Sedona, AZ: The annual Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival is known for its unique field trips and educational offerings that attract participants from all over the country. But it's not just for the grown-ups. On Saturday, April 26, the event hosts the "Family Fun Day" providing kids with an exciting day of outdoor nature activities.
Held at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, in Cottonwood, from
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the activities and park admission are free. There will be nature crafts, games, the building of birdhouses and feeders, presentations and guided walks. A Beginning Birding class just for the kids, including a walk starts at 8 a.m. Participants learn how to use binoculars and may just find a lifelong hobby. There will be special guests, Woodsy Owl and a new friend, Mrs. B.
On Friday evening from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., there is a special activity for the kids as well. Activity coordinators will be setting up a black-light to attract night creatures. The kids will be able to find and identify all sorts of insects of the night. There is a $5 charge. Registration for this activity will be at the festival prior to the event. Plan to arrive early as only a limited number can participate.
There are three walks available for the adults while the kids play. The Español Beginning Birding Walk for those who speak Spanish as their first language, A Weed Walk, and an Eating Wild Walk. Registration is required for these walks and there are a limited number of spaces.
Most popular during the Festival are the field trips. Although many are filled, some seats on numerous field trips remain. On-site registration will take place at the park on Wednesday, April 23, from 3 – 5 p.m., and starting at 5:30 a.m., during the festival beginning April 24.
There are still seats left on the "Luxury" trips which include the Condor Caper with lunch provided by the world class El Tovar restaurant or the first class train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad to see the nesting bald eagles.
The theme this year is "Cultivating Habitat" as trips feature local wineries and organic farms that practice healthy, alternative growing techniques conserving natural resources. The keynote program Saturday night is open to the public and features Jeff Schalau from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Office.
Schalau will be speaking on "The Agriculture/Environment Connection: Producing Safe Food, Clean Water & Wildlife Habitat." Indulgent desserts round out the program for only $15. Registration for the festival is not required to attend. Visitors should pick up tickets at the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce prior to the event.
This marks the eighth year of this popular event provided by Arizona State Parks and the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce. The $10 registration fee includes park entrance all four days as well as access to the Exhibit Hall and workshops. There is an additional charge for field trips, guided walks, and seminars. For more information, visit the festival website at
www.birdyverde.org or call the Dead Horse Ranch State Park ranger at 928-639-0312.
Article courtesy of Barbie Hart, Festival Coordinator. Photo courtesy of Arizona State Parks.
Posted April 23, 2008.
