The project aims to enhance the village's natural beauty, to provide shade while contributing to the overall health of the environment and to support local businesses. 

A variety of native fruit trees and ornamental shrubbery were planted throughout the CHamoru Village by UOG and CV leadership, their respective teams, and volunteers. 

“What we are starting here is going to help sustain our island by bringing back native trees that are very important to our culture and our economy,” said UOG president Anita Borja Enriquez, D.B.A. “We are planting the niyok (coconut), which represents sustainability, culture and that sense of community.”

The University and CHamoru Village have a long standing partnership, as the location of the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.  

Caroline Mason, the new CHamoru Village manager, was excited for this new program and what it will bring to the iconic location.

"Trees are the lifeline of our planet, offering cleaner air, cooler spaces, and a connection to nature that heals both the land and the spirit. CHamoru Village is proud to lead the way in restoring trees to the heart of Guam’s capital, creating a greener, more vibrant Hagåtña that honors our heritage and nurtures our future,” said Mason. 

The work continued through the week and ended with nearly 25 new trees being planted on the Village grounds.  

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director for the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & SG), who facilitates the G3 Initiative, brought a sense of the economic impact the tree planting has.

“We have a preliminary study that shows that with just the 5000 trees the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps has planted over the past few years at the Ugum Watershed with the Guam Restoration of Watersheds Initiative, we are able to put an economic value of over 2 million dollars,” said Shelton. 

This program aligns with the broader goals of Guam Green Growth and UOG CIS & SG to promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. By planting native trees, the organizations hope to inspire others to act and contribute to a greener, more resilient Guam.  

For more information on Guam Green Growth, the largest public/private partnership for Guam’s sustainable future, visit guamgreengrowth.org and follow @guamgreengrowth on social media platforms.