Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge To Celebrate 25th Anniversary
Twenty-five years ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had just purchased the first 8,300 acres of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge from The Nature Conservancy, and its staff began dreaming of what it would become. On October 16, visitors will have a chance to see what has transpired and celebrate 25 years of effort to restore pastureland to rainforest as they explore this "land of many perches."
Each October during National Wildlife Refuge Week, the staff of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge open the gates to invite the public to visit areas of the Refuge that are generally not accessible. Reservations are now being accepted for the 18th annual open house on Saturday, October 16.
"Portions of the Refuge looked more like a cattle ranch than a rainforest 25 years ago," said Project Leader Jim Kraus. "As we stand in the midst of 50(?)- foot koa trees that volunteers have planted over the years, we can't help but marvel at the progress being made. It gives many of us hope for the future of Hawai'i's native rainforest species."
Residents and visitors are invited to hike through the Pua 'Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest, many native birds such as 'i'iwi and 'elepaio, and significant numbers of endangered species including the Hawai'i creeper and Hawai'i 'akepa. A historic 115-year old koa cabin also will be open for viewing.
Visitors will be met by refuge staff and tour leaders at the Pua akala Barn anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will receive a briefing on refuge management objectives and strategies and a description of the plants and animals the Refuge protects. Rainforest hikes of varying lengths will be offered. The hikes will be led by biologists and staff familiar with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the refuge greenhouse and learn about the forest restoration program, as well as the newly constructed maintenance and storage facility funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Cultural resource protection, weed control projects, tree-planting efforts, and the University of Hawai'i's field station will also be highlighted.
An interpretive trail bordering Hakalau Gulch will be featured during this year's open house. The one-half-mile trail was funded and constructed by the Friends of Hakalau Forest and is dedicated in memory of Wayne Ortiz, a former refuge employee. The trail has an accompanying brochure describing native plants, some of their cultural uses, and their significance as forest bird habitat. Open house visitors are invited to hike the trail beginning at the trailhead located inside the gate leading to the administrative site and greenhouse.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the two-hour drive from Hilo, Waimea, or Kona.
"Families with children are welcome but be prepared for a long rough ride, rugged terrain, and primitive facilities," said Kraus. Visitors should come prepared for wet chilly weather and bring their own lunch, water, binoculars, and rain gear. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Refuge office in Hilo at 443-2300 by October 14. Directions and additional information will be emailed to all participants.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge consists of 32,730 acres of native forest and grassland on the windward slope of Mauna Kea and 5,300 acres of forest on the leeward slope of Mauna Loa. The Refuge was established on October 28, 1985, to protect and manage endangered forest birds and their habitat. It contains some of the finest stands of koa-'Mhi'a forest remaining in the state.
Each October during National Wildlife Refuge Week, the staff of Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge open the gates to invite the public to visit areas of the Refuge that are generally not accessible. Reservations are now being accepted for the 18th annual open house on Saturday, October 16.
"Portions of the Refuge looked more like a cattle ranch than a rainforest 25 years ago," said Project Leader Jim Kraus. "As we stand in the midst of 50(?)- foot koa trees that volunteers have planted over the years, we can't help but marvel at the progress being made. It gives many of us hope for the future of Hawai'i's native rainforest species."
Residents and visitors are invited to hike through the Pua 'Akala Tract, which harbors a high-elevation rainforest, many native birds such as 'i'iwi and 'elepaio, and significant numbers of endangered species including the Hawai'i creeper and Hawai'i 'akepa. A historic 115-year old koa cabin also will be open for viewing.
Visitors will be met by refuge staff and tour leaders at the Pua akala Barn anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. They will receive a briefing on refuge management objectives and strategies and a description of the plants and animals the Refuge protects. Rainforest hikes of varying lengths will be offered. The hikes will be led by biologists and staff familiar with native Hawaiian flora and fauna. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the refuge greenhouse and learn about the forest restoration program, as well as the newly constructed maintenance and storage facility funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Cultural resource protection, weed control projects, tree-planting efforts, and the University of Hawai'i's field station will also be highlighted.
An interpretive trail bordering Hakalau Gulch will be featured during this year's open house. The one-half-mile trail was funded and constructed by the Friends of Hakalau Forest and is dedicated in memory of Wayne Ortiz, a former refuge employee. The trail has an accompanying brochure describing native plants, some of their cultural uses, and their significance as forest bird habitat. Open house visitors are invited to hike the trail beginning at the trailhead located inside the gate leading to the administrative site and greenhouse.
Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Refuge. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required for the two-hour drive from Hilo, Waimea, or Kona.
"Families with children are welcome but be prepared for a long rough ride, rugged terrain, and primitive facilities," said Kraus. Visitors should come prepared for wet chilly weather and bring their own lunch, water, binoculars, and rain gear. Pets are not allowed. Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Refuge office in Hilo at 443-2300 by October 14. Directions and additional information will be emailed to all participants.
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge consists of 32,730 acres of native forest and grassland on the windward slope of Mauna Kea and 5,300 acres of forest on the leeward slope of Mauna Loa. The Refuge was established on October 28, 1985, to protect and manage endangered forest birds and their habitat. It contains some of the finest stands of koa-'Mhi'a forest remaining in the state.
