Let's restore the Colorado River Delta

The Miguel Al

In April, we also had a visit from the Regálame tu planta and the Pahuja association. We had a workshop on the initiative to restore the Colorado River and develop a practice of urban gardens. Our Community Involvement Assistant Yamile directed it; she is a student of Horticulture at the State University of Sonora.

eman restoration site has become a space for diverse activities from its beginnings. To understand nature, we encourage locals to get involved in environmental education, ecological practices, and low-impact tourism activities. 

This restored forest has provided the opportunity for academic institutions, businesses, and social groups to increase their knowledge about the flora of the region and the wildlife that depend on the health of the Colorado River Delta.

In May, yogis from San Luis Río Colorado, participated in a yoga practice at the restoration site. Through contact with the forest, the sounds of the birds, and the wind by the leaves of the poplars, were transported to a pleasant practice full of vitality to perform Darma yoga, taught by Yogini Coyolicatzin. It started with a short morning walk; the birds singing at dawn were evident; then, Yogini guided the practice to revitalize the body, mind, and spirit in a natural environment.

Coyolicatzin: "Yoga in Nature provides us with several benefits related to mental health; it is a therapeutic time that helps reduce anxiety, worry, and stress. The contact with nature during a yoga practice helps to stimulate our senses, listening to the sounds of birds and the leaves of the trees that move with the wind and visualizing the sky and the trees' canopy. It helps relaxation and performs an internal work of concentration to focus on constantly improving your practice."

The practices with each group covered topics like How to start an urban garden? Types of gardens, suitable crops for each season, and crop associations. The visitors began with a design of how they visualize the garden, made their presentation, and received feedback from the workshop leader to improve their project.

Yamilet: "It is essential to promote Urban Gardens. People are interested in how we take the initiative when we encourage this. Then they develop an interest in this topic, which we promote dialogue about. People involved in the Urban Gardens workshops have told us that. It inspired me to share some of my knowledge and understanding of the people helping each other. They can learn and share their knowledge. It is not only for adults. Children at an early age can take an interest in developing their garden or know what they can do with their germinations, and over time they can leave their mark thanks to this culture."

By promoting the urban gardening workshop, we are creating a more connected community, encouraging social interaction and collaboration among participants, thus leaving an awareness. People can make their gardens at home by learning with us the know-how. It is also important because it relates to the environment, sustainability, education, and communities.

This summer, we have a recess season in the Miguel Aleman forest because of the high temperatures in the region. We will return in September, reopening doors with more activities for Mexicali and San Luis community.

The Community Involvement activities at the Miguel Aleman restoration site are possible through the dedication and passion of the team: Marylu, Yamilet, and Yuli in coordination with the Restoration staff area: Raquel, Moisés, Francisco, and the Restoration Brigade of Pronatura Noroeste.

Links:

• CSR at Miguel Aleman
• Visitors at Miguel Aleman share their experience
• New restoration site at the Colorado River Delta