Let's restore the Colorado River Delta

In the summer of 2024, we launched new volunteer efforts at a restoration site called Janitzio, located along the Colorado River near the Miguel Alemán Restoration Site in the Mexicali Valley. This area borders Arizona, USA, to the east and San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, to the south.

In June, a dedicated group of 16 volunteers from San Luis Río Colorado and Mexicali came together to restore Janitzio, working to rehabilitate the natural river environment in this border region. Their goal was to help create large native forests in areas currently dominated by salt cedar (Tamarix ramosissima), an invasive species. Pronatura Noroeste’s Restoration team provided guidance, sharing insights about previous restoration work at the Miguel Alemán Restoration Site and emphasizing the importance of continuity across these border zones.

The activity began with the careful preparation of plants brought from Pronatura Noroeste’s nurseries. Volunteers transported each tree to its designated spot, where they took part in an active reforestation process. Notably, this reforestation area has a drip irrigation system, installed by the restoration team, to support the healthy growth and long-term maintenance of the planted trees.

In this first volunteer event at Janitzio, we successfully planted around 300 native Sonoran Desert trees, including the Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) and Mezquite Dulce (Neltuma glandulosa). Thanks to your support through GlobalGiving, we have been able to serve as a bridge, connecting communities to these critical restoration sites along the Colorado River. Your generosity enables us to bring communities closer to nature and helps foster the social and health benefits that come from interacting with the environment.

After the reforestation activities, our group visited the Miguel Alemán Restoration Site, where they experienced the oldest forest in the border region, witnessing firsthand the thriving ecosystems made possible by sustained volunteer efforts. With the help of countless volunteers and supporters like you, we are steadily recovering forests and creating more “green lungs” along the Colorado River.

As we look to the future, your continued support will allow us to increase our efforts, engage more communities, and expand our impact on the region. Together, we can plant more trees, nurture these ecosystems, and ensure that these revitalized landscapes thrive for generations to come. Thank you for making this mission possible and for being part of the journey to restore and protect the Colorado River.