On Saturday, September 20, 2003 War in the Pacific National Historical Park celebrated National Public Lands Day at the Asan Beach Unit. National Public Lands Day is a program of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation in partnership with federal, state, and local public land agencies, and not-for-profit organizations.
This year’s focus was on improving and preserving habitats. This theme directly relates to the mission of the National Park Service, which is “to conserve and protect the cultural and natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

The active participant in this event was the Guam Girl Scouts. The Girl Scouts volunteered to plant bougainvillea (the state flower) adjacent to Marine Drive at the Asan Beach Unit. Over 150 volunteers got their hands dirty while learning how important it is to preserve our natural resources. This is the third annual planting here within War in the Pacific Park, and the Guam Girl Scouts have supported this event annually.This event not only beautifys Guam’s only National Park but it also teaches a meaningful lesson; Park Ranger Ali Spittler stated, “This gives these girls an opportunity to perform meaningful community service, while learning how important it is to respect the environment.”

Sandy Thomas, director for USA Girl Scouts overseas was able to attend thisevent and see the girls in action. The partnership formed between the Guam Girl Scouts and the National Park Service here on Guam has flourished throughout the years with volunteer events that benefit both agencies. This year National Public Lands Day/Toyota received national recognition from the Natural Resources Council of America. The Council presented the 2003 Award of Achievement for Partnerships, citing “innovation in forging relationships across and within public and private sectors to achieve important objectives in natural resource conservation.”
      

Ali Spittler has been the event coordinatorfor the past three years and hopes support for this event will continue in the future. Valuable assistance was provided by other park staff, including park guide Liz Cruz, and maintenance workers Frank Ungacta, Roque Mendiola, and Ray Cruz.