UOG launches inaugural G3 GROW Corps with focus on watershed restoration

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) Conservation Corps program got a little greener today with the launch of the first cohort of the G3 GROW Corps.

The new program, spearheaded by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) and the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative , aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce dedicated to advancing the island’s green economy through reforestation and the restoration of the Ugum watershed.

The launch event, held at the Robert F. Kennedy Library at UOG brought together government officials, academic leaders, and community stakeholders. Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio delivered a powerful address, underscoring the island’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and economic diversification.

“This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between government, academia, and the community. By working hand-in-hand with the University of Guam and G3, we are creating a robust ecosystem where innovation can flourish, and practical solutions can be implemented across our island,” said Tenorio.

The new corps consists of 6 individuals selected from applicants that will now work with GROW and partners from the Guam Department of Agriculture Forestry Division and citizen forestry program partners.

G3 GROW CORPS

• Joachim Calata, Dededo
• Kaleb Gambala, Dededo
• Jonathan Laguana, Barrigada
• Jove Root, Ordot-Chalan Pago
• Leeana Jo Salas, Ordot-Chalan Pago
• Jesse James San Nicolas, Malojloj 

UOG CIS & Sea Grant Director and Co-Chair of the Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Austin Shelton Ph.D. said that the event marked the next of many steps to help continue the island’s workforce development in the emerging green economy.

“You are going to do everything from collecting seeds, planting seeds in our nursery, raising these seedlings, and out-planting them in the field,” Shelton explained to the corps. “Every tree you put in the ground is part of your legacy, a true legacy, because these trees are going to last 20, 30 or even 50 years.” 

The G3 GROW Corps is designed to empower Guam’s developing workforce in the same vein as the original G3 Conservation Corps, which is currently in its fifth season.  

Acting UOG Senior Vice-President and Provost Marlena Pangelinan Ph.D. was on hand to welcome the new members of the UOG team.  She said, “Thank you once again to all our partners, the dedicated team behind G3, and especially to the inaugural members of the GROW Corps. We are incredibly optimistic about the positive impact this program will have. The University of Guam stands ready to support the GROW Corps every step of the way.  Have fun and get ready for a wonderful experience!”

The corps will be working with the GROW team to prepare and launch the GROW in Malojloj tree planting series with the first community planting on August 2, 2025 at the Ugum Watershed site.

 The program is funded by a subaward from the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service through the Meaningful Arboriculture to Limit Vulnerability in Urban and Community Areas (MALU) program under Kupu Hawai’i.