At one time, over 300 farms existed within the Verde NRCD with over 14,000 acres of farmland. This number decreased over the years due to increased population and sale of land to housing developments. However, in the past 20 years there has been an increase of small farms and vineyards that have re-invigorated the District.
The Verde NRCD has taken a leading role in helping area landowners and managers make more productive use of their soil and water resources while also protecting the environment. A major priority has been to keep water flowing in the Verde River so that the people, plants, animals, and economies that depend on it continue to thrive. The District seeks to educate the public about the importance of riparian habitat, water resources, and wildlife.
The Verde District has a long history of participation and leadership in environmental education programs. Among these are the Verde River “Farm in a Day” program, an event that involved more than 4,000 people and gained national attention. In the 1980s the District helped pioneer the development of Environmental Education Centers in Arizona.
In the 1980s the District initiated Verde River Days, an annual event to help local residents and visitors understand and appreciate the importance of the Verde River and associated resources. This is a broad-based partnership of private and public interests. The District created a riparian species nursery and sponsored numerous tree planting activities along the Verde River. In recent years, the District has focused much attention on control of invasive plant species and is working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a Safe Harbor agreement that will benefit endangered bird species and private landowners along the Verde River.
The District’s Environmental Education Center has taken the lead in educating area youth about agriculture, water management, and invasive plants through classroom teaching and other events.
