Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Leone High School NOAA Planet Stewards and the local non-profit organization Fatoata had the opportunity to clear invasive Lusina in the village of Leone.

This opportunity was made available by Fofo Senator Olo Uluau Letuli and Haili Ripley who permitted the stewards to work along the coast on their lands where Lusina is most prominently located. The students have been diligently working the entire school year to remove invasive Lusina trees, which pose a threat to biodiversity and the native plants and wildlife in American Samoa.

As most of the students in the Stewards program live in Leone, it was an incredible opportunity to give back directly to their village. What made this project remarkable was the collaboration between Leone High School and the village of Leone itself. Recognizing the importance of environmental conservation and community involvement, local leaders rallied behind the students, offering their support.

"This project is about more than just removing invasive Lusina trees," remarked Science Teacher Fa’amamali Ualesi. "It's about instilling a sense of pride and ownership in our students, empowering them to make a positive impact in their community and the environment." Community members honked their horns as they drove by and checked in on the students as they uprooted Lusina trees, picked up marine debris, and planted native trees (Futu and Fetau) from CCCAS Siona to Niu Aveve.

Jason Taaloga and Uaine Salave’a tag team on a Lusina tree that has wrapped itself around the road railing. Lusina roots go straight down into the ground and can be tough to uproot. A specialized tool called the Extratigator makes uprooting the Lusina tree much easier. This is part of the project in Leone to remove the invasive Lusina leadtree, led by Leone High School NOAA Planet Stewards and the local non-profit organization Fatoata  [courtesy photo]

For the village of Leone, the project represents a unique opportunity to address environmental challenges while nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders. By engaging with local schools and fostering a culture of environmental awareness, community leaders lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future. Leone Pule Nu’u Ropati Opa aka The General welcomed the students to the work site and thanked them for their hard work and commitment to doing the right thing for the environment.

It has been rewarding for the students to collaborate with the village of Leone and political leaders who are supporting their environmental efforts. Under the guidance of their teachers, the students have been actively involved in identifying and removing Lusina that threatens the local ecosystem. Through meaningful engagement with community members and hands-on conservation efforts, they have gained a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues.

Emirina Ioane shows off a handful of seed pods she’s clipped from a lusina trees. The seed pods are collected, put in a trash bag, and burned to ensure they do not produce future invasive lusina trees.  This is part of the project in Leone to remove the invasive Lusina leadtree, led by Leone High School NOAA Planet Stewards and the local non-profit organization Fatoata [courtesy photo]

If you are interested in learning more contact Vera Peck at vera.peck@doe.as, check out the Liona Mataalia Facebook page or Fatoata Facebook page to join the Leone High School NOAA Planet Stewards in their mission to remove Lusina tree from our island home. Thank you again to Senator Olo Uluau Letuli, Leone Pule Nu’u Ropati Opa, and Haili Ripley for supporting the students of Leone High School in their environmental efforts.