One of the most important events the refuge hosts every year is Rio Reforestation.  This popular event draws volunteers from across the Lower Rio Grande Valley who spend a half day helping plant native trees and shrubs on the refuge.  Because 95% of the habitat in the Valley has been cleared, this is especially important work!  To date, volunteers have planted nearly 200,000 seedlings on nearly 620 acres of the refuge. 

Rio Reforestation 2012

To: Teachers, students, parents, scouting organizations and the general public.

What: 1,000 volunteers are needed to plant seedlings at the La Sal Del Rey tract of the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Please bring your own shovel, work clothes, gloves and sun screen. Food and refreshments will be provided.

When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 8am-12pm.  * In the event of rain the event will be held October 27th.*

Why: Volunteers will plant trees and shrubs on 14 acres of refuge land. This planting will complete the planting of this 295-acre tract and begin to restore valuable wildlife habitat that contributes to the quality of life in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Directions: From Brownsville, take US Highway 281 (Military Hwy) west to the intersection of FM1421. Turn left at the water tower and follow the dirt road 0.7 miles to the site. From other Valley locations, take US Hwy 83 to San Benito and exit at FM732. Turn south and go 5.8 miles to Military Hwy in the town of La Paloma. Turn left (east) onto Military Hwy and go 5.8 miles to the junction of FM1421. Turn right just past the water tower.

Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at (956)784-7500.

Please check back to this site for more details or visit the Friends of the Wildlife Corridor.
 

The following are some of the national events the refuge supports ever year:  

National Wildlife Refuge Week Celebration: Celebrate your National Wildlife Refuge System! A week of fun wildlife-related tours, talks and walks. This event is typically held the second full week of October. Check back to this page or the Events Calendar for details.

Christmas Bird Count: From mid-December into January thousands of volunteers across the country take part in this popular citizen-science program! Join the effort at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Call to find out details, dates and volunteer opportunities. 

International Migratory Bird Day: On the second Saturday of May Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge participates in this international day of celebrating migratory birds. The education program highlights the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

 
National Public Lands Day (NPLD): The nation's largest, single-day volunteer event for public lands in the United States. NPLD is typically held on the last Saturday in September but check back for details.  This popular event is a great volunteer opportunity and a fun way you can help Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.