Introduction

The Friends of the San Pedro River (FSPR), founded in 1987, is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the river through advocacy, education, and interpretation. FSPR coordinates its activities with the BLM, the land manager of the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) and the National Conservation Lands.  The board meets quarterly in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The FSPR operates a gift and bookstore, leads guided interpretive walks/hikes along the river and throughout the adjacent area, presents educational programs to schools and community groups, and assists the BLM in a variety of other programs. Event information is published in the quarterly newsletter and on the website. For more information call the BLM at (520) 439-6400 or Contact the Friends by calling (520) 459-2555, Write the Friends of the San Pedro River at:  9800 E. Highway 90, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635-9173 or send an e-mail to fspr@sanpedroriver.org.

You! can help protect the San Pedro River by joining the Friends. To join, simply click the button on our webpage or fill out the membership application in our brochure and mail it with your check to the address on the form or turn them in at the sales counters in the San Pedro House or Fairbank Schoolhouse. 

As a Member of the Friends of the San Pedro River, you will:

• Contribute to the preservation of the San Pedro Riparian NCA.
• Be kept informed of the events on the river through the monthly newsletter.
• Learn about the area’s history, archaeology, ecology and hydrology.
• Enjoy the natural beauty of the San Pedro River.

FSPR PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

SAN PEDRO HOUSE (SPH) BOOKS & GIFTS. The SPH offers an exceptional variety of nature-related books and gifts and serves as a visitor’s center for the entire NCA. It is open to the Public from 9:30 – 4:30 daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and located at 9800 Hwy 90, east of Sierra Vista before crossing the river. (See Map.) Volunteers are needed to staff the bookstore, and maintain the building and grounds.

DOCENT ACTIVITIES. Trained guides called Docents present programs in the field, in the classroom, and in other meeting places. Docents receive training in all aspects of the NCA with a primary focus on interpreting the information. Volunteers are needed to lead a host of activities in a variety of settings in support of the following programs:

• Community Education. Docents present a slide show program to groups and organizations.
• Schools Program. Docents provide school children with information in the classroom followed by hands-on learning experiences.
• Hikes and Walks. One or more Docents lead short interpretative walks and longer hikes along the river and throughout the adjacent areas of the NCA.
• Site Interpretation. Docents give site-specific information at prehistoric and historic locations.

SAN PEDRO AVIAN RESOURCE CENTER (SPARC). BLM biologists conduct scientific research through the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) bird-banding program. Volunteers are needed to assist in all aspects of the operation.

NEWSLETTER. The San Pedro River Roundup, a quarterly newsletter, informs members of events and opportunities along the river. Volunteers are needed to write, edit, layout, and mail the newsletter.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. Individuals serve on the Board of Directors and committees, help plan and organize events, organize fund raising and membership drives, coordinate other activities, and assist in general office administration including computer data entry.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH. Presentations about the Friends are given to local community groups, while the Friends are represented in the Upper San Pedro Partnership.