We are pleased to welcome Dr. Susan Cordell, Science Lead, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service in Hilo who has agreed to speak on “greenstripping” with native Hawaiian plants as a fire prevention strategy on Maui. “Greenstrips”, also called “greenbreaks” or vegetated fuel breaks, is the practice of using plant species with fire-resistant characteristics to create areas of non-flammable vegetation that 1) disrupt fuel continuity & 2) limit the growth of fire-promoting grasses. After the more than a half dozen fires last summer, this is a practice that would be very valuable to institute locally. This talk will be part of the January 2020 membership drive for Friends of Kealia Pond, so attendees will need to join or rejoin for $20 (with the exception of all government employees who can attend for free). To RSVP by joining Friends of Kealia Pond please go to the membership page on this website.