UOG Celebrates Third G3 Conservation Corps Graduation

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative at the University of Guam celebrated the graduation of its third conservation corps cohort on Friday, August 11, at the Sinajana Community Arts Hall.

The innovative workforce development program is designed to prepare the island for the emerging green economy. Launched in collaboration with the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and UOG Global Learning and Engagement in 2021, the G3 Conservation Corps program is a full-time training experience spanning five months each year.

Participants received instruction on a wide range of sustainability topics, covering areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, ocean conservation, and renewable energy.

The latest batch of G3 Conservation Corps members who successfully completed the comprehensive program include Maria Balbin, Jace Blas, Zeriah Blas, Cassie Bordallo, Michael Herbert, Michael Jude Hernandez, Connor Law, Laura Layan, Javier Mercado, Ciara Taijeron, Michael Torres, and Elisa Rose Padilla.

“We’ve learned a lot here and from all of our partners,” said Balbin, who served as corps crew supervisor.

Also at the graduation, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez hailed the graduates as conservation corps warriors. “You are a special group of conservation leaders. You represent us as ambassadors to our youth and to members of our community through your experiences…Congratulations! We look forward to seeing you do amazing things.”

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero also commended the graduates. “The 12 of you are very significant to the conservation of our island. You have gone through an experience that we will probably never go through,” she said.

Meanwhile, Austin Shelton, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant director, highlighted the unique experience of the third batch of conservation corps. He said the process prepared the corps for the environmental challenges that are occurring in the region and the rest of the world.

“This season was a little bit different. We had an unexpected typhoon, and we had to do things differently. You got on-the-job training for what is becoming the new reality. Climate change is here, and we are seeing an increasing frequency of storms and rising sea levels,” he said.

Shelton also mentioned the impactful multiplier effect generated by the G3 Conservation Corps program, especially in partnership development. For example, he said the program facilitated the establishment of the G3 Art Corps and the newly formed G3 Kupu Corps collaboration with Kupu, a Hawai’i’-based youth leadership development program, now providing eight additional year-long corps positions in Guam and CNMI.

He also underscored G3’s ongoing commitment to expand the movement. He said current efforts of the program attracted new federal funding, enabling the future development of G3 partnerships across Micronesia and the Pacific.

August 1, 2023August 6, 2023

Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit leads lesson on conservation with Guam Green Growth

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps spent the day with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit to learn more about conservation on the island.

The group was led by Park Ranger Marybelle Quinata, who took the team through the grounds to get a closer look at the obstacles of conservation on Guam.

“Learning more about the effects of climate change, invasive species, littering and pollution from someone who is on the ground is very beneficial for the Corps,” noted G3CC coordinator Phillip Cruz. “Marybelle provided a tour and explained to them the wildlife refuge and the different ecosystems, endangered plants and animals on the reserve.”

The Corps assisted in clearing pathways and learned while helping with trail maintenance and grounds management, also providing more post-typhoon recovery support.

July 28, 2023October 25, 2023

G3 Makerspace hosts Lil Sprouts camp with GSC

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub hosted students of the Guahan Sustainable Culture Lil Sprouts Academy this month.

The group was welcomed into the lessons by the Hub team and were introduced the concept of the circular economy.

“It is always great to give the children an explanation of what the circular economy is and how important it is when planning for our island’s future,” said Joseph Certeza from the G3 Hub. “They are excited to learn more and how they can help our island be more sustainable.”

The group of over twenty students also took part in various activities including Mawar Tangrams, an Organic Exercise and a full tour of the makerspace.

During the tour the group got up close and personal with the Hub’s wide array of tools and machines that have helped many business owners, students and community members create sustainable products for sale or projects.

The Lil Sprouts Academy is a summer program hosted by the Guahan Sustainable Culture organization headquartered at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna, also the home of the Hub.

July 27, 2023August 7, 2023

Traditional navigation takes center stage with Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

Kyle Mandapat

Master Navigator Larry Riagetel gave the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps a lesson in Island Wisdom and Traditional Navigating this month as a part of the five-month long G3CC Season.

The group learned about care of the traditional boat and proa, a practice that not many people are exposed to these days.

The lesson included familiarization with nautical terms and practices and a speed through of important knots used for wayfaring.

They also learned about canoe culture, the purpose of canoes and the functions of a canoe house.

The group was eager to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, and with the continued tutelage of Master Larry, the group hopes to hit the water soon.

July 12, 2023July 24, 2023

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps hunt for invasive brown tree snake

Kyle Mandapat

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 2.34.47 PM (4)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 2.34.47 PM (1)

In June, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3) took on the most notorious invasive species on island, the Brown Treesnake (BTS). No matter what their level of comfort for handling snakes, they all enthusiastically entered the classroom at USGS (United States Geological Survey) in Ritidian and got down to the business of learning about BTS.

USGS biologists delivered a PowerPoint presentation with photographs of snakes in various species of trees and tangled vines to help the G3 group hone their BTS search image. Biologists Charlene Hopkins and Marijoy Viernes expertly answered numerous questions from G3 participants. Afterwards, they brought out colorful rubber snakes to allow everyone to practice handling skills and field euthanasia stress free. Then, the live snakes were released from their snake bags and things got very animated!

Divided into two groups, participants got hands-on experience in using a snake stick as well as how to safely pick up snakes in a controlled environment. It was difficult for the snakes to get traction on the shiny, waxed floors, but for some first-time wranglers it still was a challenge.

As the sun went down, it was time to head outside to search in the wilds of Harmon! Dividing into three teams with a USGS biologist leading each, everyone began walking slowly and purposefully along the roadside near Two-Lovers Point meticulously searching the vegetation for snakes. The extra-bright headlamps provided by USGS made it easier to see the shine on their sinuous bodies as they slid through the trees.

One team was successful in capturing seven snakes with one snake each from the other two teams. In total, nine snakes were captured and euthanized. Viernes said of the G3 team, “They were wonderful to work with. Everyone in my group during the search had many good questions about BTS, which showed their interest.”

Feedback from G3 participants was positive. “After the training, I felt more educated on the topic of invasive snakes in Guam, learning there are no deadly venomous snakes here. My level of comfort for handling snakes is much higher now and I am better at spotting them,” said Chansey Rios.

Ryan Perez stated, “The training was very good. I have killed snakes before when they have come around my house, but now I know how to handle them properly and humanely.”

This G3 cohort continues to make advancements toward a healthy, sustainable environment for Guam.

July 4, 2023July 24, 2023

G3 Conservation Corps digs into Biosecurity with the DoAg

Kyle Mandapat

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.41 PM (2)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.42 PM (1)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.42 PM (2)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.43 PM (1)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.43 PM (2)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.44 PM (2)

WhatsApp Image 2023-07-24 at 1.45.44 PM (1)

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps dug in and learned about protecting our island and our resources as they spent the week with the biosecurity team at the Department of Agriculture.

The members of the corps got a closer look at the invasive species that have made their way to our island and continue to cause destruction in the local and native landscape including the infamous Rhino Beetle and the Brown Tree Snake.

For many, this was the first time they were given this crash course in biosecurity and had the opportunity to see the pests up close and personal.

The team learned about prevention of invasive species, how to collect them and how the Department tracks traps and deals with creatures caught in them.

June 13, 2023July 28, 2023

Gallery: CHamoru Village cleanup work by G3CC

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps joined the CHamoru Village community in the cleanup efforts at the Hagatna landmark.

The group helped remove blown down trees and shrubbery along with other debris that blew into the iconic area.

CHamoru Village is also the home to the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

June 13, 2023July 24, 2023

G3CC Typhoon Mawar cleanup Before and After

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps has been hard at work assisting with the cleanup efforts through the island.

This week, the team assisted the Department of Parks and Recreation with some of our island’s parks. Here is a gallery of some of the Before and After shots the team took while out in the field.

The group along with all the hard working members of the community and government were hard at work while the island recovered in the aftermath of the strongest storm Guam has seen in decades.

June 10, 2023July 24, 2023

Gallery: G3CC assists at the debris station

Kyle Mandapat

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps volunteered alongside the Guam Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers at the debris and waste collection site in Tiyan, Barrigada.

The site collected household debris from Typhoon Mawar as residents continued cleanup efforts following the storm.

Members of the Corps assisted in check-in of residents, offering directions to proper drop-off points and classification of debris.

They also assisted community members with offloading their debris at the site.

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps volunteered at the site for the whole week.

“(The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps) were very helpful. They were assisting the manamko and other people with their dumping,” said Barrigada resident Ryan Shayne.

June 1, 2023July 24, 2023

G3 Conservation Corps assists in campus post-typhoon clean-up

Kyle Mandapat

A day after typhoon Mawar left a trail of destruction all over the island, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) got down to work by helping out with on-campus cleanup at the University of Guam.

All 12 members of the current G3CC cohort collected felled branches, organic matter, and debris that littered the campus grounds. They also cleared portions of the road where cars and pedestrians pass through, opening access to areas within the university.

G3 Conservation Corps member Ciara “CiCi” Taijeron said, “Today, it is sad to see so many trees without leaves on them and all the organic matter is everywhere…I am very relieved that my team and I are safe and everybody on Guam is trying to recover from this unfortunate natural disaster.”

Every Friday, G3 Conservation Corps members usually assist in village beautification activities. With post-typhoon recovery in full swing all over the island, the team recognized the need to refocus their energy and contribute to these ongoing efforts.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Sustainability Coordinator Phil Cruz said, “The G3 Conservation Corps is our workforce development program, where participants are exposed to jobs related to sustainability. We are shifting gears a bit, focusing on beautification of our island in terms of post-typhoon cleanup.”

Cruz added, “Because Guam Green Growth is a community-based organization, it is essential to our G3 Conservation Corps to engage with the community in such a time where we need so much assistance as possible.

According to UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, the G3 Conservation Corps will also contribute to other aspects of the recovery efforts.

“Right now, we are clearing roads in the Mangilao area and the University of Guam campus. We will get moving around the island and help with some of our response activities,” he said.

Shelton also encouraged the community to reach out to the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

“If there is any way that you think we can assist, please feel free to reach out to us. We are looking forward to getting through this together and helping out as much as we can,” he added.

For more information about the G3 Conservation Corps’ post-typhoon recovery activities, follow us on social media @guamgreengrowth

What is G3 and the G3 Conservation Corps?

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.

The G3 Conservation Corps program prepares the community for the emerging green economy. For the duration of the program, the 12 conservation corps members participate in workforce development training covering various sustainability topics, such as agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, recycling, to renewable energy.