Protecting the Upper Verde River: A Community Dialogue

Natural History Institute invites you to join us for a day of learning, discussion, and action with Gary Beverly.

About this Event



Protect the Upper Verde River: A Community Dialogue

The Upper Verde River is a lifeline for our region — a source of clean water, wildlife habitat, and natural beauty. But that lifeline is in danger. The river's flow depends on groundwater from the Big Chino aquifer, and increased pumping from agriculture, new domestic wells, and large-scale development threatens to dry it up.

We invite you to join us for a day of learning, discussion, and action. Sierra Club Chair and Verde River advocate Gary Beverly will lead us through an eye-opening presentation about the threats facing the river and what's at stake if we don't act. Afterward, we'll break into small groups to explore practical, local solutions — and end the workshop with real action, including writing postcards to elected officials urging them to protect the Big Chino aquifer and our river.

This is more than a meeting. It's a chance for our community to come together, learn from one another, and stand up for the future of the Verde River. Whether you're a lifelong resident or new to the area, your voice and your actions matter.

Join us on Saturday, August 16th, from 10am to 1pm at the Natural History Institute. Together, we can keep the Upper Verde River flowing for generations to come.

This program is free and open to the public!

Program Overview:

1) Keynote Presentation by Gary Beverly

Learn about the river’s ecological and cultural value, key groundwater threats, and why protecting the Big Chino aquifer is critical.

2) Breakout Discussions: Community-Based Solutions to Keep the River Flowing

Small group conversations exploring actions, challenges, and policy ideas.

3) Group Sharing & Synthesis

Groups report highlights. Facilitators connect common themes—education, policy, and conservation.

4) Take Action: Advocacy Station

Write postcards to officials, make a personal action pledge, sign up to volunteer, and learn about upcoming events.

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