Rio Rapids SC 01 boys gave back to the community by planting native trees (cottonwoods and willows) on the western banks of the Rio Grande. Bill Pentler, Education Coordinator for the Open Space Division of ABQ Parks and Rec, spoke to the boys about the advent of invasive plant species in the Bosque and the importance of revitalizing the native plant population in order to secure the health of the city’s ecosystem for generations to come. The Open Space Division relies on volunteers to do much of the trail maintenance, planting, and clean up throughout the year. With Bill’s expert advice, the boys were coached to use augers, post-hole diggers, shovels, and brute strength to sink/plant cottonwood and willow poles into the water-table. The 70+ trees the boys planted will provide a needed boost to the restoration of the Bosque.
