Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District Partners with Guam Green Growth to Inspire Corps Members in Sustainability

Jaevynn Cruz (NGSWCD) leads a live outdoor demo with 12 Corps Members, showing them how to properly collect soil samples and conduct hands-on sustainability activities.

University of Guam – March 19, 2026 – The Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District (NGSWCD) recently partnered with Guam Green Growth (G3) to host an engaging outreach event during Season 6 of the program, designed to spark curiosity and learning in sustainability among 12 Corps Members. The workshop was led by Jaevynn Cruz, a former G3 cohort member and experienced conservation educator, who brought her knowledge and firsthand experience to guide participants through interactive projects, hands-on demonstrations, and practical conservation activities.

During the workshop, most Corps Members participated in soil testing activities, learning how to properly take soil samples, the tools required, and where to submit their samples for analysis. Jaevynn Cruz (Conservation Technician) also led a DIY natural water filtration demonstration and provided guidance on water quality reporting. Drawing on her experience as a past cohort member, she encouraged Corps Members to think critically about Guam’s natural resources, explore creative solutions to conservation challenges, and understand the importance of sustainability in their daily lives. Her guidance allowed Corps Members to gain confidence in conducting experiments, presenting their ideas, and applying practical sustainability concepts.

The 12 Corps Members showcased innovative projects exploring sea, soil, and water systems, demonstrating both creativity and practical skills. The training workshop empowered participants to actively engage with sustainability issues, building skills they can use to contribute to Guam’s environmental protection and green economy initiatives.

G3 Background:The United Nations emphasizes that we are in a critical 10-year window to act on the most significant global sustainability challenges before 2030. With the backdrop of COVID-19 affecting economies, food systems, and the survival of vulnerable populations, Guam Green Growth serves as an engine of solutions and innovation, helping Guam build back better, fairer, and more resilient.

Through partnerships with the Office of the Governor of Guam, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability (CIS), Global Island Partnership (GLISPA), and the Hawaii Green Growth Local2030 Islands Hub, Guam was invited in 2019 to join an international community of island leaders at Climate Week NYC during the 74th United Nations General Assembly. Guam became a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network, advancing both local and global Sustainable Development Goals.

The Guam Green Growth Initiative, through the creation of the G3 Working Group and adoption of the G3 Action Framework, continues to develop tangible solutions to sustainability challenges, contributing to a green economy for the island region.

“Working with G3 and NGSWCD allows our Corps Members to connect learning with real-world sustainability challenges,” said Savannah Garcia (Special Projects Coordinator). “Jaevynn’s experience as a former cohort member brought valuable perspective to the workshop. Her leadership inspired our Corps Members to engage deeply with sustainability, and her mentorship helped them apply these concepts in practical, meaningful ways.”

For more information on future educational outreach and conservation programs, please contact Northern Guam Soil & Water Conservation District at 6717352014. 

By Rosanna Rosario, Outreach Specialist