FIELD TRIPS

Upper Verde Headwaters

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 8:00am – 3:30pm

Gary Beverly will guide our group north for a drive through the Verde River Watershed – stopping at Prescott Water Wells, Del Rio Springs and Sullivan Dam. After exploring the headwaters – enjoy lunch in the shade by the Verde River before walking to Granite Creek! This tour has high hopes of seeing Bald Eagles, beaver dams and different wildlife as well as a look into the natural history of the area. This trip will primarily focus on the conservation issues surrounding the upper Verde River, which is particularly threatened by groundwater pumping that will eventually transform the upper Verde into a dry wash, destroying the riparian habitat of fifteen threatened and endangered species. 

After eagle spotting at Del Rio Springs, we’ll visit the headwaters of the Verde at Sullivan Dam and learn about the new Verde Headwaters State Park. Then, we’ll hike down a trail to the Verde River and have snack in the shady riparian forest and tell stories about the river. Then we’ll explore downriver to find beaver dams, wildlife and really pretty scenery. Bring your camera. We’ll learn about the natural history of and the conservation issues surrounding the Verde River. 

Dark Skies Photography Trip

Wed- Thurs, September 16-17, 2026
Time: 9:00 pm – 12:30 am

Learn to capture the Milky Way Core over the red rocks of Sedona covering the techniques for planning and capturing photos of the galaxy core. This group workshop will cover the fundamentals of nightscape photography in the field to capture sharp, properly exposed and compelling frames of the night sky over Sedona. Open to all levels regardless of experience.

We will be driving out to the Courthouse Vista parking lot to meet Kevin and then walking the Courthouse Butte trail to capture the rising of the Milky Way Core on this night of the New Moon.

Weather may cause a cancellation – Rain above a 10% chance, or above 80% cloudcover will be cause for cancellation. Refunds will be issued.

Springs Field Trip 

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Join renowned ecologist Larry Stevens for a scenic exploration of springs and riparian habitats in the Sycamore Canyon/Clarkdale area. Discover the ecological importance of these unique water resources and the life they support.

Wild Heart Farm & River Center Tour

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Join Friends of the Verde River for a special field trip highlighting innovative water stewardship projects and the future home of river conservation and education in the Verde Valley. Participants will visit Wild Heart Farm to explore River Friendly Farm demonstration projects focused on water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and watershed stewardship. The group will then travel to the new River Center and Preserve in Cottonwood, the future headquarters of Friends of the Verde River, for a guided tour of the property, preserve, and planned community education spaces.

Rough Agenda for the day:
9:00 AM – Meet at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel for check-in 
9:30–10:30 AM – Guided tour of Wild Heart Farm and River Friendly Farm demonstration projects
10:30–11:15 AM – Travel to the River Center and Preserve in Cottonwood
11:15 AM–12:45 PM Tour of the River Center and Preserve, including restoration areas, educational amenities, and the vision for the future headquarters of Friends of the Verde River
12:45- 1:30– Return to Cliff Castle Casino 

Restoration Kayak Trip 

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Join Friends of the Verde River’s Restoration team on a float along the River with Verde Adventures’ and Salt Mine Wine’s Rose to River tour. We will learn about the restoration projects that have taken place in this area on Prescott and Coconino National Forest and AZ State Parks lands as well as work completed on private land along the reach. We will also discuss upcoming projects within the area. These projects include riparian invasive plant removal, erosion control and water quality monitoring.

The River to Rosé float begins with meeting your professional shuttle guide at the Beasley Flats River Access Point in Camp Verde. AZ. The shuttle guide will then provide you with safety and paddling instructions. You will be shuttled up river and you will paddle your kayak on a remote Wild and Scenic stretch of the Verde River. It features an abundance of sporty gentle rapids and small drops to provide excitement without being overly challenging. The scenic river journey culminates back where you parked. From there you’ll drive about 20 minutes towards the small, family-owned Salt Mine Wine Vineyard. Nestled among pecan groves, pastures, and small farms, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor wine tasting. You’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like at the Vineyard.