Volunteers will plant 10,000 native tree seedlings at the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Pharr this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The planting is called Rio Reforestation. American Forests, a nonprofit, hosts it with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the City of Pharr is one of the partners. Volunteers get food and drinks, along with information on the Valley's native habitats, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

It takes place at the refuge's Milagro Tract, 904 W. Doffin Road in Pharr. Bring sunscreen, shovels, gloves, water and a hat, the event flyer says.

A volunteer sign-up form is on the refuge's page. That page does not list a sign-up deadline, a cost, or say whether walk-ups are welcome. It also posts a sign-up packet with a parental consent form for volunteers under 18, without saying whether it is required this year.

For answers before Saturday, call the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at (956) 784-7500.

Image: event flyer posted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Why it matters

Texas Border Business reports that only 10% of the Valley's thornforest remains, and that the new trees will give cover to native wildlife and more than 400 kinds of migratory birds.

Reporting from Texas Border Business contributed to this story.

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