Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Keynote Banquet and Presentation by Melissa Fratello & Steven Prager

Following a catered dinner, Melissa and Steve will share their talk. Melissa and Steve will discuss the theme of “Reciprocal Birding”, sharing insights (and bloopers) from the writing of their recently published field guide Birds of Arizona and New Mexico, and the under-wielded power of birders to turn the tide on habitat and population declines. In their roles as conservationists in Southeast Arizona, they’ve observed an often distinct separation of birding and bird conservation. By empowering the birding community to take direct action on behalf of birds, and offering approachable and fun ways for birders to do what they can, when they can, and where they can, we can bridge that gap and secure a brighter future for birds and birders. There is a no food option offered this year. You will see it when you register. The cost for this is $35/person and your start time will be 6:00 PM. Cost: $65 for entry & meal -or- $35 for just entry (no food) Location: TBD Meal: Catered Dinner (optional) Rating: 1       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© 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.