Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks - Press Release

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, pio at azstateparks.gov or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997
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Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
on April 26-29 at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

(Phoenix, AZ - April 11, 2007) -- The April 26-29 Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival celebrates nature with workshops and field trips where expert guides take visitors to the area's birding hot spots.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood with its cottonwood-willow habitat along the Verde River is the base camp for this event and offers camping facilities, fishing and other amenities for families during this event. All the birding programs during the festival are comprised of small groups, expert leaders and unusual venues.

Field trips include tours to local birding hot spots and "Important Birding Areas" including Page Springs, Tavasci Marsh, Oak Creek Canyon, Mingus Mountain, and the surrounding habitats of Prescott and Flagstaff. Other birding options include traveling the Verde River Canyon first class by train, birding by bike, the special Cadillac Canoe brunch, the Condor Caper to the Grand Canyon and much more. Gourmet meals are served on special trips. Along with returning favorites, new trips have been added to the schedule including Gap Creek in a Hummer, specialty bird tours, and a visit to the Verde River Headwaters. Nature photography will be offered again this year.

The festival sponsors a variety of educational opportunities: an essay contest with opportunities for students to win binoculars and class trips, and "Family Fun Day" where children can make birdhouses and feeders. Featured this year is Denny Olson as "Critterman" who will make his appearance on Saturday. Pre-registration is recommended. Check for available tours and registration on the website at www.birdyverde.org.

For more information call 928-634-5283. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located in Cottonwood, Arizona. The regular entrance fee is $6 per vehicle with up to 4 people, and $2 for bicycle or walk in, and the camping fee (in Dead Horse Ranch SP) is $12 or $19 with hookups.

For more information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit www.azstateparks.com.

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