The CNMI’s Unsung Protectors

Before this summer, I had never used a machete, planted saplings, or cut down an African tulip tree. Now, I do all three before noon. As a DCRM intern with the hardworking folks at Pacific Coastal Research & Planning (PCRP), under the guidance of Zak Williams (Forestry Program Coordinator), I’ve been lucky enough to gain these new experiences. Moreover, I’ve learned how to identify and remove invasive flora, and collect data on various native and invasive trees. Most importantly, being at PCRP for the past few weeks has allowed me to see how essential their work is for keeping the CNMI’s ecosystems healthy. 

One key way PCRP does this is by cutting down and monitoring invasive species, especially the African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata) population in the Marianas. Although the tree may look pretty —its large red flowers resemble a flame tree—, it's bad news for local pollinators (bees). A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Biology found that the flower’s sticky mucilage is toxic to insects, killing up to 95% of stingless bees that land on it. If left unchecked, the African tulip tree could decimate the CNMI’s bee population, disrupting the health of native plants.

While removing invasive species is crucial, PCRP also restores the balance by planting native and fruiting trees, which supports local pollinators and benefits the ecosystem long-term. In Saipan alone, PCRP has planted many trees at eight schools, various residential areas and private properties, contributing to the restoration of native flora. 

Finally, PCRP removes hazardous trees and marine debris, preventing harm to ourselves and our ecosystems. They’ve removed boats across Micronesia, from the CNMI to Palau to FSM. From these acts alone, you can see how much impact PCRP has on our communities. However, chances are you haven’t heard about them. 

Thus, after returning from the field in the afternoons, I trade my field gear for a laptop and work on my skills with ArcGIS, a tool to map geographic data, to build a digital map that tracks PCRP’s projects. For example, in the past year alone, PCRP has already removed 300+ African tulip trees, planted 1,000+ native and fruit trees across schools and houses, and demolished countless hazardous trees! With my digital map, I hope to make these projects easily accessible for people to learn about and join in to protect our Marianas — one tree, debris, and sapling at a time. 

Citation:
Trigo, J. R., & Dos Santos, W. F. (2000). Insect mortality in Spathodea campanulata Beauv.(Bignoniaceae) flowers. Revista Brasileira de Biologia, 60, 537-538.

By Intern: Raja Sevugan