GROW in Malojloj wraps up 2025 season with final tree-planting event

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) wrapped up its 2025 tree-planting season with the final GROW in Malojloj event, bringing together community volunteers for a morning of environmental restoration at the Ugum Watershed project site.

Over 1700 trees, including over 170 native and fruiting species, were planted during the event which was rescheduled from an earlier date in November due to inclement weather conditions and potential safety concerns.

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative has been working to restore degraded hillsides in southern Guam through systematic reforestation efforts. The program addresses a critical environmental challenge: erosion-prone badland areas that send sediment cascading into rivers and coral reefs during heavy rains.

“We really appreciate all the support from the community of our restoration efforts this year,” said Joshua Muna, GROW lead and event coordinator. “Getting to see our people taking an active role in the preservation and conservation of our resources is a great thing and we always invite everyone to participate when they can.”

The tree-planting events serve multiple environmental purposes. The initiative aims to prevent erosion and reduce sediment runoff into both the southern water treatment plant and coastal ecosystems. When sediment reaches these areas, it can contaminate drinking water supplies and smother coral reefs by blocking vital sunlight.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Director of UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, has consistently emphasized the tangible impact volunteers make through their participation. The program plants a mix of native, culturally significant and soil revitalizing trees to help stabilize conditions while restoring the natural landscape.

The initiative also provides service-learning opportunities for high school students, allowing them to earn hours while contributing to environmental conservation. Families and community groups regularly participate, making the events accessible to volunteers of all ages and experience levels.

The event is made possible through collaboration between the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Guam Green Growth, Calvo’s Insurance, USDA, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Throughout the 2025 season, GROW events have drawn dozens of volunteers at each session, typically beginning at 8 a.m. with safety briefings and project introductions for newcomers. The program will resume its planting schedule during the next growing season in 2026.

More information about the GROW Initiative can be found at UOG.edu/seagrant or on social media @uogseagrant and @uogcis.