From Monday to Thursday we worked alongside the Orange Team from the Oahu Army Natural Resource Program (OANRP). We had a great time repairing fences to prevent pigs from destroying native plants, spraying herbicide on invasive species, clipping/sawing down invasive species, monitoring native plants, weeding invasive plants, and hiking constantly up and down Makaha Valley and 3 Points. Then on Friday we hiked up Palehua Trail, and proceeded to another nearby trail, where we worked on trail maintenance. This included raking, clipping, and sawing invasive plants that were on the pathway.
This week was great! I learned so many names of both native/non-native species! Cyanea superba superba, ohia lehua, kumuvi, hapuu, polopolai, ala hee, nuku iivi, and a TON more! The Army guys were really fun to be around! They were so passionate about what they do, taught us so much about conservation, and were enthusiastic about everything! Although at times the hiking got strenuous, the views were amazing and the endemic and endangered species we worked with were really cool. Now, I have a good understanding of what it takes to be an environmentalist and conservationist: PASSION.
ReplyDeleteHiking at Palehua was great too; that sunrise hike was definitely worth it...even if we woke up before 4am!
Greeeat Job Team Periwinkle-Blue Awesomee :)