2026
STATE OF
THE VERDE
WATERSHED
CONFERENCE
September 15-17, 2026
Cliff Castle Casino, Camp Verde AZ
Days until Conference
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
Join your peers, experts, and dedicated river stewards for this year’s State of the Verde Watershed Conference. The conference will follow up on the 2025 Verde Watershed Report Card and address solutions and adaptations to system threats, such as climate change, drought, and overpumping of aquifers.
One Watershed, Many Voices: Science, Policy, and People
Join scientists, land managers, Tribal partners, nonprofit leaders, agency staff, educators, students, and community members from across Arizona for the 2026 State of the Verde Watershed Conference, hosted by Friends of the Verde River.
Held every two years, the conference brings together people who care deeply about the future of the Verde River and its tributaries. Through presentations, discussions, networking, and field experiences, attendees explore current challenges and collaborative solutions related to water conservation, habitat restoration, recreation, community resilience, and watershed health.
Why Attend?
The Verde River is one of Arizona’s few remaining flowing rivers and an essential resource for communities, wildlife, recreation, and culture. The conference creates a space for meaningful conversations about the future of water in Arizona and the Verde Watershed
Attendees will:
- Learn about current watershed science and conservation efforts
- Hear from regional experts and community leaders
- Explore emerging water policy and management topics
- Connect with partners across disciplines and communities
- Participate in collaborative discussions focused on real-world solutions
- Join optional field trips throughout the Verde Watershed on September 17
Now Accepting Speaker Abstracts
Friends of the Verde River is currently accepting abstracts for conference presentations.
We welcome proposals related to:
Water resources and conservation
Habitat and restoration
Recreation and tourism
Community partnerships
Research and monitoring
Education and outreach
Abstract Deadline: June 15, 2026
Speaker Notifications: Early July 2026
Conference Registration Opens: June 1, 2026
About the Verde
Watershed Report Card
A major focus of the conference is discussion around the Verde Watershed Report Card — a collaborative effort that evaluates the overall health of the watershed and identifies key opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Conference sessions will build on findings from the report card and encourage cross-sector conversations about water conservation, river health, land management, and long-term sustainability in Arizona.
About Friends of the Verde River
Friends of the Verde River works collaboratively to protect and restore the Verde River and its tributaries, including Oak Creek, Fossil Creek, Granite Creek, and Sycamore Creek. The organization envisions a healthy, flowing Verde River system that supports vibrant communities, thriving ecosystems, and future generations.