Ocean View Middle School Students Participate in Hands-On Aquifer and Conservation Field Trip at Ritidian Wildlife Refuge

Jaevynn Cruz, Conservation Technician 

Yigo, Guam — January 30, 2026 — Students from Ocean View Middle School took part in an educational field trip to Ritidian Wildlife Refuge, engaging in a hands-on outreach experience focused on groundwater protection, environmental stewardship, and conservation awareness in northern Guam.

The field trip looked into Northern Guam Lens Aquifer, which supplies approximately 80 percent of Guam’s drinking water and plays a vital role in supporting the island’s modern economy, public health, and quality of life. Through guided instruction and visual learning tools, students were introduced to the basic geologic features that allow the aquifer to capture, store, and sustain freshwater.

Students learned about the four major components of the aquifer system:

• the volcanic basement rock that forms the floor of the aquifer,

• the limestone bedrock that stores freshwater,

• the surface and internal drainage systems that move water through the aquifer, and

• the land surface and catchment areas that allow rainfall to recharge groundwater supplies.

To reinforce these concepts, students participated in a live, do-it-yourself aquifer demonstration. Using a clear container layered with sand and gravel, facilitators modeled underground geological formations and groundwater storage. Water was added to represent groundwater filling the spaces between layers, while straw pump inserted into the model acted as wells, demonstrating how groundwater is recharged and extracted. This interactive demonstration helped students visualize how aquifers function and why protecting recharge areas is essential to long-term water sustainability.

In addition to aquifer education, students explored the natural and cultural resources of Ritidian Wildlife Refuge, gaining a deeper understanding of Guam’s native ecosystems, coastal environments, and the connection between land management and ocean health. The experience emphasized how responsible land use and conservation efforts directly impact water quality and environmental resilience.

“This field trip allowed students to connect classroom learning with real-world environments,” organizers shared. “By combining field-based learning with hands-on demonstrations, students gained a better understanding of how Guam’s land and water systems are interconnected.”

The outreach was made possible through collaboration among educators, conservation partners, and supporting agencies committed to environmental education and youth engagement. Organizers extend their appreciation to all staff and partners who contributed to the success of the field trip.

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