American Memorial

American Memorial Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan Getting to know our American Memorial Park: A cultural and natural treasure Carolinian culture Natural resources of American Memorial Park purple land crab Remnant wetland park area ocean mud flats mangrove forest and wetland fiddler crab beach morning glory bike path road surrounding district mangrove ironwood tree Pacific reef heron collared kingfisher In the early 1800s, the Caroline Islands suffered a major typhoon, prompting some islanders to resettle elsewhere. Large proas (canoes) filled with refugees navigated north to Saipan. The village of Arabwal was established by them on the western shores of the current Garapan area. The mangrove forest and wetland in the park are home to crabs, birds, and young fish. Mangroves, especially suited to grow in salt water, stabilize the shoreline, absorb nutrients, and filter sediments from runoff coming from the land. Mariana common moorhen nightingale reed-warbler Chamorro culture Bird refuge Visitor Center historic sites cultural site Remembering our history More than 3500 years before the arrival of the Spanish, Chamorro people settled the Pacific islands now called the Marianas. They carved ancient reef limestone lattes (tall support columns) so their palapalas (thatched and grasswoven huts) were raised well above ground. “American Memorial Park will serve as the surrogate memory and living legacy for future generations to comprehend and appreciate the sacrifices, ordeals, and lessons of this segment of World War II history.” — John Jarvis, Regional Director NPS Pacific West Region, 2005. A few species of forest and wetland birds found only in the Mariana Islands are found here in the park. Some may face possible extinction, including the Commonwealth bird, the Mariana fruit dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla). Did you know that ranger-led tours of the park are available for individuals, families, or school groups? Stop by the American Memorial Park Visitor Center for more information. Please respect this park by helping us keep it clean and preserve it for future generations. NP National Park Service www.nps.gov/amme F IC PA CI American Memorial Park S ND NET W ISLA O RK Inv g rin ent ory & Monito Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program Integration & Application Network National Park Service science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/pacn/ University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science www.ian.umces.edu