Millions daily depend on the Rio Grande for its water.
On Saturday, Oct. 15, there will be a special way for everyone to say “thank you” to the river for its life-sustaining benefits.
Citizens of all ages are invited to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand at the 11th annual observance of Dia del Rio, a community-wide work day benefiting the Paso del Indio, Laredo’s first nature trail.
The nature trail work day will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center on the north side of the LCC main campus.
Dia del
Rio
is a bi-national event encouraging a massive volunteer effort to improve the
environment of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. It brings awareness about water
conservation and about caring for the river’s water resources, among other
issues.
Locally, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center at LCC leads the effort, in collaboration with the Rio Grande International Study Center and the City of Laredo Environmental Services Department. In addition to Saturday’s Dia del Rio event, a lecture on the environment and birds of the region will be delivered by local environmental experts Dr. James Earhart and Ron La Duque; the lecture is on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. in the De la Garza Building, room 101, at LCC.
There also are plans for a clean-up project for the Las Palmas/Justo Penn nature trail on Make a Difference Day, Oct. 22.
LBVESC Director Tom Miller, who has actively participated in all past Dia del Rio events, encourages volunteers from the community, businesses and schools to support the clean-up and trail-building for the Paso del Indio nature trail, which stretches about 6,000 feet near the banks of the Rio Grande on the LCC main campus.
Students and community use the trail for educational and recreational purposes.
“Anyone who cares about the future of the Rio Grande and its ecosystem is invited to join us,” Miller said.
He added that the LBVE Science Center offers an Adopt a Trail program led by non-profit clubs and organizations. The LCC Paso del Indio nature trail is maintained through the active contributions of these groups who have adopted a 200-foot portion of the trail.
Volunteers on Oct. 15 should bring their garden tools and wear sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the LBVE Science Center. Lunch for all volunteers will be served after the work session.
According to the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo Basin Coalition website, the river serves as a lifeline for its people and ecosystems. From Native American Pueblos to industrial cities such as Monterrey, about 13 million people depend on its water. The basin also is home to many endangered and threatened plants and animals.
For more information about the Dia del Rio event at LCC, contact the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center at 764-5701.
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443