Hawaii Tropical Shrublands: An Endangered Ecosystem, Special Lecture

Join the Friends of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge for a morning of learning about Hawaiian Tropical Shrub-lands, a threatened ecosystem that consists of many endemic Hawaiian plants and animals. Friends of Keālia Pond NWR is hosting two experts, Dr. Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon, III and Butch Haase, to open a conversation about the ecology of this ecosystem. Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 to protect the endan-gered ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian Coot) and ae‘o (Hawaiian Stilt) populations. It is one of the few remaining protect-ed wetlands in Hawai‘i, and is also home to Hawaiian Tropical Shrubland habitat restoration areas. 

Natural History of the Hawaiian Tropical Shrubland 8:45-9:45 

Dr. Samuel M. ‘Ohukani‘ōhi‘a Gon, III – Considered one of the most prominent authorities on Hawaiian Tropical Shrubland, Dr. Gon will lead us through the natural history of this ecoregion. As the Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor for the Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, Dr. Gon’s work is informed by conservation biology and Hawaiian cultural practice. For over 40 years, Dr. Gon has worked in the field of Hawaiian ecology, leading community workshops, serving on cooperative projects and committees, and presenting about Hawaiian ecosystems and culture. 

Restoration of Moloka‘i Ranch Lands 9:50-10:50 

William (Butch) Haase – As Executive Director of the Moloka‘i Land Trust, Haase is responsible for protecting and managing the Mokio and Kawaikapu Preserves. The restoration of the Hawaiian Tropical Shrubland in these preserves serves as an ex-ample of large-scale positive habitat change through partnerships, inventive restoration practices, and community involvement. Haase will share his experience managing Hawaiian Tropical Shrubland restoration projects. 

Cost: Recommended donation of $10, which includes membership in Friends of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge for the rest of 2019. Free for members of Friends of Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge and Federal Employees. Please RSVP to: friendsofkealiapond@gmail.com