Andersen Volunteer Conservation Officers preserve Guam Published March 31, 2015 By Senior Airman Katrina M. Brisbin 36th Wing Public Affairs ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- As the majority of the island sleeps tight in their beds, a few early risers gather at Northwest Field to start their weekends before sunrise as dedicated environmental stewards supporting their latest conservation project. These individuals are members of the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Environmental Flight Volunteer Conservation Officer Program, a team composed of 46 civilians, veterans, and active-duty members who donate their time to help protect and enhance the environmental quality of Andersen. In 2014, VCOs dedicated approximately 3,102 hours to various environmental projects including beach clean ups, threatened species fruit bat counts and maintained a limestone reforestation project. Prior to acceptance, each potential VCO is given local and national regulations and other various materials to study. They are then interviewed and given a written test. "You as a participant are not just benefiting," Ibanez said. "You're having an impact on protecting (the) environment and controlling erosion." Another way VCOs help protect Guam's environment is by participating in reforestation site maintenance projects where they clear rocks and invasive plant species interfering with the growth of indigenous vegetation. These sites are home to native trees and plants used by endangered species for foraging and nesting. "Conservation is important because we need to retain aspects of nature for future generations to enjoy," said Dana Lujan, 36th CES Environmental Flight conservation resources chief. "Natural resources are all inter-related and conservation of one assists with the conservation of another. Without conservation programs, we will lose many aspects of natural resources that are unique to Guam and the Mariana Islands." The next conservation project the VCOs will be participating is the Earth Day beach cleanup scheduled for April 18 at Tarague Beach. For more information about becoming involved with the VCO program, contact the 36th CES environmental flight at 366- 1849.