Be an Eco Helper!

Volunteers from the Marianas High School and Grace Christian Academy planted a total of 20 crotons along the American Memorial Park’s amphitheater wall last June. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Do you want to make a difference in the community? Sign up as an Eco Helper!

American Memorial Park’s newly launched Eco Helper program offers a chance for the island’s nature and park lovers to congregate and volunteer, to beautify the park and its surroundings, for more people to enjoy.

Started in June, the purpose of the program is to build a family of environmental stewards who are interested in volunteering and combining their efforts for a better park and environment.

According to AMP community volunteer ambassador Shannon T. Sasamoto, she wanted to create a space where people feel empowered to create a difference in the community, where insights are heard, and where connections are strengthened as everyone engages through eco-projects.

“Volunteering for the environment is so important since everywhere you go within the islands, it is bound to hold so much historical significance. When we care for our environment, we honor the experiences of our elders and the environment given to us by our ancestors,” Sasamoto said. “I want to be able to demonstrate the tie between the environment and history with the help of the American Memorial Park team.”

While AMP already has projects and volunteering events for preservation and restoration, Eco Helpers are specifically focused on the beautification of memorial and recreational areas in the park, in honor of the CNMI’s history and community.

“We have monthly cleanups, some being hosted at Micro Beach since it is one of the most used and visited recreational areas at the park and holds so much historical significance for our people,” she said. “Volunteers are able to receive awards and incentives when they contribute a certain amount of hours to volunteering events, though seeing the difference they have made is just as rewarding.”

Anyone can join and be an Eco Helper. Sasamoto said that the park is open to working with different people of different ages and backgrounds who are interested in contributing to the community through the program.

“The park would love to engage more with our community and empower members to create a difference within our environment. We have volunteer opportunities every month and will be sending out monthly newsletters to notify members. People of all ages are encouraged to come together to demonstrate that volunteerism is the voice of the community put into action.”

This month, the Eco Helpers will be doing a cleanup at Smiling Cove on Aug. 6 (Friday), an amphitheater beautification project on Aug. 21 (Saturday), and a tree planting event on Aug. 28 (Saturday).

To those who want to volunteer and become Eco Helpers, register at: https://forms.gle/C48s5w1aUEbr1zBr8. All volunteers are also required to sign a volunteer form prior to an activity, which must be renewed after a year to ensure their safety.

For more information on the Eco Helper program, contact Sasamoto at amme.shannon@gmail.com.