Volunteers Needed for Annual River Survey

Date: January 16, 2013
Contact: Benjamin Hayes, 671-333-4051

Over the last two years volunteers donated hundreds of hours to help National Park Service biologists perform annual surveys of the Asan River. More volunteers are needed this year for the surveys in mid-February. If you want to learn firsthand about Guam’s river ecosystems, and you like to get down and dirty, this volunteer opportunity is for you!

The Asan River winds down from the headwaters in the Nimitz Hill area near Mama Sandy Road, cascades over waterfalls and flows through grasslands and a bamboo forest before it reaches the Asan village. There, the river crosses under two bridges and cuts through the shoreline at Asan Beach. The river is home to many native fish, eels, snails, and crustaceans. Park biologists and volunteers will hike through the Asan uplands and Asan River, surveying fish, shrimp and snails and measuring water quality and river flow. This is an all-day affair, lasting five or six days a week for three weeks, so there will be many opportunities to help.

No experience is necessary, but volunteers must be in good physical condition, capable of hiking and carrying a pack through rough and slippery terrain. Volunteers should also be willing to learn hands-on and get wet and dirty. Interested individuals or groups of ten or less can choose which day or days they wish to participate but should confirm in advance.

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Amanda McCutcheon, National Park Service Biological Technician at [phone], extension 1013.