Staff reports
The City of Eagle Pass celebrated the 47 anniversary of Earth Day on Friday, April 21, contributing to the environment by planting numerous trees at the Dorothy Lewis Park located at 268 Fletcher Boulevard in Lewis Farm Estates.
Present at the Earth Day ceremony were Perfecto Mancha Elementary second grade classes who helped to plant the trees donated by D&R Nursery owner Vidal Diaz and The Green Company owner Jorge Cavazos, City of Eagle Pass Chief of Operations Ivan Morua, Parks and Recreation Director Jorge Sanchez, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Rosy Aguirre, and Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey E. Cantu.
Sanchez addressed the audience first, reminding everyone that being environmentally conscious should not be limited to a holiday.
“Today we take time out of our busy schedules to give back to mother earth, and to remember that we are all part of this world and are responsible for taking care of it,” said Sanchez. “One day out of 365 is not enough. Many times it’s the small things we do that inspire change and improve the quality of life on this planet we inhabit.”
Sanchez thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their dedication to keeping the city parks clean, and recreational activities available for people of all ages.
Mayor Cantu was next to speak, sharing the importance of educating the community on environmental responsibility.
“This year the campaign theme is environmental and climate change literacy. For the students that joined us here today, it means that education is the foundation of progress. You all ultimately are making yourself more productive citizens,” said Cantu. “We need to educate ourselves on the concept of climate change and everything that affects our planet. Today in the face of the unprecedented extreme weather, the loss of species, and of course pollution, it is more important than ever for communities to do their part to help protect the planet. Earth Day reminds us that we all share one planet, and sharing Earth means taking responsibility for what we use and how we use it. Protecting our Earth is every persons’ and every country’s responsibility.”
Cantu also thanked the Parks and Recreation Department.
“You have done an exceptional job in making sure our parks are in tip top shape for our citizens to enjoy,” said Cantu.
The ceremony concluded with the planting of 10 trees throughout the Dorothy Lewis Park, only one of the parks across the city where trees were planted.
Every year Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. Events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
