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 Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov

Protect the River at Verde River Days September 27-28 at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

(Phoenix, Arizona - August 26, 2008) - Dead Horse Ranch State Park will celebrate its 20th annual Verde River Days on Saturday, September 27th and Sunday, September 28th, 2008.

The activities during Verde River Days promote preservation and care of the environment by showcasing informative exhibits on the Verde's riparian habitat. Some of the day's events include environmental exhibits, hands-on-activities, fishing, canoeing and live entertainment.

The Verde River Days celebration begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 27th, bringing together 40-plus nature-based exhibits, sandcastle building, a menagerie of live animals, non-stop activities from canoe rides (with or without assistance), to nature hikes, as well as continuous entertainment and local food vendors.

Guests of all ages are welcome to fish in the lagoon. Fishing licenses are not required during the scheduled Arizona Game & Fish Department's clinic hours. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided for all ages. Visitors may also experience nature's history through guided nature walks and short hikes. The Arizona Roundup is back for the weekend exhibiting dozens of teardrop and vintage trailers from yesteryear.

Live demonstrations will include American Civil War encampments, drills, and battles, circa 1863. Visitors are invited to tour the period camps, talk with the reenactors, and watch the battles scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

On Sunday, September 28th the Verde River Citizens Alliance will sponsor canoe rides down the Verde River. Groups will depart from the Dead Horse Ranch River Day Use Area at 8 a.m. and again at 10 a.m. The rides last about an hour and a half. Canoers will be shuttled back to the park. Pre-registration is required. To schedule a trip or for more information contact Marsha Foust at 928-634-8738.

Arizona State Parks has waived entrance fees on Saturday, September 27th. On Sunday, the park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle with up to 4 adults, and $2 for bicycle or walk in. The camping fee (at Dead Horse Ranch) is $12 or $19 with hookups. For more information about Verde River Days call the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce at (928) 634-7593.

This event is held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. In 2007, 110,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, planted trees and plants, and removed trash and invasive plants. Join us for the 15th annual National Public Lands Day.

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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Learn more about Dead Horse Ranch State Park

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http://azstateparks.com/press/2008/PR_08-27-08.html

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