Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The annual Arbor Week celebration in American Samoa reached new heights this year with the first-ever Indoor Greenhouse Gala, held on May 1, 2026, at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center. The evening brought together over 200 community members, leaders, government agencies, and students for a night dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Hosted by the American Samoa Community College - Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ASCC-ACNR) division, the event was led by Extension Program Director Tialavea Molly Asifoa-Lagai and Territorial Forester Denis Sene, in partnership with the Manatua Nonprofit Organization under the leadership of Annie Amosa-Lei Sam and Lila Tuilagi.

Beyond the festivities, the Gala celebrated the significant progress made possible by recent investments in local forestry. In 2023, the ASCC-ACNR Forestry Program was awarded $750,000 through the USDA Forest Service Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) program. After a highly competitive grant cycle, American Samoa successfully secured these funds to directly benefit the territory. Through the Forestry Advisory Council, the grant was subsequently sub-awarded to four local nonprofit organizations: Manatua, Leasina 4-H, Finafinau, and the 4-H Youth Council.

The primary objective of this IRA grant is to support disadvantaged communities by providing technical and educational assistance for urban forestry projects. Since receiving the funding, these nonprofit partners have implemented numerous conservation and restoration initiatives involving youth groups across the islands.

To further support this engagement, the Forestry Program also hired five dedicated IRA interns: Lessie Faumuina, Eseta Enesi, Grace Nai, Grace Wanjau, and Lafaele Aunoa to serve as vital liaisons between the program and participating organizations.

Building on this foundation of collaboration, the Gala marked a milestone by recognizing the accomplishments of these partners while honoring the broader work of terrestrial-based environmental agencies.

For the evening, the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center was transformed into a lush, greenhouse-inspired venue that emphasized our local forests and environment. For many in attendance, the evening symbolized the growing momentum behind sustainability efforts throughout the territory.

Educational outreach remained central to the Gala, with a diverse range of agencies hosting informational booths — including the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, ASEPA, the Department of Agriculture, the Governor’s Resilience Office, the National Park of American Samoa, Fa’aSamoa Arts, and Tropical Trees and Seas.

The evening was further enriched by cultural performances from the 7th-grade Samoan class of Laulii Elementary, led by Principal Petesa Paselio and Ms. Tilofia Moetala.

A standout highlight was the sustainable fashion show presented by the 4-H Program. High school students from across the island — including Faasao Marist, Pacific Horizons, Tafuna, Nuuuli Voc-Tech, Fagaitua, and Leone — modeled creative designs crafted entirely from recycled and natural materials.

The Gala was honored by the presence of Father Pio Afu, who opened the evening with a word of prayer, setting a spirit of unity and shared purpose. He later brought the evening to a close with words of encouragement and a final prayer, reminding those in attendance that the environment is a gift from God, urging them to remain dedicated stewards of the Lord’s creations.

Adding to the prestige of the evening, Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. delivered special remarks on the importance of community-driven conservation. He expressed his enthusiastic support for the ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors working to preserve the territory’s natural resources.

Support for the event was also evident from the Board of Higher Education, represented by Chairwoman Dr. Oreta Mapu Crichton and Secretary Pualani Pulu Fui, alongside ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Pato and ACNR Director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta.

The success of the Gala was a collective effort, made possible by the support of the dedicated staff and leadership across ASCC, including Vice Presidents Dr. Moananu and Dr. Leomiti, CIO Grace Tulafono, Procurement Officer Jessie Su’esu’e, Finance Officer Elsie Lesā, Maintenance Manager Apolonia Aiolupotea, and Chief of Security Faamasani Tuitasi.

Following the event's success, organizers from ASCC-ACNR and Manatua expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming community support and participation. They noted that the Gala’s success reflects a growing awareness of environmental stewardship and a stronger community commitment to protecting American Samoa’s natural resources.

As the first of its kind, the Indoor Greenhouse Gala has established a promising precedent for future Arbor Week celebrations, merging culture, youth engagement, and community action in a meaningful and impactful way.