Making a difference: G3 Conservation Corps cleans up local school

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps recently lent a helping hand to the island’s Southern community by joining forces with volunteers to clean up M.U. Lujan Elementary School in Yona on Wednesday, August 2. This cleanup marked their final volunteer effort before they graduate from the program later this month.

The team worked together to give the school a fresh makeover. Laura Layan, a member of the G3 Conservation Corps, shared their efforts, “We had a team sorting out things. Another team is also painting and helping the staff at the school,” she said.

Layan is the first G3 Conservation Corps member from Yap. After graduating with a major in tropical science, she wants to give back to the community by applying what she learned from university and from the conservation corps program.

Another corps member, Michael Herbert, highlighted his involvement in preparing the school for the upcoming school year, “Today we are assisting with the opening of the school by helping with debris removal, painting so the school can be ready for inspection.”

Herbert’s dedication to conservation and environmental awareness shone through as he shared his experiences as a corps member, “I’ve learned about farming, aquaculture, and different things, like separating different household goods. I’ve also learned about marketing and the need to bring in more people for the circular economy, the green economy.”

After the program, Herbert wants to go back to school and become a sea turtle biologist. “Because I am very passionate about marine life and turtles,” he said.

Cassie Bordallo, another active corps member, expressed her thoughts on the conservation corps experience, “It’s been amazing. It’s been hard but still amazing to be part of it (G3 Conservation Corps). It opened my eyes to things that I hadn’t thought about before.”

The G3 Conservation Corps, consisting of twelve members, underwent comprehensive training over the past five months. They learned about various sustainability topics, such as agriculture, aquaculture, recycling, and renewable energy. The program equips these young eco-enthusiasts with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to Guam’s emerging green economy.

August 1, 2023December 31, 2024

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

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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 27, 2023December 31, 2024

Traditional navigation takes center stage with Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps hunt for invasive brown tree snake

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

G3 Conservation Corps digs into Biosecurity with the DoAg

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

Gallery: CHamoru Village cleanup work by G3CC

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

G3CC Typhoon Mawar cleanup Before and After

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

Gallery: G3CC assists at the debris station

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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, 2023December 31, 2024

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

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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.

May 18, 2023December 31, 2024

G3CC Recap – Island Beautification – Mural Prep

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The G3 Conservation Corps had another week packed with diverse activities designed to enhance and protect Guahan’s natural resources.

A highlight for several of the members was assisting the G3 Art Corps with preparation of walls in Dededo, Yona, Malesso, Sinajana for the artists to paint their murals. “We pressure washed and primed the walls so the artists would have a good foundation in place when they start the murals,” said Ciara Taijeron.

“All the activities we took part in this week were equally important and needed,” explained Cassie Bordallo. She also mentioned she finds some of the activities challenging and that she feels blessed to have this opportunity be a part of the Corps.

The best part of the week for Zeraih Blas was working with the Art Corps team preparing walls for the murals and learning the basics of what it takes to paint one. “It will be exciting to see the murals completed and to be able to say we helped set it up,” he said.

Jace Blas really enjoyed working with Kie Susuico and Joey Certeza from the Art Corps at the Sinajana mayor’s office. “Meeting the new artisans and working with them to provide beautiful artwork for the community and the island was the best.”

Michael Herbert found working with Teddy and the GROW team in the Ugum watershed restoration very important. “We see the need to stay consistent with the work there. We have seen the progress and the potential of bringing back native plants,” he enthused.

Connor Law really appreciated the kindness and support from the community when they were in Sinajana with the Art Corps. “We get a chance to meet a whole range of people working with G3; political leaders, artists, conservationists, people who care about the environment, and people who want to learn more about what we are doing,” Law said.

This week’s amazing opportunity for Michael Torres was cleaning the area of an ancient latte site. “It wasn’t something the Corps usually does, but we enjoyed it very much. The haligi and the tasa were huge. We visited three or four sets of latte houses. It was an awesome experience to have with the Corps. We would love to experience more things like that around the cultural aspects of sustainability and conservation,” he said.

The epic moment for Laura Layan was when she created a firebreak by clearing vegetation to reduce the spread of wildfires in the Ugum watershed for the GROW team.

Ken Manibusan, who handles maintenance for the Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor’s Office, assisted the G3 Conservation Corps with the village cleanup on Friday. He said, “This is my first time to experience doing a cleanup with these guys. Honestly, I am proud that they are helping Guam stay clean and I am happy to assist them.”