An Invasive Species: Feral Pigs

Aguarin and I are currently providing educational outreach on the Pig Hunting Derby this upcoming April (Earth Week). We gathered up some information that I thought I’d share with you all:

"First off do you think pigs are native to Guam? If you thought "no" you're right! This is a common misconception we have about Feral pigs. Feral pigs were actually brought to Guam by the Spaniards in the 1600s. Chamorros were used  to living off the land and sea. When the Spaniards came to Guam, they banned seafaring practices to prevent escapes. So, Chamorros had to get accustomed to eating imported meats.

Feral pigs have impacted our island’s economy and environment. Feral pigs are known for preying on livestock such as chickens and their eggs, and uprooting agricultural plants affecting farmer’s revenue. Aguarin and I have talked to the community leaders around our island about feral pigs and this is what the Barrigada Mayor Nito Blas said, “Farmers now are bothered by the pigs because they come into their farm. They go in there and eat what they find. Farmer’s think it is a disruption.”  

Below is a picture of a disturbed area caused by feral pigs in Menall River.  As you can see the water is brown. That is caused by feral pigs digging up the soil and when it rains the sediment rushes down and pollutes the water. That causes serious damage to our coral reef. What have we done to help control Feral Pigs on our island?ž We have provided educational outreach with public officials, experts and people in the community. We are also assisting Guam Coastal Management Program in the efforts to successfully hold the islands first pig hunting derby. The Pig Hunting Derby will take place on Saturday April 14 and 15, 2012. Hunting will begin at a half hour before sunrise but all hunters must be back at the check-in stations by 5:30p.m. The check-in stations are in Dededo, Agana Heights, Santa Rita and Talofofo Mayor's offices. So, if you are interested save those dates. If you are not from Guam buy a ticket and come on down. Its the first of its kind here in the region. Read our future blogs to get the update on the Derby. Until next time!  

Back to the old grind, BUT with a new, eco-friendly flair!

Okay, so I know it is already three months into the new semester for us college students as well as middle and high school students, but nonetheless, school-supply-talk never gets old; especially if it's cute, eco-friendly school supplies!

Anyways, so a little after the semester started Francine and I went to the UOG Bookstore and bought some supplies, we tried our best to get as much eco-friendly products while staying in our frugal budget. I took a couple pictures on my Instagram iPhone app and voila! Below are the pictures as well as a couple links to the companies that sell the products :) 

Yes, yes, yes I can hear your thoughts! Why am I grouping ear phones on this school supply related blog you ask? Well, that's because I use 'em all the time while I'm studying or walking to class, etc. These particular earphones were purchased at Island Electronics in Upper Tumon across Nissan and only cost me $9.99! They have all sorts of colors (I chose orange, of course) and its says its eco-friendly on the package so I went to the website and checked it out and it said that the package is "made out of 75% consumer waste". Orange and eco-friendly?! I'm SOLD!

Find out more at: http://av.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL028884&pathId=162&page=1

I just first gotta say that I am in love with the quality of this picture. It was taken with my iPhone 4 and is amaaaazing! Anyways, these pens aren't the most beautiful looking pens but they do write beautifully! I tried searching on Google about these pens but came up with nada. As you can see it says 74% recycled material as does the original plastic packaging. A pack was about $5 at the UOG bookstore for about 10 pens. Not bad!

I've saved the best for last! Francine bought me five folders, all 100% recycled, inside and out, from milk and juice cartons. It's a two pocket folder and cost about $3 each if I am not mistaken. The inside is cute too mind you, this folder felt AMAZZZING and is so soft!

Find out more at: http://www.topflightpaper.com/ecoProducts.php

Until next time,

Aguarin :)