The Big Bend Conservation Alliance says construction of a proposed border wall along parts of the Rio Grande could cut off access to the river used by students participating in a regional environmental education program.
In a recent statement, the group said the river serves as an outdoor classroom for the Big Bend River Rangers program, where students collect and analyze water samples to study river health and learn about water conservation, land preservation and flood mitigation.
According to the organization, a border barrier along sections of the river could block students from reaching key field sites, limiting hands-on scientific work and environmental learning opportunities.
The alliance said restricted access would prevent students from collecting real-world data, reduce opportunities to study water conservation and weaken connections between young people and the ecosystem they are learning to protect.
“The Rio Grande River is more than just a border; it is a lifeline and a legacy,” the group wrote in a social media post, urging supporters to sign a petition and contact elected officials regarding the project.
Advocates say maintaining access to the river is essential for educational programs that rely on direct observation and fieldwork to teach environmental science in the Big Bend region.
