MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Break Ground on $3.12 Million Schoolyard Forestry Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in partnership with PSJA ISD and the Texas A&M Forest Service, will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Schoolyard Forestry Project, a $3.12 million initiative funded by the Texas A&M Forest Service to expand urban forestry and create greener, healthier school environments throughout the community.
The project will break ground at 9 AM this Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Dr. William Long Elementary, located at 3700 Raider Dr., Pharr, TX 78577.
Funding will bring new trees, landscaping, and irrigation infrastructure to eight PSJA ISD campuses, creating more sustainable and inviting outdoor spaces for students, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Schoolyard Forestry Project represents a collaborative effort between the City of Pharr, PSJA ISD, and Texas A&M Forest Service, with International Consulting Engineers supporting project design and engineering and Southern Landscapes leading landscape and irrigation installation.
The schools set to receive schoolyard forestry and green-space improvements include:
- Audie Murphy Middle School
- John Doedyns Elementary
- Dr. William Long Elementary
- Graciela Garcia Elementary
- Liberty Middle School
- Marcia R. Garza Elementary
- Raul H. Yzaguirre Middle School
- Vida N. Clover Elementary
The improvements will increase tree canopy and access to green space, providing greater shade, helping reduce heat exposure, encouraging outdoor physical activity, supporting mental well-being, and creating healthier spaces for children to learn, play, and connect with nature.
Media is invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Schoolyard Forestry Project
WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 2026, 9 AM
WHERE: Dr. William Long Elementary (3700 Raider Dr., Pharr, TX 78577)
