Aloha everyone! I have never blogged before so I apologize if this isn't sufficient. These past two weeks of working with my Oʻahu F team have been awesome. I have learned more after two weeks outdoors and working with my hands, than after 9 months in a Biology classroom. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is the agency my team has been working with for the past five days. This federal government agency is dedicated to the management and conservation of different habitats throughout the nation.

This week my team and I were introduced to the James Campbell Natural Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This wetland refuge located in Kahuku that provides a habitat for endangered birds such as the ae‘o (Hawaiian stilt) which can be a very territorial species, the ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot) that is born with black feathers that eventually turn white, the ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen) that can waddle across the surface of water, and the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck) that nest year-round on the refuge. Throughout the week my team and I set up these things called tracking tunnels that are placed at different locations on the refuge and with the use of tracking cards they record invasive species that pass through these areas. Some common invasive species that were recorded are mongoose, rats, and mice. We also had the opportunity to dissect toads and plant native species. I am satisfied with the work I have done so far on this tranquil, diverse, and beautiful refuge. I look forward to continuing our progress with to restore this native habitat. Now who's ready for Kahoʻolawe?