Hi! Hafa Adai! My name is Matt Reardon and I am an Invasive Species Kupu member at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. I am originally from Massachusetts. I have an associate’s degree in Environmental Science and a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Analysis. I focused my studies on conservation and GIS.
Once my studies ended, I took a different path and began traveling internationally. It all started in Costa Rica on a 9-day tropical ecosystems study abroad trip, which is where I got bit by the travel bug. I became a certified English Foreign Language Teacher in the Czech Republic (a total switch of fields, I know). After two years teaching English and visiting countries nearby, I left Europe. I spent the next year traveling around South America and practicing my Spanish conversational skills before moving on to Southeast Asia. I lived in Thailand and spent many months in other countries to be immersed in foreign cultures.
So, five years later, I landed here in Guam. After roughly one year of exploring the island (post-typhoon Mawar), I saw an opportunity to work in the conservation field. In my mind, I always said someday I would pursue a path in what I studied. I just never knew where or when that would be. When I found out about the invasive vine removal project online through the Kupu Americorps’ website, I said that could be my perfect chance of getting back in the door. To make a long story short, I accepted the position and began in July 2024 at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge.
At first, I thought invasive vine pulling could be a bit dull (grab the vine, pull it down, and dispose of it). Well, there is a lot more to it. The typhoon opened the forest canopy- by knocking trees down, which allowed sunlight to reach the ground causing the vines to flourish and take over. I have been working hand-in-hand with the other people at the refuge to remove the invasive vines (Mikania micrantha) and dispose of them properly. The more vines we remove, the more likely trees will regrow and re-establish the forest canopy as part of the Guam National Wildlife Refuge's forest habitat restoration and enhancement.
Although pulling vines and removing them to allow other plants to photosynthesize may sound simple, the process can be challenging. The majority of the shrubs and trees at the refuge are homes for so many creatures, such as snails. I’ve gained a strong understanding of different plant names and the wildlife that needs them while I’ve been at the refuge. So, I’ve enjoyed this project because it has allowed me to be mindful of Guam tree snails (Partula radiolata) or akaleha’ in CHamoru, which are endangered due to habitat loss, the introduced predatory flatworm (Platydemas manokwari), and impacts from other invasive snail species.
And most importantly, I look forward to making a positive impact restoring one of the island’s most pristine forest landscapes. This project allows me to network and connect with other like-minded individuals while advocating to others how important it is to protect our natural environment. Lastly, this internship will be a great stepping stone for me to pursue further career experience in my desired field with all the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired.
Matt Reardon is a member of Kupu’s Conservation Leadership Development Program based at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge.
