Along the banks of the Rio Grande in Laredo, Texas, a 40-acre stretch of land tells a story of resilience — and renewal. Once overrun by invasive plants and scarred by destructive borderland management practices, this riparian zone is now being restored through science and community action.
Martin Castro, Watershed Science Director at the Rio Grande International Study Center, is leading efforts to rebuild the river’s health while strengthening water security for South Texas. His team is removing invasives, restoring native vegetation, and showing how on-the-ground projects can deliver measurable results — from cleaner water to stronger ecosystems.
What makes this project extraordinary is who’s doing the work. From 80-year-old grandmothers to 10-year-old kids, residents of the historic El Azteca neighborhood are out with hand tools, restoring their river together. It’s community-led restoration at its best — science meeting pride of place on the banks of the Rio Grande.
“Community is so integral because they’re the ones who will benefit the most,” says Castro.
Content from the U.S. Water Alliance 2025 One Water Summit.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/
Subscribe to catch every video: https://www.youtube.com/@waterloop
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to waterloop:
🎧 Spotify:https://bit.ly/waterloopSpotify
🎧 Apple Podcasts:https://bit.ly/waterloopApple
🎧 YouTube Podcasts:https://bit.ly/waterloopYouTubePod
Follow waterloop for more stories on water sustainability:
🔹 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/the_waterloop/
🔹 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewaterloop
#H2OIntro #RioGrande #CommunityRestoration #WaterSecurity #RiparianRestoration #TexasWater #InvasiveSpecies #RiverStewardship #WaterInnovation #EnvironmentalJustice #OneWater #WaterReuse #Sustainability #Laredo #WaterSolutions
