One of my favorite parts of seed collecting in the Rio Grande Valley's Thornforests is that I often witness interactions between our wildlife and the plants that exist in this beautiful ecosystem. American Forests

Interesting facts about Ocelots: - Ocelots are nocturnal - Ocelots are great swimmers - They’re really stinkin’ cute. Pls look at them right now 👇

Snakeyes, Phaulothamnus spinescens has some of the most unique looking fruits of the Rio Grande Valley's Thornforest plants. Without its fruits some say it's easy to overlook but with them it's clear why it is named Snake eyes. American Forests

Forests do well when ALL people do well. Projects that focus on biodiversity tend to emphasize healthy communities, gender equality and sustainable livelihoods. When local people are invested in a forest’s success, it is more likely to thrive in the long run.

Edible native plants have ties to the culture and history of local areas. By conserving the thornforests of the Rio Grande Valley, we are maintaining the cultural ties that local people have with the native ecosystem. American Forests

Much to celebrate in forest community on #WomenInScience & #GirlsInSTEM Day! Leadership from women and girls is taking off everywhere, like my American Forests colleague Gisel Garza the Seed Hunter extraordinaire… 1/3 Women in Science Day WomensForestCongress

Dr. Libby Pansing, director of forest and restoration science, demonstrates how a cone cage is used for a group of Girl Scouts of the USA. At American Forests she develops and implements research initiatives to improve restoration and climate-smart forestry initiatives.

I just want to be this silly little frog in a silly little tree

🏆 Best Seed Collector in a Documentary Short Film goes to Gisel Garza. Gisel’s first-hand look at her work in the Rio Grande Valley gives us a glimpse into what goes into the day-to-day conservation and restoration efforts happening on the ground: bit.ly/4caQx2j

Loved sharing how important Thornforests habitat is for ocelot conservation this weekend at Ocelot Conservation Day with the Rio Grande Valley community! American Forests RGV restoration is focused on building corridors for the ocelot & other spp!

Spring is in full swing in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas this earth month! Many plants are blooming and producing fruits, which is perfect for collecting seeds in the upcoming weeks! #LoveTreesBack American Forests

I was awarded the #NSFGRFP, and I'm so grateful and excited to continue my academic career and contribute towards thornforest restoration research! Gisel Garza Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation Biology will be loading soon! Muy agradecida! 🥹💚🌳

Explaining what an NSF GRFP is to my family has proven to be quite difficult

Effective, long-term, conscious restoration can not happen without the input of local communities. In this time of urgency, we must apply traditional knowledge & science for the conservation of all landscapes. Thoughts from the National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration.

I loved learning about how the local community was such an integral part in building Valle de Oro NWR. As an urban refuge, community led thought and planning was put into providing local people access to some of the different habitat types that NM has to offer.

This Earth Day (and everyday), I am grateful to have the privilege of collecting seeds that are used in restoration of our Thornforest ecosystem. Each seed has the potential to grow to be habitat, food, air & water purifier, & a climate champion! #lovethemback American Forests.

It’s giving main character energy. Live your truth, little friend 📸 Autumn Bradley

I am super grateful to our Rio Grande Valley community for showing up to collect seeds in 3 digit temperatures! Another successful American Forests Thornforest seed collection event in the books & many more to come!

Proud UTRGV Alumni Earns Prestigious NSF Fellowship!✌️First-gen grad Gisel Garza is doing vital work to conserve the RGV's unique thornforest ecosystems. Inspiring story of an #RGV native following her passion for science & conservation: utrgv.news/alum-earns-res… 🌿

I presented for the first time as a Ph.D. student, and I'm glad that I got to introduce folks to the Tamaulipan thornscrub ecosystem that I love! It was an amazing opportunity to brainstorm more research ideas. Many more presentations to come!