Pharr, TX (KRGV) — Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District and the city of Pharr broke ground on a new schoolyard forestry project that will bring native trees and outdoor learning spaces to eight campuses.

The project is backed by a $3.1 million Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Program grant that will benefit schools across Pharr, San Juan and Alamo.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place at Dr. William Long Elementary School on Sept. 24. District, city, campus and community representatives gathered to mark the start of the project.

The initiative will expand native tree canopy, enhance outdoor learning environments and give students hands-on opportunities to explore environmental education.

"At the end of the day, our students are the ones who will benefit most from this initiative," PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alejandro Elias said. "These outdoor spaces will give students hands-on opportunities to learn about sustainability while creating greener environments across eight of our schools. We are grateful for our partnership with the city of Pharr and for the opportunity to educate not only students, but their families, as we work together towards a more sustainable future."

Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez also spoke at the event.

"This project reflects what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision," Hernandez said. "These improvements will give students hands-on opportunities to explore the natural world while enhancing the green spaces families rely on. We're grateful to partner with PSJA ISD and to bring meaningful, lasting environmental benefits to our schools."

Following the groundbreaking, seven additional campuses will receive similar improvements. They include Vida N. Clover Elementary, Marcia R. Garza Elementary, Graciela Garcia Elementary, John Doedyns Elementary, Liberty Middle School, Raul Yzaguirre Middle School and Audie Murphy Middle School.

PSJA ISD plans to integrate native habitat curriculum into its programs as part of its commitment to sustainability. Many of its schools already have Outdoor Learning Classrooms, which include butterfly or vegetable gardens, ponds, city-school parks and trails.