Friends of the Verde River works to conserve the Verde River Basin in Arizona
A watershed is a giant basin formed by the topography of a region, where water drains downward from hills and mountains, collecting into smaller streams that feed into a central river. Every piece of land in the world is part of a watershed, with boundaries defined by the high points around the river, such as mountaintops, hilltops, and ridges. The Verde River watershed is fed by groundwater from the Chino and Verde basins, with over 102 major springs contributing to river flows, providing more than 400 miles of interconnected riparian forests.
The Verde River watershed, encompassing all 192 miles of the Verde River from its headwaters in Chino Valley to the confluence with the Salt River, includes several notable elements. These include miles of lush riparian habitat and 40.5 miles of federally designated Wild and Scenic River, making the Verde River one of Arizona’s last free-flowing rivers that provides crucial habitats for a diverse array of wildlife.
Watershed report cards are powerful tools used around the world to describe ecosystem status, increase public awareness, and inform and influence decision-makers to act to improve the health of a watershed. The Verde River basin is home to one of the rarest rivers in Arizona. This unique ecosystem is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting rare and endangered species such as the Arizona cliffrose, southwestern willow flycatcher, narrow-headed gartersnake, and yellow-billed cuckoo. The restoration program in the Verde River basin ensures the land remains healthy and capable of sustaining this rare plant community and its associated wildlife.
The Verde River is home to a rich variety of species, including beaver, river otters, native fish, great blue heron, gray fox, bobcat, javelina, bald eagles, and numerous native reptiles and amphibians. Additionally, it supports nearly twenty federally designated endangered and threatened species. The watershed is also a critical flyway for migratory birds, underscoring its importance for biodiversity.
Supporting the biodiversity of the Verde River basin is essential for maintaining healthy lands. The restoration efforts in this watershed not only preserve the watershed, but also ensure that the rare and endangered species that depend on this habitat can thrive. By protecting and sustaining this vital ecosystem, we can ensure the continued health and vitality of the Verde River and its surrounding lands for future generations.
Friends of the Verde River is an organization that leads the way in implementing innovative solutions to sustain Arizona’s water resources. Through rainwater capture and the Verde River Exchange, homes and businesses save millions of gallons of water each year. Farmers and ranchers contribute to this effort by improving irrigation efficiency, managing herbicides and pesticides properly, and removing invasive species.
