G3 Conservation Corps assists with post-storm campus cleanup as UOG starts Finakpo session
Members of the first Guam Green Growth (G3) Youth Conservation Corps and the 2026 cohort of the G3 Conservation Corps responded to post-typhoon recovery efforts, removing debris and clearing storm-damaged areas at the University of Guam (UOG) and partner sites after Super Typhoon Bavi passed through the Marianas.
Once the Governor of Guam issued the all-clear and UOG reopened the campus, the two conservation corps began cleanup and recovery activities in support of efforts headed by UOG Facilities Management and Services (FMS).
“Although Guam was spared a direct hit from Super Typhoon Bavi, the storm still left a path of destruction. As soon as it was safe to return, our G3 Conservation Corps members stepped up to help restore the campus and support our partners. This is what community looks like: young people serving their island, gaining hands-on experience, and helping Guam recover together,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant).
According to Tomas Benavente, G3 Youth Conservation Corps program coordinator, participants began early, working on the UOG campus and at the Guahan Sustainable Culture Food Resiliency Hub in Yona.
“The corps removed fallen tree branches and other storm debris that posed safety hazards. They also added green waste to compost piles, where it will eventually be processed into compost and mulch to support the gardens and advance the program’s sustainability goals,” Benavente said.
FMS and the Corps worked to prepare the Mangilao campus which officially welcomed students of the Finakpo Session C back to class on July 8, 2026.
G3 Conservation Corps member Abcde Tapia described seeing the significant damage caused by the typhoon, including large trees that required heavier equipment to remove. Despite the destruction, she expressed hope that the community and campus will gradually recover. “Slowly but surely, I hope and see that we will recover from this.”
That same spirit of service was shared by members of the G3 Youth Conservation Corps. Alana Kahele said, “The storm was very hard on our people, so I’m really happy to be able to help and lend a hand wherever I can.”
Dionne San Nicolas, another youth corps member, added, “I feel really good, and I’m glad that I’m helping the community recover after the storm.”
G3 and UOG CIS & Sea Grant launched the first G3 Youth Conservation Corps to introduce high school students participating in the Governor’s Summer Youth Employment Program to careers in sustainability and the green economy. The initiative expands the G3 Conservation Corps workforce development program, now in its sixth season, by creating opportunities for younger participants to gain hands-on experience in sustainability, conservation, agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship.
Since joining the program last month, Maggie Guzman said the experience has been rewarding. “I’m not usually the type to spend a lot of time outside, but honestly, I think this has been a great experience.”
Throughout the program, members of the G3 Youth Conservation Corps and the G3 Conservation Corps will work alongside partner agencies and organizations, developing practical skills that can lead to future educational or career opportunities while addressing sustainability challenges through hands-on learning, mentorship, and community service.