Special to the NEWS
Region One Education Service Center was awarded $1,181,667 from the Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Grants Program to expand tree planting, resident education and urban forestry initiatives across seven Rio Grande Valley cities, including San Benito.
Through this two-year grant cycle, running through December 31, 2027, Region One ESC will partner with the cities of Alton, Donna, Edinburg, Mission, Mercedes, Harlingen, and San Benito to strengthen local tree canopy coverage, provide environmental education, and support long-term community resilience.
The funding enables Region One ESC’s Educational Habitats, Wildlife & Gardening department to distribute trees to residents, provide hands-on training for tree maintenance and care, and collaborate directly with municipal groundskeepers to develop sustainable, city-wide urban forestry practices.
“We are honored to support the planting of 5,000 trees throughout these cities to reduce heat islands and increase tree canopy shade for communities,” said Region One ESC Educational Habitats, Wildlife & Gardening Director Allen Williams.
Donna ISD Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez said the education and tree coverage the initiative is providing will support outdoor learning for students.
“At Donna ISD, our students are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Dominguez. “This initiative allows us to provide outdoor learning spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for the environment. We know that this grant and the opportunities to work with partners are going to leave a lasting legacy on the Donna community as a whole.”
Region One ESC began activities by participating in the City of Edinburg’s Arbor Day Celebration on Nov. 15 and by distributing trees to local families.
The following event was held with the City of Donna on Nov. 21 along the Canal Street Hike & Bike Trail, north of South Street.
There, 50 trees were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The community also joined in planting trees in the area.
Residents RSVP’d to secure a tree.
According to Region One Education Service Center, Region One ESC (www.esc1.net) serves over 422,000 students and educators in seven South Texas counties.
Region One assists school systems with enhancing student performance, operating efficiently, and implementing initiatives assigned by the legislature or the Commissioner of Education.
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