Rio de Flag Private Land Conservation Network

Many owners of land on our streams would love to improve the stream courses and riparian plants on their land. Even if they do not allow public access, as good neighbors and nature lovers they are keen to control invasive plants, create habitat for native birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. In 2026 the Friends of the Rio de Flag will launch a program to help them be stewards of their stream courses. We intend to start with a group of 5-10 property owners whose Rio parcels are close together so they can learn from and support each other and create an in-person network that welcomes new participants. Knowledgeable people will visit landowners in person and help each landowner develop a plan for their riparian property. The participants will agree on 3 or more levels of recognition to reflect achievements in promoting native plants, eradicating Siberian elms and other invaders,  controlling floods and erosion, increasing populations of birds and lizards, and other benefits. The program may include accreditation every 2-4 years. The Network may devise metal signs that landowners can post on their property. Flagstaff may honor them at some of our annual Earth Day events. As the program expands, it will change. But it will start small, and grow organically…