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The Citizen Forester Program trains, educates, & certifies community members as citizen scientists to collect tree inventory data and advocate for our island’s urban forest.
Reasons to Get Involved
The protection of our island’s resources starts with an inventory.
Knowing where trees are planted in our villages, what species or condition they are in, and how they benefit us will support smarter planning for natural disasters, saving taxpayer money while protecting the community and preserving the beauty and culture of Guåhan for future generations.
Expand your education while making an impact.
Whether you jump straight into action assisting at a Tree Inventory/Mapping Day or want to steadily absorb information in Training Sessions, there are many skills to gain as well as the opportunity to earn up to 20 High School Service Learning Hours (per school year) OR Community Service Hours. First discuss your possible involvement with a parent/guardian and teacher/counselor.
Relevant GDOE Learning Standards & Objectives are listed for our Project on the Guam Service Learning website.
Gain a different perspective on the nature that surrounds us.
Trees are important in many ways; ecologically, infrastructurally, economically, and culturally. The Citizen Forester Program encourages everyone, regardless of age, experience, or profession, to slow down, look around, and build upon their current knowledge and understanding of this.
With the help of dedicated volunteers, we address forestry-related issues identified in the Guam Forest Action Plan (2020-2030). See Page 54 (PDF page 60).
To Be a Certified Citizen Forester:
– Attend ONE (1) In-Classroom Training Session [approx. 3 hours]
– Attend TWO (2) In-Field Training Sessions [approx. 3 hours each]
– Complete the online Tree Inventory Training Assessment (Google Form)
– Participate in TWO (2) Tree Inventory/Mapping Days AFTER required Training Sessions
We ask Citizen Foresters to commit to this minimum amount of Tree Inventory/Mapping Days in order to best retain new information learned. We appreciate any time you can remain an active volunteer!
Inventory/Mapping Demonstration
Opportunities
Volunteering with DOAG-FSRD
Participating in any Citizen Forester Program activity (Training/Mapping) can earn you 150 points for our Division’s other self-reporting Volunteer Program, the Village Forest Friends (VFF).
Get In Touch!
Forestry & Soil Resources Division – Guam Department of Agriculture
– Call our Office: (671) 300-7977
– Email forestry@doag.guam.gov
Citizen Forester Program Coordinator – Elisa Rose Padilla
– Email epadilla@smarttreespacific.org
Urban & Community Forestry (UCF) Program Coordinator – Shaylin Salas
– Email ssalas@smarttreespacific.org
The Guam Citizen Forester Program is made possible through our partnership with Hawai’ian 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Smart Trees Pacific, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USDA-FS). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
