One-hundred and twenty-two species of birds occupy the reforested forest of the Miguel Alemán site
For four decades, the Miguel Alemán site was just a semi-desert plain, with few plants and animals. After 11 years of uninterrupted work and the planting of more than 100,000 native plants, at Pronatura Noroeste we reforested that area of the Colorado River Delta, which is today converted into a small forest.
Undoubtedly, the model of this successful environmental conservation action can be replicated in other regions of the country. Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, hand in hand with the Revive el Río Colorado Alliance, our Pronatura Noroeste restoration brigades have planted more than 100,000 native plants grown in four nurseries located on the site. We grow Honey or Screwbean mesquite, Jerusalem thorn, Blue palo verde, Yellow palo verde, and Sonoran palo verde, as well as Texas sage and Wild strawberry, whose fruit serves as food for some birds, such as quail and roadrunner.
In total, 122 bird species have been identified in this new habitat, a remarkable environmental achievement. In addition, the abundant growth of these species recharged the aquifer, which is a benefit not only for the flora and fauna of the Miguel Alemán site, but also for the inhabitants of the region, by improving air quality and creating opportunities for coexistence and recreation in open-air public spaces.
The importance of the Colorado River Delta and the Gulf of California was officially recognized by the Mexican government in 1993, when they were declared a Natural Protected Area with a Biosphere Reserve category. However, the site was affected by harsh weather conditions, water scarcity, and the proliferation of invasive plants, such as Salt cedar. This changed radically after our intervention. In 2010, before Pronatura Noroeste undertook this restoration, only 23 bird species were recorded. Fortunately, the work has paid off and at least 122 species of birds have decided to occupy this new habitat.
As can be seen, thanks to the care, love, and conviction of the 23 people who make up our staff in the Colorado River Delta and the support of the more than 3,700 volunteers who accompany us year after year in this effort, today it is possible to walk in this oasis under the shade of native trees.
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