Friends of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge

Here are some important dates for your calendars. We have three Hakalau volunteer trips coming up; we welcome your participation. Please scroll down for the three dates.

And please save these dates (FOHF will have a booth and volunteers at each event);

1. Hawaii Conservation Conference in Honolulu – July 30th -Aug 1st 
2. Walk for the Wild at Hakalau Forest - October 5th (registration will go live in late August)
3. Hawaii Island Festival of Birds in Hilo – October 26th 

A final request – please check out and like our social media posts on Facebook and Instagram (linked at the bottom of the newsletter). We post a new “Notes from the Field” on the first of every month on FB; a quick comment/opinion about Hakalau Forest by leaders in conservation. This month, Emeritus Professor Charles van Riper III champions the Kanakaleonui Corridor. And on Instagram look for our new “Wildlife Wednesdays” post; the spectacular May post featuring the ʻIʻiwi has already generated 460 likes and added 36 new IG followers in just three days.

Refuge Updates

Welcome Eric!

Interview with Marcia Stone

I recently interviewed Eric-Preston Hamren to introduce him to the Friends’ of Hakalau Forest volunteers. 

Eric joined the Refuge this year as the Plant Restoration and Propagation Lead after working at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for three years and before that as a Kupu (intern) with Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project. Before that Eric was a self-described foodie working for several years with Whole Foods Market and the Cheesecake Factory. He now lives in Hilo with his partner and enjoys spending time with him and his family and is generally happy as long as he is outside and active.

1. How did you first take an interest in Hawaiian plants and birds? 

I was never a birder or a plant nerd but I have always had an interest in gardening and a passion for animals. I knew nothing of native Hawaiian plants or wildlife when I first moved to O'ahu. I came across an article about I'iwi and thought they looked super interesting with their curved beak and started looking up where to find them. I planned an entire trip to Maui and made sure finding I'iwi was the top priority. I collected Pokemon cards as a kid and seeing my first I'iwi at Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park was like seeing a rare legendary Pokemon in real life. I was hooked. The more I learned about native wildlife, the more I realized how interconnected they were to native plants, and the more I learned how threatened and endangered they too were becoming. Plants are just more rare legendary Pokemon for me to find. Every native plant I see fills me with the same excitement of seeing my first I'iwi. 

2. Do you have a favorite plant or bird?

For birds, I love all our manu, and palila holds a special place for me, but my favorite is I'iwi through and through! Plants are more challenging to choose. I have a new favorite plant every day and some times every hour but consistently I find myself drawn to our native Lobelioids, all the Campanulaceae. 'Oha wai, Koli'i, Hāhā, etc

3. What did you think of Hakalau Forest the first time you went there?

First time I came to Hakalau Forest I was a volunteer for USGS with Stephanie Yelenik. I remember wondering on the drive in why I signed up for 7 months of driving back and forth on this dirt road and then we rounded the corner where you can see the fence line with all the restoration on one side and the sea of grass and gorse on the other. I was mesmerized and I remember feeling a strong sense of hope. It was so refreshing to see so much restoration when I used to always feel helpless that anything we do wouldn't make any difference for our native plants and wildlife. It was also spring when I arrived and the 'ākala was in bloom so the I'iwi were down low all around us. I ended up living in the UH cabin for 5 of the 7 months I was here because we were evacuated from the National Park during the 2018 eruption. Hurricane Lane that same summer made me appreciate the condition of the dirt road from my first day.

4. What are your near and long term plans for the nursery?

You're asking me some deep challenging questions. First and foremost, the work we do at Hakalau Forest is a long game and not something anyone can do alone or in a single lifetime. Its a never ending relay race where we pass the baton from one generation to the next. Baron held the nursery baton before me and, with all of you volunteering your weekends, brought us from open pasture to a developed canopy and a haven for endangered plants that were on the brink of extinction. Our manu responded and populations grew. Now that the baton is passed to me, I want to continue with what Baron started and keep the restoration of Hakalau Forest moving forward. That means getting the greenhouse operational, getting the supplies we need to ramp up production, and getting plants growing in the nursery again. Once we are up and running, there is a national effort in fire prevention so the next couple years will focus on restoration along the top fence boundary with the goal of planting dense enough to shade out non-native grasses to lower the chance a fire will cross over into the refuge. One of the other side projects is to learn where all of our kupuna trees are in the old ranch areas so we can seed collect from them and preserve their genetics before they are gone. Overall, long term, I am always thinking about the day when I will pass the baton to the next person and ensuring I am doing everything I can do take us as far as we can go so the next generation can take us further.

5. How can Friends of Hakalau Forest volunteers help?

Oh I don't want to spoil everything! I haven't even been here a month yet so its still too early to talk about. Just know that volunteers in the nursery and seed collecting will always be needed and welcome. I'm working with Leah to find ways to incorporate volunteers in the nursery so opportunities for volunteers are expanded rather than only using the limited number of weekend trips. You'll start seeing opportunities this summer and hopefully it will keep growing from there.

Thank you Eric. Our flora and fauna are in good hands!

The Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR Greenhouse WISH LIST

The new Refuge Nursery Lead at Hakalau Forest NWR, Eric-Preston Hamren has big plans for the two newly renovated NWR greenhouses and we need your help to support their efforts!

1.        Amazon Wish List

Check out the Friends’ Amazon Wish List and see how you can support restoration efforts at Hakalau Forest NWR. Every item on the Wish List helps the Refuge grow native plants that will be used for restoration activities to protect the precious endangered species, including the ʻAkiapōlāu and ʻAlawī.

Please click here to donate the various items that the Refuge needs (and mahalo to those of you who have already donated) - https://www.amazon.com/.../ZQ8LO.../ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1

Please use the Refuge address in the "Shipping" section of the "Checkout" process - that way, your donation will be delivered directly to the FWS office in Hilo and can be put to use immediately.

2.        Buy locally in Hilo (in person or by calling or email)

These three items can be purchased in Hilo from the store “Nursery Things” (they welcome in person visits or phone calls; emails take a little longer response time). The Refuge staff can pick up any donated items from the store. Nursery Things currently has all the following items in stock but if the amount purchased exceeds what is in stock, the Refuge staff can collect what they have, and you can ask for/order more in the next shipment.

Nursery Things, 626 Kealakai St, Hilo, HI 96720

808-959-9135

hinurserythings@gmail.com

a). D40L Dibbles (800 per case) at $300 per case. A minimum of 6 cases and up to 10 cases are needed. The larger volume of these dibble pots will allow the Refuge to grow taller trees to decrease the likelihood that they will get smothered by grasses. This will be especially helpful for 'Ōhi'a and Māmane. The extra inch in depth also helps the plants retain moisture if there is a dry spell after out-planting.

b). D20T Trays. $20 each. A minimum of 300 and up to 500. This is the tray size that will hold the D40L dibbles. They hold 20 per tray. Having ample trays will allow the Refuge to have some extra if any break and to space out plants once they become larger. If the full quantity isn't in stock, we will take whatever Nursery Things has available.

c). Cart w/ tip proof foot. $1058 each. Need one please but will happily take two! This cart is currently in stock at Nursery Things and has a higher weight capacity with flat proof tires. This will reduce the amount of back and forth moving that will be needed while working in the nursery. The extra height will also protect the backs of staff and volunteers. 

Please help the Friends of Hakalau Forest provide supplies for the newly renovated greenhouses at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge if you possibly can. You can purchase these items individually, as a business, or perhaps as a group or family donation. All donations to the greenhouse Wish List are tax-deductible; you’ll need to keep the receipt. More supplies mean more native seedlings can be grown, more trees can be out-planted, and more endangered forest birds, plants and insects can be saved at Hakalau Forest.

Mahalo!

Hawaii Conservation Conference

July 31 - August 1st at the Hawai'i Convention Center

Look for our booth at the Hawai'i Conservation Conference!

Research Article:

Forest Bird Populations at the Big Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Hawai‘i 

Kendall, et al. 2024

'I'iwi on an 'Ōhi'a lehua

Photo Credit: Jack Jeffrey

Endemic Hawaiian forest birds have experienced dramatic population declines. The Big Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex) was established for the conservation of endangered forest birds and their habitats. Surveys have been conducted at two units of the Refuge Complex to monitor forest bird populations and their response to management actions. We analyzed survey data from 1987 to 2019 at the Hakalau Forest Unit (HFU) and from 1995 to 2019 at the Kona Forest Unit (KFU). We analyzed three strata at HFU: open-forest, closed-forest, and afforested-pasture, and two strata at KFU: upper (>1,524 m elevation) and lower (<1,524 m).

In all years, ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea), ‘apapane (Himatione sanguinea), and Hawai‘i ‘amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens virens) were the most abundant species at HFU. Three endangered forest bird species, Hawai‘i ‘ākepa (Loxops coccineus), ‘alawī (Loxops mana) (also known as Hawai‘i creeper) and ‘akiapōlā‘au (Hemignathus wilsoni), had much lower densities.

The most abundant species at KFU was ‘apapane, followed by Hawai‘i ‘amakihi at much lower densities. We found a continuation of several trends observed in previous analyses at HFU up to 2012, with most species’ trends upward in afforested-pasture stratum, stable in the open-forest stratum, and downward in the closed-forest stratum. However, more species were showing downward trends in all three strata during the most recent decade.

Results were mixed at KFU, with most species’ trends downward in the upper stratum and upward in the lower stratum. Populations of endangered species were either locally extirpated at KFU or in numbers too low to reliably estimate population abundance. The Refuge Complex is important for conservation of forest birds on Hawai‘i Island.

Our results show that HFU supports the majority of three endangered forest bird species. Threats to forest birds at the Refuge Complex appear to be having a negative impact. These threats include habitat loss, disease, feral ungulates, and nonnative predators. Continuing and enhancing management actions, such as forest restoration and removal of invasive species, could help mitigate these impacts and allow the Refuge Complex to remain a key site for forest bird conservation in Hawai‘i.

For more information, please refer to the entire research article along with the following:

• USGS and USFWS Joint Press Release
• USGS and USFWS Story Board
• The Conversation: Lt. Gov. talks broadband, early education; Native birds

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE

October 5th 2024

Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR's Third Annual

WALK FOR THE WILD

Last year we had almost 500 Walkers and with that many participants we need many volunteers to help us!

Please contact Susan Miyasaka (volunteer coordinator) at miyasaka@hawaii.edu if you are able to help. She will send you a google form for you to fill out where you can indicate your job preferences or willingness to be assigned to any job. 

We need many volunteers for:



Gate duty – You will be assigned a shift and will be free to enjoy the walk and the exhibits when not working. The first shift will need to arrive early to manage the Mana Rd gate for the other volunteers and exhibitors. Then their job will be to help the Walker participants park along Mana Rd until the Mana Rd and interior gate officially open at 9am. All participants will need to be off the refuge at 3pm.

Volunteers will be working in groups of 2 at each gate so no one is manning a gate by themselves. Radios will be available at each gate to communicate with the other gate and the parking crew near the barn.

Parking- A briefing will be given after the introduction for volunteers at 8 but before the event is open to the public at 9 am.. You will be assigned to a shift. Your shift will involve standing for 2-3 hours, rain or shine - please come prepared for all weather. When not working you will be free to enjoy the walk and the exhibits.

Each shift will help the participants by directing them to parking spaces and helping them reverse into the spaces either at the barn parking area or the overflow lot. They will also welcome the Walkers and help point out the locations of the exhibit area and where the walk starts. The first shift will help park the crush of early arrivers. The last shift will help coordinate the people leaving so no cars meet going in opposite directions on the one way road into the refuge. The coordinators will have radios to communicate with the gate crew.

T-shirt sales – A briefing will be given before sales start to familiarize everyone with merchandise available, assignments in the booth, processes and other information. You may be involved in some or all of the following roles:

1. Assist with setup and tear down.
2. Greet visitors warmly.
3. Assist customers as needed answering questions about merchandise and pricing.
4. Handle sales transactions. Instructions will be advised for cash, credit card, or digital sales transactions. 
5. Handle on-site pre-sale merchandise pickup 
6. Keep the booth organized, help out where needed.
7. Be courteous and patient and cheerful and flexible.
8. Give suggestions and advise any issues as they arise.

Have fun!

Note: All participants will have time to complete the walk before/after their shift.

Volunteer Trip Led by Lisa Muehlstein - Recap

May 4-5, 2024

In May, a group of 14 volunteers traveled to Hakalau Forest. The group included 5 people from O'ahu and it was the first experience of the wonders of Hakalau Forest for at least 6 people in the group. The group worked in the Maulua Unit on a trail maintenance project. The trail was a short, guided walk typically used for school groups visiting the refuge. We cleared the trail, cut back invasive plant species, reset signposts and reviewed the signpost information. Despite the chilly rain, the group worked diligently on the project. Leah Messer, the Refuge’s Volunteer Coordinator, spent time with us giving us a great history of the refuge and she also accompanied us on a fabulous bird walk. 

Want to Join Us on the Next Volunteer Trip?

Three remaining work trip opportunities are part of the Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR’s attempt to expand activities post-COVID at the Refuge for Friends members in 2024.

Please contact each trip’s leader(s) for confirmation of exact timing and other essentials. Trips are only with Leader discretion and for MEMBERS ONLY. You must execute liability and NIL release documents. Transportation is limited.

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE

October 26th 2024

Hawai'i Island Festival of Birds

Excited to join one of our fun and busy committees?

Committees are the operating system of any organization, including the Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR. Besides being interesting and educational, being a committee member will help you develop skills in teamwork, networking, event organizing, administration and emails, social media, and leadership. And you’ll meet and interact with people who likely aren’t in your regular circle of friends and colleagues. We’d love to have you join one of our committees! Please email us at friendsofhakalauforest@gmail.com to let us know which one of the following you would like to join:

• Education Committee - educates the general public and our communities about FOHF
• Endowment Committee - manages and coordinates fundraising efforts
• Finance Committee - keeps track of FOHF’s assets and liabilities
• Legislative/Public Affairs Committee – provides advice and counsel to the Board re public policy and legislative priorities
• Marketing and Public Relations Committee - creates awareness of the good work that FOHF does by creating marketing and PR campaigns
• Membership Committee - keeps track of membership fees and looks for ways to attract new members
• Nominating & Governance Committee - recruits and orients new board members, and focuses on the effectiveness of the board
• Retail Sales Committee - responsible for the purchase and sale of FOHF merchandise
• Technology Committee - reviews and approves FOHF’s technology planning and strategy
• Volunteer Committee - responsible for the recruitment and coordination of all volunteer efforts for FOHF
• Walk for the Wild Committee - plans the annual Walk for the Wild event

The Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR is a membership organization. Membership dues and donations to the Friends are our only source of funds allowing us to cover our expenses.