Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival 2025 - Birds in Art

 

Our Keynote Speaker

 

Julie Zickefoose lives and works quietly on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary in the back country of Whipple, Ohio. She is a prolific writer and painter who was an All Things Considered commentator for five years. Her illustrated work, The Bluebird Effect, was an Oprah's Book Club pick in 2012.  After 37 years of contributing art and writing to Bird Watcher's Digest, Julie recently became Advising Editor to the new and improved BWD Magazine. Her heavily illustrated books include Natural Gardening for Birds, Letters from Eden, The Bluebird Effect, and Baby Birds: An Artist Looks Into the Nest. Her newest book is Saving Jemima: Life and Love With a Hard-Luck Jay, the intimate story of how an orphaned bird can save a soul. She's currently writing about Carolina wrens.

Other Featured Speakers

Walt Anderson

Walt Anderson is a naturalist, artist, photographer, author, conservationist, and retired Professor of Environmental Studies at innovative Prescott College in Arizona.  He has led many nature-based and photography expeditions around the world, most recently to Tanzania. He is an expert at field identification of birds, mammals, plants, and more. His teaching, writing, artwork, and photographs all are ways of sharing his passion for the natural world.

Megan Isadore

I’m all about conservation based on science, community, and public education. After moving to Marin in 1998, I turned my attention to watershed ecology while working with the critically endangered coho salmon of Lagunitas Creek. After beginning to delve into the webs of inter-relations that make up our beloved watershed ecosystem, river otters swam into my view in Lagunitas Creek. 

Kevin Floerke

A full time professional photographer and artist based in Sedona, Arizona, my work tells the story of a reverence for adventure, the power and mystery of the natural world, and the beauty and diversity of the human experience. You can see my story here.

Info, Hints, & Tips

We hope to see you at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the 2025 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival!

When: April 24-27, 2025
Where: Dead Horse Ranch State Park, plus guided birding tours across the Verde Watershed

Look for more details on our "Details and Tips" page

Act fast! Many of our trips sell out before public registration opens. If you haven’t already, donate $60 or more to Friends of the Verde River to get on the early bird email list. This grants you exclusive access to registration before it opens to the general public. Find out more about the 2025 Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival by visiting our website.

Click the button to make a donation and ensure you are on Friends’ email list to receive updates about the 2025 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, taking place April 24-27, 2025! When you donate $60 or more, you qualify for Early Bird Registration. Be the first to select your field trips and workshops and ensure yourself a perfect festival schedule!

Early Bird Registration will take place January 29, 30 and 31, 2025. To qualify for Early Bird Registration, each registrant needs to have made a $60 donation to Friends of the Verde River before January 29, 2025.

 

 

This year's artwork is a watercolor of an  Anna's Hummingbird.
It was created in 2022 by Walt Anderson. Original size is 11x9.

Ways to Get Involved

Info Page coming soon

Email us

Volunteer Orientation - Feb 26

Click this link to learn more and RSVP

to learn more about Family Nature Day
to beome a vendor or exhibitor and get a link to our form.

About the Festival

Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats.

Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501(c) 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest.

 

The 2025 Theme is Birds in Art

In 2025, join us as we learn about birds in art and their creative influence. Our keynote speaker is Julie Zickefoose and the featured bird is the Anna's Hummingbird by local featured artist Walt Anderson.  
 

 

Camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Consider camping at Dead Horse Ranch State Park during the festival for an immersive experience. Check for availability with the park in advance and upon arrival. Camping fees are paid directly to the park. Please check with the park for current fee information. Campsites include a table and grill, with water and showers available. Reserve campsites online or by calling the reservation call center. The park also offers cabins for rent within a short walk to the River Day Use area. Advanced reservations are required; contact the park at (928) 634-5283 for more information.

 

Join Us for Family Nature Day at the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival!

When: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Bring the whole family for a day of fun, discovery, and celebration of nature at the Family Nature Day during the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival! Explore what makes the Verde Valley a unique treasure, and enjoy a variety of engaging, educational exhibits.

  • Discover the Verde River and learn about its vital role in our local ecosystem.
  • Meet local wildlife and gain a deeper understanding of the species that call our valley home.
  • Visit our exhibitors and vendors showcasing nature-inspired goods, activities, and organizations.
  • Get hands-on with interactive activities for all ages—perfect for kids and adults alike!

Come out and experience the beauty and wonder of the Verde Valley, while connecting with the natural world around us. It’s a perfect way to spend the day with your loved ones!

Don’t miss this exciting, educational event—see you there!

Interested in becoming an Exhibitor or Vendor? 

There are two categories of spaces available at the event: Exhibitors and Vendors.

Vendors will be selling products, while Exhibitors will be offering educational, interactive displays, or live demonstrations aimed at engaging attendees in learning experiences, without a charge.

Vendor booth fees goes directly to the non-profit live animal exhibits and the care of the rehabilitated animals, helping them to continue to provide valuable educational experiences to the public.