About Me

My name is Aditya Dantu, and I am a senior at Science Academy and a Boy Scout with Troop 84 in Mission, TX. I am currently working on my Eagle Scout Service Project, for which I am collaborating with Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park to revegetate the park's land with tree species that are native and characteristic to South Texas.

Why is this important ?

Following the river flooding in 2010, over 90% of old growth Cedar Elm and Mexican Ash was lost on Bentsen-RGV State Park's land. Bentsen also hosts the Sugarberry-Cedar Elm Series Forest and the Texas Ebony Resaca Forest, both of which are classified as critically imperiled by the Texas Conservation Action Plan. Now, areas where these native trees used to grow have become overrun by exotic grass species such as Guinea grass. The loss of these tree species has a large ecological impact as well; for example, many bird species which nest amongst ball mosses in old growth trees also face habitat loss. The Park has a working, albeit preliminary, long-term habitat restoration plan in order to combat the loss of native biodiversity.

About the Project

My Eagle Scout Project hopes to take a large step forward towards restoration of native tree populations, habitats, and the ecology of Bentsen-RGV State Park. I and a team of volunteers will clear the exotic grasses and replant native species such as the Mexican Ash, Cedar Elm, and Brasil.

Donation and Volunteer Opportunity

In order to make this vision possible, we will need various supplies such as compost, mulch, and the native tree saplings. I would greatly appreciate funding and generous support so that we can obtain these materials to make this project happen! All funding will go towards supporting this conservation effort. I am also looking for volunteers to help plant the trees, so please contact me for a volunteer opportunity.

Acknowledgement

Thank you all very much for your community support and generous donations!