Let's restore the Colorado River Delta

During the fall season of 2025, three field trips were carried out with the second-year groups from Preparatoria Kino, a private high school in San Luis Río Colorado. These visits are part of a program aimed at strengthening environmental values, particularly regarding the use and management of water in the Colorado River Basin, the Colorado River Restoration Initiative, and fostering a sense of community identity and appreciation for the Delta’s local importance.

Field trips took place at the Miguel Alemán Restoration Site, one of Pronatura Noroeste’s key ecological restoration projects. So far, groups 2B and 2C have participated, totaling 70 students. Activities will conclude on Thursday, November 12, with the visit of group 2A.

A key message shared with students is that San Luis Río Colorado relies on its aquifer for its water supply. For this reason, visitors learn about the environmental services provided by the river—such as aquifer recharge, which supports the water needs of the city—as well as the importance of Colorado River water for irrigating the Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado valleys.

Students also toured the native plant nurseries guided by Maribel Vallejo, Nursery Coordinator, supported by Santiago; Jessica; and María and Erica, horticulture students from the Universidad Estatal de Sonora completing internships with Pronatura Noroeste. After learning about plant production, the groups visited the Pollinator Garden, where they explored the pollination cycle and the need for pollinator refuges throughout the Colorado River Delta.

Before starting the volunteer activities, the restoration team from Pronatura Noroeste, led by Francisco, explained the restoration process in the border zone, the six phases of the project, and the consecutive years of reforestation that have helped build the most important native forest in the border region—now home to over 126,000 native trees.

The Community Engagement team, coordinated by Elizabeth, guided students along the cottonwood and willow trail, introduced them to some of the bird species that live and migrate through the Delta, and trained them on how to use the field guide and the basics of bird identification. Jessica Favela also presented information on the environmental services provided by the Colorado River, including cultural, provisioning, supporting, and regulating services.

After completing the 500-meter interpretive trail, students rested in an area known as Parcela Bonita and enjoyed a lunch prepared by the restoration team: Simón and Alicia.

Thanks to GlobalGiving, we continue bringing new generations closer to nature, fostering values that promote the protection of our native forests and inspiring the formation of future guardians of the Colorado River territory.