Volunteers needed to plant 400 trees

News 11 reporter Melissa Zaremba tells us how you can pitch in

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - The Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area is looking for volunteers to help plant 400 new trees.

Out with the old and in with the new at the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area.

“We are going to take out all the dead willow trees and whatever else has died using the same existing canisters that were already put in place and the dripper irrigation that’s been reestablished and just replant them with new honey mesquite trees,” said Yuma Crossings National Heritage Area Jesus Melendrez.

But why plant 400 honey mesquite trees. 

“Honey mesquite do really well in this environment and the salinity in that area so we shouldn't have any problems within a few years it will be flourishing,” said Melendrez.

Picking the right tree is important.

“It’s going to enhance that habitat for the endangered species that we have in Yuma as well as the native species that live here as well, it’s just going to add to what we already have there and make it better for all the animals,” said Melendrez.

The replanting will be Saturday, April 30 at 7 a.m.

Anyone can volunteer, just meet at Sunrise Point Park located right below Saint Thomas Yuma Indian Mission Church.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer should bring their own shovel or gloves.

If interested in volunteering or learning more you can contact Jesus Melendrez at Jesus.Melendrez@yumaaz.gov.