With 24 native trees in the ground, the seeds of environmental stewardship were sown at the Guam Police Department’s Central Precinct Command today where they can be protected by Guam’s Finest. 

From digging holes, securing the goods, to patting down, it’s not your usual law enforcement operation, but it’s one that holds immeasurable value. GPD officers and forestry partners planted 24 native trees at GPD’s Sinajana facility this morning. 

Chief of Police Stephen Ignacio said, "I believe adding trees to a home or building adds value, but understanding what types of trees we’re getting and how rare some of these trees are is both an honor and a privilege for the Guam Police Department to plant these trees at one of our police precincts."

The native trees hold cultural importance. They have historically been used for wood crafting, dyes and medicinal purposes.  Guam Department of Agriculture Forestry and Soil Resources Division chief Christine Camacho Fejeran explained, saying, "We have four Guam natives and two of them are actually endemic to the Marianas, meaning they occur nowhere else in the world but here. That is our chi’ute and agatelang.

"So the agatelang trees are planted in the prestigious location right around the flag pole. So what better way to represent a rare– because they are one of our rare limestone forest trees now. So we have the honor of planting it right around the flag pole. The chi’ute is out front, and niyoron and åhgao are the species today."

It’s all part of the department’s Arbor Month celebrations, when the community is reminded of the importance of planting trees. Mayor Robert Hofmann of Sinajana added, "Trees provide air purification and that’s a big benefit for everybody. One of the things we know trees can do is prevent erosion. We all saw that two weeks ago, so this is also going to help as we do that."

the phrase ‘Trees Are Life’ isn’t an exaggeration, when they provide ridge to reef protection, especially where wildfires are prevalent.  "Arson on Guam is a major issue. We fight more fires in forest lands and wild lands than we do in structures," explained Fejeran.

"When forestry ties in, we’re also talking about wildland fire prevention. Plant native trees, convert those invasive grasses to forest canopy, help keep water clean and keep soil in place."

So these officers are not just protecting public safety today. They’re sowing seeds for a safer and greener future.