Rio Reforestation Scheduled for Oct 19

The Valley Proud Environmental Council and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are celebrating the 22nd anniversary of Rio Reforestation. They are calling for 1,000 volunteers to help restore wildlife habitat by planting 31 species of native seedling trees and shrubs at the Resaca Del Rancho Viejo tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge outside of Brownsville in Cameron County. In case of rain, the project will be rescheduled for Saturday, November 2.

Volunteer your church, civic, school group or family. Volunteers are asked to bring a friend, a shovel, if possible, as well as gloves, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray. Food, water, and refreshments will be provided.

Project Rio Reforestation is an ongoing effort to restore natural habitat by planting native trees and shrubs in the Lower Rio Grande Valley where only about five percent of the original brush remains today. Restoring habitat helps protect native plant and animal species, and supports ecotourism and birding. Valley Proud volunteers have been active participants in this habitat restoration effort for nineteen years.

Since 1994, Valley Proud has partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to mobilize volunteers to plant native seedling trees and shrubs to restore more than 750 acres of habitat along the “Wildlife Corridor” which stretches from Falcon Lake State Park into the Gulf of Mexico. Volunteers will plant seedling trees and shrubs on 15 acres of refuge land.

This National Neighbor Woods Month Event is made possible through support from the Alliance For Community Trees, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Valley Proud Environmental Council and other local contributors.

From Brownsville, head 19 miles west on U.S. Highway 281 (Military Highway). Past Los Indios and shortly after the Canon Historical Marker, turn right on Canon Road where you will proceed to a dirt road on the right hand side, leading you to the reforestation site.

From Harlingen, head 11 miles south on FM 1479/Rangerville Road to U.S. Highway 281. Turn right and proceed past the Canon Historical Marker and turn right on Canon Road where you will proceed to a dirt road on the right hand side, leading you to the reforestation site.