Phenology and Bird Care in Hakalau
Our intrepid forest scientists, Colin Phifer and Scott Larsen, arranged for a group of Hui Malama kids to go to Hakalau Forest Preserve. While there, the kids examined the forest for evidence of pollination and pollinators, and they learned about indicators of climate change in forests. They also got to work side-by-side with Eben Paxton, USGS Biologist, and Steve Kendell, Hakalau Wildlife Biologist, in caring for some native birds. Everyone had an amazing time, and the kids came back exhausted and beaming -- a perfect Hui Malama adventure!
Our UH-Hilo undergrad partner, Rachel Cabanilla, completes her internship...we'll miss you!!!!
We were so lucky to have the help of Rachel Cabanilla, marine sciences student extraordinaire, this year. She organized snorkel trips, chaperoned an overnight adventure with dolphins, and helped the students with their writing and project-making. We hope to have more adventures with Rachel in the future, and we wish her the very best in whatever she does next. Thanks, Rachel :)
Junior Ocean Scientists meet dolphins, up close and personal
The Junior Ocean Scientists worked hard to learn about dolphins, complete several fund-raising events, and make arrangements to visit Dolphin Quest at Waikoloa. Their hard work payed off, as you can tell by the photos below. Good work, JOS!
Students explore Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge
On the very rainy Saturday (October 15, 2010), a small group of dedicated students packed themselves, along with Tom and Auntie Jen, into a 4-wheel drive van. They bumped and tumbled along the long road to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, and they emerged into a misty world of trees, birds and community members. The event was Hakalau's Open House, the one day a year that the public is invited to enter this beautiful part of our island. The students learned about rare native plants being cultivated for replanting efforts, endangered native birds who call this part of Hawaii Island their home, and reforestation efforts over the years. Much mahalos to Auntie Jen for arranging the adventure and to Uncle Baron for his enthusiastic, inspiring interaction with the students.
Interested in supporting the work at Hakalau? Go to http://www.friendsofhakalauforest.org/ to learn how you can become a member and help out :)
Interested in supporting the work at Hakalau? Go to http://www.friendsofhakalauforest.org/ to learn how you can become a member and help out :)
Junior Ocean Scientists raise awareness at OCEANS'11 Conference, Kailua-Kona, September 2011
The Junior Ocean Scientists had the wonderful opportunity to share an information booth with NOAA at the OCEANS'11 Conference held this year at the Hilton Waikoloa. Our focus was to raise awareness of the critically endangered False Killer whales that are endemic to Hawaii. We put together a display board, gathered some informational materials, and did research on endangered species in general. At the conference, we got to meet so many interested scientists from around the world, and they were truly intrigued by our cause. We even got to meet Steve Hammond, the Chief Scientist for NOAA. The experience was good for us -- we gained skills in public speaking, learned more about careers in science, and really bonded as a group. Many mahalos to Auntie Pauler Keeler for making it all happen, Keeley for welcoming us so warmly, and HAAS for providing transportation.
Hui Malama students partner with community organizations to install reef etiquette sign at Wai Opae Marine Life Conservation District.
We were so fortunate to work with the Coral Reef Alliance, the Vacationland Waterfront Committee, and the Vacationland Hawaii Community Associationto install this donated sign. We also had huge support from Liz Foote, Sara Peck, Jen Barrett, Linda Schubert, Geoff Moore, Kara Osada-D'Avella, Bo Pardau, Chad Wiggins, Gene Madriaga, and the maintenance crew from Hawaii Academy of Arts & Sciences public charter school. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the public and community experts in protecting and raising awareness of Wai Opae. Special thanks to Ka'io and Triston for stepping up and being leaders for the project :).
Turtle tagging at Punaluu
Hui Malama students are very lucky to be able to work with George Balaz and staff and students from UH-Hilo in monitoring turtles in Hawaii. It's a jam-packed day of observing scientific practices, gathering data, mingling with university students, and raising public awareness of the sea turtles who live on our islands.
Black and White Dance for False Killer Whales!!
The Junior Ocean Scientists sponsored a middle school dance to raise awareness of Hawaii's false killer whales. All proceeds go to a fund for sending students to Honolulu to speak with state legislators about making the false killer whale Hawaii's state whale.
