The thornforests in the Rio Grande Valley are one of the most biodiverse landscapes in North America. They provide habitat for 1,200 plant species, 519 bird species and 300 butterfly species. This area is also home to 45 threatened or endangered species, including the endangered ocelot.
Thornforests, also called tamaulipan thornscrub, provide critical social and economic benefits to the community. Ranching and farming practices in the past, along with modern-day challenges, have whittled down thornforests to less than 10% of their historic range. Additionally, they face the threat of climate change, which is altering the Rio Grande Valley so swiftly that some plants will no longer be able to survive in certain areas.
Growing a future for native thornforests
Since 1999, American Forests has planted more than 2 million thornforest trees and other native plants across more than 4,000 acres of former agricultural land in the Rio Grande Valley. With conservation stakeholders throughout the region, we’ve established the Thornforest Conservation Partnership and the Thornforest Conservation Plan, which aims to direct strategic restoration efforts in the Valley. We’ve also developed a climate resilience strategy to grow thornforests that can better adapt to a changing climate.
In October 2023, our ability to care for these iconic forests expanded with the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The agency awarded American Forests with a $10 million contract to continue leading native thornforest conservation work over the next four years. As part of the award, the American Forests team is collaborating closely with local partners, from county governments and school districts to landowners and community groups.
- Volunteer. Help plant and care for the seedlings that are key to strengthening our thornforests. No experience is required — all are welcome to learn more about protecting our native forests. Find out about upcoming volunteer opportunities by signing up for our newsletter below.
- Support restoration or seed collection on your property. Landowners are essential to our work. In fact, 70% of the top potential thornforest restoration acres are located on private lands, so we can’t do it without you. Work with us to explore converting unused acres on your property back into native thornforests. Or invite American Forests to your land to help collect genetically diverse seeds. To learn more, contact Jon Dale, jdale@americanforests.org.
- Attend an event. Join us for Rio Reforestation or sign up for our newsletter below to learn about other upcoming events.
Stay informed
Sign up for the American Forests’ Rio Grande Valley restoration newsletter to stay informed about thornforest restoration, events and other opportunities to be involved.
