Water in the West: Uncovering the Upper Verde River

Now is your chance to experience the Verde River, Arizona's last wild and free-flowing river! Join educator and conservationist Dr. Joel Barnes on a day-long excursion to discover the vital role of water resources in the Southwest while enjoying the magnificence of the Upper Verde River.

In this immersive experience, you will explore topics of western water politics and the unique issues faced by our local watershed. Dr. Joel Barnes will give insights into water resource management, riparian restoration, and the movement to secure a federal Wild and Scenic designation for the Upper Verde River. Take advantage of this opportunity to uncover why the Upper Verde is a waterway worth protecting!

This event is FREE! Space is limited.

Details:

Cost: Free, but space is limited.

Time: Meet in Chino Valley, AZ, at the Safeway at 10:00am, carpool to the Rio Verde Ranch site, and return at 4:00pm.

Difficulty: This adventure involves a 2-3 mile hike.

Food and Water: Bring your own lunch, water, and snacks for a full-day excursion.

Dr. Joel Barnes is Professor Emeritus in Environmental Studies and Adventure Education at Prescott College, where he’s been teaching classroom and field-based courses since 1985. Through his small business, Riparia, he works with river and watershed restoration projects in the American Southwest. His doctoral work focused on assessing Wild and Scenic River designation for the Grand Canyon’s portion of the Colorado River and its tributaries; it also included restoration projects in the Granite Creek Watershed around Prescott, Arizona. A common thread throughout Joel’s research and teaching includes a sustained passion for flowing water, river systems, and watersheds in both wilderness and urban settings. If he’s not working on a river, then he’s usually playing on one with friends and family. He's an avid birder and plant geek, rarely heading out the door without a few natural history guides in-hand.

The Human-Nature Connection in the Age of Climate Crisis will examine the history and current ecological challenges of the Upper Verde River as a case study to help Arizonans understand the reality of the climate crisis and discover strategies to mitigate its effects. Through field trips, a volunteer workday, a lecture, and a community dialogue, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the threats facing the Upper Verde and build support for securing a federal Wild and Scenic designation for Arizona’s last wild and free-flowing river.

Host or Publisher Natural History Institute