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Comic publisher inspires artists in first Seedtalk Session event at Makerspace

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The Guam Green Growth Makerspace welcomed Jean Marie Munson, a Guam-raised publisher, cartoonist, podcaster, and educator as a facilitator of one of its latest workshops offered at the facility’s innovation hub on June 29, 2022.
The Guam Green Growth Makerspace welcomed Jean Marie Munson, a Guam-raised publisher, cartoonist, podcaster, and educator as a facilitator of one of its latest workshops offered at the facility’s innovation hub on June 29, 2022.
During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.
During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace welcomed Jean Marie Munson, a Guam-raised publisher, cartoonist, podcaster, and educator as a facilitator of one of its latest workshops, the first in their recently launched “Seedtalk Sessions” series offered at the facility’s innovation hub in CHamoru Village on June 29, 2022. 

Munson is a founding member of Plot Twist Publishing, a Nevada-based publishing house that specializes in comics. She is also a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Inspired by cartoons and comics such as Sailor Moon, Archie, and Peanuts, Munson developed an art style that reflected her identity and desire for diversity within media.  
 
“What influences my art style is women empowerment, body positivity, and a lot of feminist themes,” said Munson. “I always have a sort of homage to Guam. In my dedications and branding, I would say that I’m from an island because I want people to know that great literature and art can come from a non-U.S. place.”  

During a presentation at the G3 innovation hub, Munson talked about her journey creating a sustainable art career. After, she facilitated a workshop in which she taught and encouraged participants to tell their own stories in a short format.  

Munson’s workshop is a part of a series of developmental opportunities provided by the G3 Makerspace in which industry professionals interact with island community members to stimulate creativity and encourage local entrepreneurship.  

“The island has done a lot for me as a human being. Giving back is non-negotiable for me,” said Munson. “I want to spend this part of my life paying it forward and I really want to be part of the larger driving force that claims Guam as a creative hub and a place of innovation.”  

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Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps faces invasive species problem with snake hunt

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In a recent lesson, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) took on the most notorious invasive species on island, the Brown Tree snake (BTS).  

No matter what their level of comfort for handling snakes, they all enthusiastically entered the classroom at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Ritidian and got down to the business of learning about the invasive pests. 

USGS biologists Charlene Hopkins and Marijoy Viernes delivered a PowerPoint presentation with photographs of snakes in various species of trees and tangled vines to help the Corps hone their BTS search image.  

Afterwards, they brought out colorful rubber snakes to allow everyone to practice handling skills and field stress-free euthanasia. 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 G3CC 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 G3CC 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. 

The Corps will continue work with invasive species through the rest of the program’s run including a scheduled module removing invasive algae from Guam’s beaches and shores.  
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Conservation Corps members get their hands dirty at the Triton Farm

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The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps participated in a week-long training in June at the University of Guam Triton Farm, where members gained real-life skills while learning about various sustainability topics.  

For several days, the Conservation Corps members learned about food security, invasive pest management, and culturally appropriate agricultural and horticultural techniques under the guidance of farm manager Jessica Nangauta and staff.  

“We are an integrated farm system. We have four acres here. We do aquaponics. This is where we raise tilapia, and grow leafy greens like lettuce, basil, and mint. We have a horticulture field where we plant a lot of native plants on the ground like taro, tapioca, calamansi, lemmai, banana, and different types of ground and seasonal crops. And then we have an animal husbandry area where we raise over 800 egg-laying hens for the community,” Nangauta said. 

The main goal of the farm is to increase food security, food sovereignty, and to invite the public over to learn about what it is like to grow food on Guam, according to Nangauta. The farm provides fresh farm products to the community as well as local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses.  

During their service at the farm, the Conservation Corps members: 

  • Culled approximately 40 invasive frogs/toads as part of aquaponics pest management.  
  • Planted approximately 430 plus lettuce sprouts in the aquaponics raceway and harvested and prepped 5 lbs. of lettuce for sale. 
  • Collected and washed approximately 300 eggs from the hen houses. 
  • Prepped around 200 ft or drip irrigation. 
  • Planted around 200 taro seedlings, air layered 7 branches of lemmai, and planted 17 lemmai seedlings in pots. 

Conservation Corps member Ryan Perez, the training experience at the farm exposed him to another aspect of sustainability. “This is an eye opener to see what other people on Guam are doing for food security and sustainability.” 

The multi-acre organic farm in Yigo provides training, research, and outreach opportunities to the community in sustainable agriculture and food production. As a unit affiliated with the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and other colleges and schools of the University of Guam, the farm also hosts demonstrations and workshops on farming systems that integrate the island’s environmental, socio-economic, and cultural conditions. 

“We are open from Monday thru Friday, between 9 to 4, and people usually call-in advance to let us know what they would like to order and to know what is available in the week. We also do farm tours. So, we invite the public over, from pre-school to the manamko to have them tour around the farm and do some hands-on work and volunteer,” Nangauta said.   

For more information about the UOG Triton Farm, check out https://www.facebook.com/UOGTritonFarm 
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Mo’na Manhoben Youth Summit concludes with action plan addition to G3 Action Framework

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At the conclusion of the Mo’na Manhoben Youth Summit last month at the Senator Antonio M. Palomo Guam Museum, the organizers officially launched the Youth Action Plan, a blueprint created by the youth sector in alignment with the University of Guam-Guam Green Growth (G3) Action Framework. 

The Summit was planned and facilitated by youth organizers from the Guam Youth Congress, the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council, and the G3 Youth Ambassadors, with support from the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Guam Community College, and University of Guam. More than 100 youths from schools and various organizations and groups around the island contributed to the development of the plan. 

For UOG President Thomas Kriese, the youth action plan’s integration into the G3 Action Framework energizes the continuing commitment to accomplish the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “The prospect of climate change and all the attendant problems around that is really a tough, heavy thing to face. The more we can make it enjoyable, fun, collaborative, and connected to our culture — the better off we will all be. So, part of our mission is to make this enjoyable, this kind of togetherness to accomplish these big goals,” Kriese said at the summit.  

The plan outlines goals and priorities for addressing the following areas: health and wellbeing, equality and equity, education, sustainability and climate action, and youth opportunities and activities. Specific action items are prioritized into 10-year goals, 3–5-year SMART goals, and FY 2021-2022 action items.  

Under the sustainability and climate action category, team members identified several key long-term goals including the full integration of sustainability projects and curricula into existing school programs; limiting imports to promote local buying to mitigate the effects of the Jones Act. For equality and equity, the top long-term goal is to increase and promote cultural awareness in the school community. For education, the team members ranked quality pay for teachers and an enhanced curriculum as top priorities. The health and well-being team identified consistent training and education on Guam about mental health issues. For the youth opportunities team,  

According to the summit organizers, the integration of the Youth Action Plan into the G3 Action Framework ensures long-term commitment among stakeholders to achieve the goals outlined in the plan.   

“We as youth are very clearly experiencing and concerned about a variety of issues. With this summit and action plan, however, we’re taking active, meaningful steps toward addressing them,” said Nolan Flores of the Mo’na Manhoben Steering Committee in a release. “We’re excited to unveil this Youth Action Plan and even more excited to put it into action and bring it to life alongside our government and community partners.”  
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IPE donates $10,000 to CIS in support of sustainability programs 

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Isla Petroleum & Energy (IP&E) Holdings LLC recently made a ten-thousand-dollar donation to the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability (CIS) in support of the recent UOG Conference on Island Sustainability held in April.  

The group presented a check to CIS leadership through the University of Guam Endowment Foundation at a ceremony held at the energy group’s first solar panel micro-grid in Upper Tumon.  

At the ribbon cutting for the solar micro-grid facility, IP&E and Shell Guam Managing Director Brian Bamba said that Shell is investing in lower carbon technologies throughout the world including renewable energy options. 

“We are bringing these energy solutions to our community,” said Bamba. “We look forward to providing renewable energy to more businesses for a more sustainable future.” 

UOG CIS and Sea Grant director Austin Shelton believes the donation will go a long way towards helping to continue the growth of the sustainability lessons on Guam. 

“We are so grateful for the support from IP&E for this year’s Conference,” said Shelton. “We consider the CIS an earthquake event that fuels, motivates, and inspires other sustainability groups and projects for the rest of the year.” 

For more information on the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability visit www.uog.edu/center-for-island-sustainability or follow the group on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.  

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Guam Green Growth Makerspace wows crowds and welcomes new members at CHamoru Village Night Market 

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The community is invited to get a closer look at some of the equipment and services available at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub every Wednesday night during the CHamoru Village Night Market.  

All three houses that make up the Makerspace and Innovation Hub including the Plastics House, the Green Store and the Workshop are all open and feature tours to for visitors who can leave the weekly event with a full stomach and what could be the start of their own small business.  

“When people come in and check out our facilities, I love seeing the lights go off when ideas come to their minds,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Myracle Mugol, who oversees the Makerspace. “We have such creative people on our island and when they come in here and see the tools they can have access to, it really motivates them to take that leap into entrepreneurship.” 

Along with Mugol, herself an award-winning small business owner, the entire Makerspace team is comprised of small business owners ready to assist in growing the green economy.  

“Our very experienced team is standing by and ready to answer any inquiries one might have about joining as a member of the Makerspace and Innovation Hub,” explained Mugol. “Members will have access to the CNC Routers, 3D printers and all the other tools for a membership fee that will still be way below the costs of having to buy the machines themselves and then have to ship them and house them here.” 

Ryan Shane has often thought about starting his own business but never had access to the machinery that is available at the Makerspace before. 

“It is really amazing to see this stuff here in Guam for the people to use,” said Shane. “I have priced this equipment out before, and I would need to really secure some loans before being able to buy them. Having this service and this membership opportunity will get me into production so I can make that money and eventually be able to buy (the equipment) on my own, hopefully.”  

Members can also avail special rates for training courses and services according to Mugol.   

“We have a month-to-month membership at fifty dollars, or we have an annual membership that gives you a thirty-three percent discount overall,” said Mugol. “As a member you will have access, special pricing for certain services and other benefits that pop up throughout the year.”  

To see the membership packages and to enroll visit www.guamgreengrowth.org today or visit the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  

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Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps leads inter-village cleanup in Mangilao and Ordot-Chalan Pago

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The weekly island beautification schedule of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps rolled through two villages after Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor Jesse Gogue welcomed the group of volunteers at the event meeting space in Mangilao. 
 
Gogue noted the importance of supporting each other on the village level and sharing resources for the benefit of the entire island.  
 
The cleanup group consisted of members of the G3CC, community members and the Ordot-Chalan Pago Mayor’s office staff. 
 
Collectively the group picked up 6 large bags of trash, about 20 white good items, and 1 large bag of aluminum cans that will be recycled and diverted from the landfill.
 
The Corps leads weekly events geared towards the beautification of our island including trash cleanups, painting projects, and more. 
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Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps assists rangers in Litekyan

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps assists rangers in Litekyan

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps spent a day with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit in Litekyan.

Rangers Marybelle Quinata and Kawika Davis gave the Corps a tour of Litekyan with close reference to the many native species in the area.

Following the tour, the Corps spent time in the afternoon removing the parasitic Dodder vine which can have a negative effect on native plant species. 

Overall, alongside the Unit, the Corps helped to remove 9 large trash bags full of the vine.
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First Sirena Festival highlights ocean conservation and culture

First Sirena Festival highlights ocean preservation and culture

The first ever Sirena Festival was held in the island’s capital of Hågatña and highlighted the importance of ocean conservation and cultural preservation.

The event organized by the Hågatña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority featured vendors from many local businesses and community groups.

Amongst them were the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability, UOG Sea Grant, Guam NSF EPSCoR, Guam Green Growth, NSF INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance, Guampedia and more. 

“This is a really fun event and it is great to be outdoors with the family learning about some of the history of Guam,” said Yigo resident Judith Anderson.  “It almost feels like we are back to normal.” 

The UOG CIS outreach booth featured topics including ridge to reef education, sea turtle preservation, Sustainable Development Goal outreach along with recruitment for various fellowship and internship opportunities. 
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