Time

Activity

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration Open, Grand Ballroom Foyer

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Kitchen (Optional)

8:30 AM

Coffee Bar & Expo Opens, Grand Ballroom Foyer

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

General Session, Grand Ballroom (A&B)

9:00 AM – 9:25 AM

Opening Ceremony

• Cultural Blessing
• National Anthem and Guam Hymn
• JFK HS AFJROTC Color Guard

9:25 AM – 9:45 AM

Welcome to Guam
Honorable Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Governor of Guam

9:45 AM – 10:05 AM

NACD Presidential Address
Gary Blair, NACD President

10:05 AM – 10:30 AM

Opening Keynote - Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG Guam President Emeritus

10:30 AM – 10:50 AM

Networking Break & Expo

10:50 AM – 11:45 AM

PANEL: Navigating Conservation Across Pacific Southwest Forum Moderator: Desiree Van Dyke
Session Description: Every conservation district faces unique challenges, yet all share the same mission of locally led conservation. This regional forum brings together leaders from across the Pacific Southwest Region to share innovative programs, lessons learned, and the opportunities shaping conservation in their states and territories. Through open discussion, delegates will gain new ideas, build regional connections, and explore how diverse landscapes are addressing common conservation priorities.

• Hawaii - Jenni Scotti
• Guam - Glenn Takai
• CNMI - Glenn Manglona
• Washington - Michael Crowder
• New Mexico - Josh Smith

12:00 PM

Lunch Program

• History of Guam, Pale Eric Forbes
• Virtual Tour Guam’s Water Resources, WERI Dr. Nathan Habana

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Track 1 Agriculture and Working Lands Grand Ballroom (A&B)

Building a Sustainable Beef Industry in the Mariana Islands Mark Thorne, University of Hawaii-Manoa

Discover the opportunities and challenges shaping beef cattle production in the Mariana Islands. This presentation examines regional production systems, forage management, herd development, and practical strategies to strengthen the long-term sustainability and profitability of island livestock operations.

Seedless Watermelon Recommendations for Guam Dr. Robert Bevacqua, University of Guam

Gain practical recommendations for successfully producing seedless watermelons under Guam's tropical growing conditions. This session highlights research findings on variety selection, pollination requirements, crop management, and production practices that can improve yields and expand market opportunities for local growers.

Track 2 Natural Resource Management
Santa Rosa/Santa Rita

Wildfire Response, Recovery & Resiliency
Cassi Newton, Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District (Oregon)

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity across many landscapes, requiring coordinated responses that extend well beyond suppression efforts. This session explores how conservation districts and partners can strengthen preparedness, support post-fire recovery, leverage partnerships and funding opportunities, and build long-term resilience for communities and natural

Strategic Resource Management & Protection under the Guam Forest System Plan
Christine Fejeran & Christian Benitez, Guam Department of Agriculture & Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans

Learn how Guam's Forest System Plan is guiding the protection and restoration of native forests through strategic planning, watershed conservation, invasive species management, wildfire mitigation, and collaborative stewardship. This presentation highlights how integrated planning supports healthy ecosystems and resilient landscapes across Guam.

Feral Swine Management: Protecting Agriculture and Natural Resources through Partnership Chad Richardson, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

Feral swine continue to threaten agriculture, native ecosystems, and water resources throughout the Pacific. This session provides an overview of integrated management strategies, interagency partnerships, and science-based approaches used to reduce impacts while supporting long-term conservation and land stewardship.

Guam Restoration of Watersheds Initiative, University of Guam Sea Grant

Track 3 District Capacity Building and Leadership
The Salon

Organizational Administration Effectiveness: Best Practices for Conservation Districts Andrea Kreiner, Oregon Association of Conservation Districts

Strong conservation districts begin with strong leadership and sound organizational practices. This session shares practical strategies for effective board governance, organizational management, policy development, and administrative operations that strengthen district performance and long-term success.

A Unifying Message: Collaborating Data to Demonstrate Conservation Impact Jessica Harrold, Ada Soil & Water Conservation District

Learn how consistent messaging and collaborative data collection can help conservation districts effectively communicate their accomplishments, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and strengthen relationships with partners, policymakers, and funding organizations.

Agricultural Ethics & Data Governance: A Guam Context
Peter Barcinas, University of Guam Cooperative Extension & Outreach

As agriculture becomes increasingly data-driven, responsible stewardship of information is more important than ever. This presentation explores ethical considerations surrounding agricultural data, including privacy, ownership, transparency, producer trust, and responsible decision-making in conservation programs.

NCF Envirothon: Building the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders Jennifer Brooks & Aubrey Balcom, National Conservation Foundation

Discover how the National Conservation Foundation's Envirothon program inspires youth to become tomorrow's conservation leaders through hands-on environmental education, natural resource problem-solving, and academic competition. Learn how conservation districts can engage schools, strengthen community partnerships, and invest in the future of conservation.

All Day

Partner & Exhibitor Expo, Grand Ballroom Foyer

6:00 PM

VIP Dinner (Invitation Only), Grand Ballroom

Time

Activity

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration

7:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Kitchen (Optional)

8:30 AM

Coffee Bar & Expo Opens, Grand Ballroom Foyer

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

General Session, Grand Ballroom (A&B)

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Welcoming Remarks
Honorable Joshua F. Tenorio,Lt. Governor of Guam

9:10 AM – 10:00 AM

Briefing: National Perspectives on Conservation Moderator - Kyle Venell

Session Description: Hear from national and federal conservation leaders as they provide updates on agency priorities, emerging initiatives, and partnership opportunities shaping the future of conservation. Through a series of brief presentations, attendees will gain insight into current programs, policy developments, and collaborative efforts supporting locally led conservation across Guam, the Pacific, and the nation.

Featuring

• Congressman James Moylan
• 38th Guam Legislature
• Office of Insular Affairs
• USDA NRCS
• Department of War (Department of Defense)
• NACD Government Affairs

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Partnerships in Action: Conservation Investments in Guam Moderator - Erica Alvarez

Session Description: Discover how strategic partnerships and targeted investments are delivering measurable conservation outcomes across Guam. Through a series of presentations, speakers will highlight successful initiatives that strengthen conservation capacity, protect working lands, leverage innovative technology, and build lasting collaborations among federal, territorial, academic, and community partners.

Featuring

• TA2024 Building Conservation Capacity - Mark Acosta
• NACD FSPF - Protecting Working Lands - Dr. Glenn Dulla & Christopher Rosario
• NACD REPI - Producer Network - UOG Drone Corps
• GSLP - From Vision to Designation - Patrick Keeler

12:00 PM

Lunch Program

• Director of Guam Department of Agriculture - Chelsa Muña
• Next Generation of Environmental Leadership, Northern & Southern Junior Farmer of the Year

2:00 PM – 3:20 PM

Region Meetings & Joint Region Meeting

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Cultural Workshops

6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Chamorro Village

Time

Activity

7:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast To-Go & Check-In

8:15 AM - 8:30 AM

Load Buses & Depart

9:00AM - 10:30 am

GROW with Friends of NACD (Service Project)

The final stop highlights community-based restoration efforts focused on reforestation, native habitat enhancement, and long-term landscape resilience. Participants will learn how conservation districts, volunteers, educators, and community organizations are working together to restore degraded lands and create lasting conservation benefits for future generations.

11:00 - 1:00 PM
w/Lunch

Valley of the Latte
Nestled along the Talofofo River, Valley of the Latte offers a unique opportunity to experience Guam's cultural and agricultural heritage. Participants will enjoy lunch while learning about traditional CHamoru lifeways, the importance of Guam's natural resources, and the connection between culture, conservation, and community stewardship.
Featured Topics

• CHamoru cultural heritage
• Traditional agriculture and land use
• Cultural landscapes
• Community stewardship
• Conservation through education and interpretation

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Fena Reservoir Watershed & Bonya Latte Site

Participants will explore two significant sites that demonstrate the interconnected relationship between natural resource conservation, cultural stewardship, and military-community partnerships on Guam.
The tour will begin at the Fena Reservoir Watershed, Guam's primary surface water source, where participants will learn about watershed protection efforts, forest management, erosion control, invasive species management, and collaborative conservation initiatives that support both environmental sustainability and military readiness.
The tour will also include the Bonya Latte Site, an important cultural and historical resource that highlights the longstanding connection between Guam's people and the landscape. Participants will learn how cultural resource stewardship, natural resource management, and public access considerations work together to preserve Guam's heritage while supporting responsible land management.
Together, these sites provide a unique opportunity to showcase how conservation partnerships can protect critical water resources, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen relationships between military installations and surrounding communities.
Featured Topics

• Watershed protection and management
• Surface water resources
• Forest health and erosion control
• Military-community conservation partnerships
• Cultural resource stewardship
• Historic preservation and interpretation
• Natural resource management
• Landscape-scale conservation
• Integration of cultural and natural resource conservation

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

A Toast for Bob Warner

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Maila Ta Fan Chesa - Community Event - Hyatt

Time

Activity

7:00 AM - 8:15 AM

Breakfast To-Go & Check-In

8:15 AM - 8:45 AM

Load Buses & Depart Hyatt

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Ritidian Wildlife Refuge

This stop explores one of Guam's most ecologically significant protected areas, where coastal forests, limestone habitats, and pristine beaches support native wildlife and cultural resources. Participants will learn about habitat conservation, ecosystem management, and the collaborative efforts to protect one of the island's most treasured landscapes.
Featured Topics

• Wildlife habitat conservation
• Native ecosystems & Coastal resource management
• Cultural and natural heritage
• Public-private conservation partnerships

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Manhita Farms Tour
This producer-led stop highlights innovative agricultural practices that support local food production and environmental stewardship. Participants will learn how Manhita Farms integrates sustainable farming techniques such as turning food waste into a carbon system, contributing to Guam's agricultural economy and community resilience.
Featured Topics

• Sustainable agriculture
• Local food systems
• Farm innovation
• Agricultural stewardship
• Producer perspectives

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Lunch at Two Lover’s Point, Terraza

Enjoy lunch at one of Guam's most iconic scenic overlooks while experiencing the island's rich cultural heritage. Participants will take in panoramic views of the Philippine Sea and learn the legendary story of Two Lovers Point, a site that blends natural beauty with Chamoru history and tradition.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Bee Apiary

This educational stop showcases the vital role of pollinators in Guam's ecosystems and agricultural production. Participants will explore beekeeping practices, learn about honey production, and discover how healthy pollinator populations contribute to biodiversity, crop productivity, and environmental resilience.

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Farewell Fiesta

The conference will conclude with a traditional Chamoru fiesta celebrating the connections, partnerships, and conservation accomplishments shared throughout the week. Guests will enjoy local cuisine, cultural entertainment, and an opportunity to reflect on the knowledge and relationships gained during the conference. Hosted by the Mayors Council of Guam.