Ecological Society of America

Held in March 2006 the East Maui Ecology Field Trip inspired undergraduate students and aspiring graduate students to continue higher education in the field of ecology. The trip helped expand student knowledge regarding the conservation of endemic and native species, appreciation of Native Hawaiian culture, sustainable living, and protected area management strategies. UHMEC members camped throughout the trip in Maui first staying at Waihe'e Beach, where they participated in the restoration of edible native limu (algae). Local Hawaiian scientist Napua Brown led the group in species identification and use and different methods of algae restoration. Native algae (Codium spp.) were gathered, cleared of invasive species (Hypnea musciformis), and entwined in natural fibers or secured to a piece of rock or coral. The fiber or rock with limu secured to it was placed back into the ocean wedge in the reef. Placement of the limu in this manner allows for the development of a holdfast and regeneration of edible native limu in the area. We then packed our tents and drove three hours past many waterfalls to East Maui Hana.

Arriving at Ohe'o Gulch, we readied ourselves to assist the Kipahulu 'Ohana with their lo'i, taro (Colocasia esculenta) pondfield. The Kipahulu 'Ohana are a nonprofit organization, and their farm known as Kapahu Farm is located within the limits of the Haleakala National Park. Kipahulu 'Ohana is dedicated to educating residents and visitors on the "ways of old" through cultural demonstrations and hands-on activities. On our visit members were involved in weeding patches, preparation for the East Maui Taro Festival, pounding kalo into poi (a Hawaiian food staple) and learning about sustainable Hawaiian living. The proposed visit by members of the UHMEC initiates a long term effort on the part of students to play active roles in the control and elimination of invasive species, while at the same time supporting residents in the communities that are located in and adjacent to areas recognized as centers of biological and cultural diversity.

The trip concluded with a visit to National Tropical Botanical Kahanu Gardens (NTBG), known for their Polynesian ethnobotanical collection and for the largest heiau (sacred site) in Maui. The NTBG mission and purpose is to preserve a site, which holds a collection of plants of cultural and ecological significance. Invasive species in east Maui are continually spreading out (miconia, African tulip, snails) and our contribution of labor and understanding is critical to current efforts at eradication. UHMEC toured the grounds and was familiarized with native and indigenous species. After the introduction to the gardens, members pitched in to remove invasive species and clear the grown plants which where covering the Pi'ilanihale Heiau.