MEDIA RELEASE
Trek through Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge in search of endangered birds with wildlife biologist, birder and award-wining photographer Jack Jeffrey on a Kohala Center learning event 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.
This is the first of four 2010 learning events by The Kohala Center, featuring “The Birds and the Bees and a Little Bit of Chocolate.”
Learn about the history of Hakalau Forest and current conservation efforts. See how reforestation efforts at the refuge are contributing to enhanced native habitat and recovery of native bird and plant populations. Hike for two miles in the 32,733-acre refuge through native montane rainforest, habitat for 12 endemic forest birds, of which five are endangered.
This habitat also serves as home to 13 migratory and 20 introduced bird species, the endangered Hawaiian bat opeapea, and 29 rare and endangered plant species. Visit the 100-year-old koa cabin of Pua Akala, and enjoy Jack’s many stories.
A picnic lunch is included. Space is limited; for reservations, visit www.kohalacenter.org and click on “Programs & Events” and “Current Events” or contact The Kohala Center at info@kohalacenter.org or 887-6411. Cost is $25 for current Friends of The Kohala Center; $75 for new Friends, which includes the event.
To learn more about the Circle of Friends, visit www.kohalacenter.org, click on “Join Us” and “Become a Member.”
Other trips planned this year are “Chocolate Growing and Production on Kuaiwi Farm” in Kealakekua on Feb. 13, “Beekeeping and Volcano Island Honey with Richard Spiegel” on March 20, and the “Keauhou Bird Conservation Center and Kipuka Puaulu with Jack Jeffrey” on May 15.
