By News and Media Relations

By Karla Averanga

EDINBURG, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26, 2025 – UTRGV continued its commitment to sustainability by amplifying community connections and regional forestry efforts during the annual Texas Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Hosted by the City of Edinburg, the family-friendly event welcomed residents to Promenade Park Amphitheater to spotlight the vital role of trees, urban forestry, and outdoor engagement.

More than a landscaping initiative, Texas Arbor Day raises awareness about tree conservation across the Rio Grande Valley. In partnership with Region One Education Service Center and the Texas A&M Forest Service, the event distributed 100 free native trees—including anacua, Italian stone pine, desert willow and honey locust—encouraging families to “take home a piece of Edinburg’s future” and help cultivate a cleaner, greener community.

During the opening ceremony, Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa praised the collaboration and public involvement.

“I see a community that is invested in the environment. Every tree we plant is important,” Ochoa said. “Besides their beautifying effect, they symbolize the future of a healthier community.”

The celebration also honored the late Fire Chief Shawn M. Snider with the planting of a memorial tree and the unveiling of a park bench across from the Edinburg Fire Department.

Fire Chief Omar Garza shared the department’s gratitude for the tribute.

“This tree means a lot to us; it was planted with excitement by our team,” Garza said.

Chief Snider’s widow, Edna Snider, added, “The tree was planted perfectly because Shawn used to park his truck there.”

The Texas A&M Forest Service played a significant role in organizing this year’s celebration.

Carlos García-Patlán, Community Ecologist, emphasized the long-term impact of tree planting.

“I hope the community takes away that every tree we plant and take care of is a tree that will take care of us in the future,” he said.

He noted benefits such as improved air quality, reduced heating and cooling costs, rainwater interception, and decreased stormwater runoff.

“As ecologists and foresters, we are available for home visits and can help care for trees on your property,” he said. “Let's ensure the health of our urban forests so they can thrive.”

Partnerships were at the heart of the celebration, with approximately 20 environmental organizations hosting educational booths—including the UTRGV Environmental Awareness Club, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Valley Nature Center, East Foundation, and the South Texas Ecotourism Center.

“The UTRGV Agroecology program teaches the community about building sustainability and resilience using certain growing methods and recipes. We have fertile soil in the RGV and can grow here, too,” said Ali Ramos, UTRGV Environmental Science major.

Local conservation advocates also highlighted the importance of native restoration efforts.

“We have less than 5% of the native landscape left here in the Valley. I love seeing events where everyone who does wonderful things can come together,” said Erica Barrera, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited.

Laura Brush, educator at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands, added “We carry a strong community mindset and encourage locals to experience wildlife. Hopefully, this connection leads to care, action, and sustainability.”

City of Edinburg leaders, the Edinburg Fire Department, and Mayor Omar Ochoa gather before unveiling a memorial bench honoring late Fire Chief Shawn M. Snider. (Photo by Levi Jefferson)