Control Riparian and Wildlife Fencing ManagementInstalls fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas and removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests to support conservation efforts.
- Fencing and Access Management Riparian and Wildlife Fencing ManagementRemoves unnecessary fencing from National Forests and installs fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas.
- Groundwater Recharge Projects Rainwater Harvesting & Green InfrastructureDesigns 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.
- Invasive Species Management Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species ManagementIdentifies 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.
- Riparian Area Protection Riparian and Wildlife Fencing ManagementInstalls fencing to prevent vehicle access in sensitive riparian areas and removes unnecessary fencing from National Forests to protect natural resources.
- Verde River Exchange Program Water Offset & Incentive ProgramsOperates 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.
- Water Quality Monitoring (Verde Water Watchers) River and Stream MonitoringTrains 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.
- Water Recharge and Conservation Infrastructure Rainwater Harvesting & Green InfrastructureDesigns 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.
- Watershed Management and Policy Influence Watershed Conservation PlanningImplements 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.
advocacy · 1
- Watershed Conservation and Policy Advocacy Watershed Conservation PlanningImplements 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.
research · 1
- Land and Water Planning Research Water Policy Advocacy & PlanningConducts 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.
capacity building · 6
- Agricultural Conservation Support Water Offset & Incentive ProgramsSupports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river by promoting improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
- Agricultural Stewardship Support Water Offset & Incentive ProgramsSupports 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 Water Offset & Incentive ProgramsSupports farmers and ranchers in protecting the river by providing guidance on improved irrigation efficiency, responsible chemical management, and invasive species removal.
- Resource Toolbox for Sustainable Development Water Policy Advocacy & PlanningProvides 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 Water Policy Advocacy & PlanningProvides 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 Water Policy Advocacy & PlanningProvides 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.
strategies · 21
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Certification Program for River-Friendly Practices certification_programThe organization uses a River Friendly Living certification program to recognize and encourage homes, businesses, and communities that adopt practices protecting the Verde River based on principles of sustainable water supply, clean water, and healthy ecosystems.
- Certification program for river-friendly practices certification programThe organization uses a River Friendly Living certification program to recognize various entities that protect the Verde River based on principles of sustainable water supply, clean water, healthy uplands and riparian forests, and connected communities, thereby incentivizing and promoting sustainable practices.
- Collaborative and Landscape-Scale Watershed Restoration collaborative_conservationThe organization fosters collaboration across various agencies, land ownerships, and organizations to implement landscape-scale conservation and restoration efforts, addressing watershed health comprehensively, including invasive species removal, wildlife corridors, and sediment reduction.
- Community Engagement and Education for Stewardship community_educationThe organization engages the community through education on water conservation techniques, utilizes community scientists for water quality monitoring, and offers a certification program to recognize entities that protect the Verde River, fostering broad participation in environmental stewardship.
- Community Science for Data-Driven Water Quality Improvement community_scienceThe organization engages community members as scientists to monitor water quality, gather data, and identify problem areas, which informs solutions and management decisions for improving the health of the Verde River.
- Community science and data-driven water quality monitoring community scienceThe organization addresses gaps in knowledge about water pollution by utilizing community scientists to monitor water quality, training them to sample river water and sending results to environmental agencies to inform management decisions and identify problem areas.
- Data-Driven Water Quality Improvement data-driven problem identificationThe organization addresses water quality by identifying knowledge gaps, conducting monitoring, and providing technical assistance to inform solutions and improve water quality, often leveraging community science for data collection.
- Erosion Control for Groundwater Recharge and Landscape Resilience erosion_control_for_water_retentionThe organization implements erosion control projects to slow water flow, allowing for increased percolation into groundwater to refill aquifers and deposit soil, thereby building landscape resilience and supporting water retention.
- Green Infrastructure and Rainwater Harvesting for Water Management green_infrastructureThe organization promotes and implements green infrastructure techniques, including rainwater harvesting and infiltration, to recharge aquifers, control floods, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat by capturing and absorbing rain where it falls.
- Green infrastructure and rainwater harvesting for water management green infrastructureThe organization promotes and implements green infrastructure techniques, including rainwater harvesting and natural infiltration, to absorb or capture rain, recharge aquifers, sustain river flows, control floods, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.
- Integrated Land and Water Planning integrated_land_water_planningThe organization integrates land use planning with water management decisions to ensure sustainable development, protect water availability, and address growth pressures. This involves providing tools and strategies to planners and managers, and advocating for policies that consider water resources in land use decisions.
- Integrated Land and Water Planning integrated_land_water_planningThe organization integrates land use planning with water management decisions to ensure sustainable development, protect water availability, and address growth pressures within the Verde River watershed.
- Integrated land and water planning integrated_land_water_planningThe organization integrates land use planning with water management decision-making to support sustainable development, ensure long-term water availability, and address growth pressures, providing tools and strategies to community leaders and planners.
- Invasive Species Removal and Riparian Restoration invasive_species_removalThe organization focuses on the removal of invasive plant species that disrupt native riparian ecosystems, recognizing the need for specialized techniques due to extensive root systems, and implements broader land restoration to support rare and endangered species and riparian forest ecosystems.
- Landscape-Scale and Watershed-Wide Conservation landscape-scale conservationThe organization employs a landscape-scale conservation approach, working across the entire Verde Watershed with professional staff and through multi-jurisdictional collaboration to implement environmental stewardship, restore ecosystems, and manage resources comprehensively.
- Landscape-scale and collaborative conservation landscape-scale conservationThe organization employs a landscape-scale conservation approach, working with professional staff and fostering collaboration across agencies, land ownership types, and organizations to implement environmental stewardship and integrated conservation of the entire Verde River watershed.
- Market-Based Water Conservation and Green Infrastructure market-based water conservationThe organization utilizes innovative, market-based approaches like the Verde River Exchange to offset groundwater use, and promotes and implements green infrastructure techniques such as rainwater harvesting and infiltration to recharge aquifers, sustain river flows, control erosion, and improve water quality and habitat.
- Market-Based Water Conservation and Groundwater Offset market-based_water_conservationThe organization employs innovative market-based mechanisms, such as the Verde River Exchange, to allow groundwater users to voluntarily offset their water use impact, thereby sustaining water resources and promoting perennial river flows.
- Market-based water conservation and groundwater offset market-based water conservationThe organization utilizes innovative, market-based approaches, such as the Verde River Exchange, to allow groundwater users to voluntarily offset their water use impact, thereby preserving perennial flows and promoting sustainable economic development.
- Riparian Restoration for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health riparian_restorationThe organization focuses on the removal of invasive plant species that disrupt native riparian ecosystems and implements land restoration to support rare and endangered species and critical riparian forest ecosystems.
- Riparian restoration through invasive species removal and erosion control riparian restorationThe organization focuses on the removal of invasive plant species that disrupt native riparian ecosystems and implements erosion control projects to slow water flow, allowing for groundwater percolation and soil deposition to build landscape resilience, thereby supporting rare and endangered species and riparian forests.
named programs · 4
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.
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.
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