Mexicali’s municipal government began distributing 13,000 trees and plants free of charge to residents on March 23, with the giveaway running through April 30, 2025. Mayor Norma Bustamante’s administration is offering drought-adapted species through the city’s Parks and Public Services division at two municipal nurseries.
Species Suited to Mexicali’s Desert Heat
The available trees include mesquite, ash, and Peruvian pepper trees, all chosen for their ability to survive Mexicali’s extreme summer temperatures, which regularly exceed 115°F (46°C). Ornamental plants suited to the Sonoran Desert climate are also part of the distribution.
Mesquite trees are especially well adapted to the region. They require minimal irrigation once established, making them a practical choice in a city where CONAGUA (Mexico’s national water commission) has repeatedly warned about declining Colorado River allocations. Ash trees provide broad canopy shade, and Peruvian pepper trees (known locally as pirúl) tolerate poor soils common in Mexicali’s subdivisions.
Where and When to Pick Up Plants
Residents can claim up to three plants per person at either of two municipal nurseries: Lagos del Sol and Mariano Abasolo. Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon. A valid photo ID is required.
Lagos del Sol nursery sits in the residential development of the same name in southeastern Mexicali. Mariano Abasolo nursery is located closer to the city center. Both have served as distribution points for previous city greening campaigns.
Mexicali, a border city of roughly 1.1 million people just south of Calexico, California, has run similar tree giveaway programs in past years. In October 2022, a community drive distributed 2,000 trees in a single day. The current campaign is significantly larger in scale.
Practical Tips for Claiming Trees
Demand tends to be highest during the first week of these campaigns, so arriving early on a weekday morning gives the best selection. Bringing a vehicle with cargo space helps, since some tree species come in five-gallon containers. The three-plant-per-person limit applies per visit, so households with multiple ID holders can collect more.
The campaign runs through April 30, 2025, giving residents more than five weeks to participate, as reported by La Jornada BC.