The National Wildlife Refuge Association and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation presented the 2009 National Wildlife Refuge System supporters and employee awards Thursday at the 74th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia. This years Refuge Employee of the Year award was presented to Baron Hoiuchi during a ceremony before more than 500 people.
Horiuchi, a Hilo, Hawaii, native and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services only horticulturist, works at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii. He has spent the last thirteen years successfully developing and implementing propagation and planting methods for endangered Hawaiian plants. Horiuchi has created a unique program that engages hundreds of conservation partners and volunteer groups in the management of the Hakalau Forest greenhouse operation.
Through his exceptional talent, Horiuchi has aided in the recovery of seven species of endangered plants, including two species with fewer than three individuals remaining in the wild. One species is a native Hawaiian mint, Phyllostegia brevidens, which was thought to be extinct but was recently rediscovered on non-refuge lands.
Today, more than 400 individuals of this mint have been produced because of Barons innovative germination and propagation techniques. Because of Horiuchis efforts more than 1,400 other endangered plants have been propagated from seeds and cuttings, greenhouse grown and planted into protected areas.
Horiuchi modestly states that his program wouldnt be successful without the help of partners and volunteers.
"Baron has a wonderful ability to engage all age groups, with a special talent for interpreting the conservation challenge of the greenhouse and planting operation, and getting people involved in the recovery effort," said Jim Kraus, refuge manager. "Thanks to Barons work, Hakalau serves as an inspiring model for federal, state and NGO land managers for how the restoration of Hawaiian forest plants may prevent many Hawaiian bird species from becoming extinct."
Horiuchi and his volunteers have planted tens of thousands of Koa and other tree species to restore Hawaiian forest habitats for the benefit of endangered birds and have increased the population of extremely rare endemic plant species at Hakalau. Just 25 years ago, this landscape on the side of Mauna Kea was a stark cattle ranch.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
