Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Fireflies in Arizona

  Presentation presnted by Rachel Laura    Cost: $15                           Speaker: Rachel Laura Deputy Executive Director, Friends of the Verde RiverRachel is the Deputy Executive Director of Friends of the Verde River and a Certified Wildlife Biologist with expertise in species conservation, habitat restoration, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) policy. She has extensive experience leading species status assessments and collaborating with stakeholders to inform ESA decision-making, having previously worked as a biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Rachel’s background also includes designing and implementing habitat restoration projects to improve riparian and upland ecosystems. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in firefly distribution and ecology in arid environments, her research focuses on conserving these unique species. As one of the few experts on Southwest fireflies, Rachel works at the intersection of science, policy, and conservation. In her free time Rachel enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and learning to play the cello. She lives in Flagstaff with her husband and their three kids.                                 Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature 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.    Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.