CELEBRATE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WEEK AND THE COMPLETION OF KAUA‘I’S FIRST PREDATOR-PROOF FENCE -- Treat yourself with a visit to the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 15 – 18, 2014. The Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex which is comprised of Hanalei, Hulē‘ia, and Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuges are a proud part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of public lands set aside to protect wildlife. We are also celebrating the completion of Kaua‘i’s first predator-proof fence. This type of fence has been used with great success in New Zealand and O‘a hu and is designed to keep out introduced mammalian predators (such as cats, dogs, mongoose, rats and mice). Celebration activities for the week are as follows: Wednesday, October 15th LIGHTHOUSE TOURS –Take a tour of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing through 3:00 p.m. Learn about the history of the Lighthouse and the restoration efforts recently completed. Tickets are required and obtained on-site. No early reservations will be taken. NĪHOKU (CRATER HILL) PREDATOR-PROOF FENCE HIKE–Join a Wildlife Biologist and Refuge Partner for a moderately strenuous hike to view Kaua‘i’s first predator-proof fence on the slopes of Nīhoku. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 808-631-5191. Thursday, October 16 HANALEI WETLANDS TOUR-Join Refuge Biologist Kim Uyehara from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for an exciting tour of Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. Observe Hawai‘i’s endangered water birds in their native habitat and learn about steps being taken to aid in their recovery. Space is limited and reservations are required . Please call 808-631-5191. Friday, October 17th NĪHOKU HIKE-Join a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ranger for a moderately strenuous hike to a remote portion of the refuge where wildlife and breathtaking coastal views abound. This free hike will start at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 3 hours. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 808-631 -5191. Saturday, October 18th KĪLAUEA POINT FREE DAY- Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kīlauea Point, at no charge. The $5 entrance fee will be waived. Visitors can stroll through the history of the National Wildlife Refuge System while enjoying the sounds of surf and seabirds. Take in coastal views while looking for spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and Hawaiian monk seals. Explore the work being done for wildlife by other conservation groups and take pictures with “Puddles” the Blue Goose, mascot of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. LIGHTHOUSE TOURS –Take a tour of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse every half hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing through 3:00 p.m. Learn about the history of the Lighthouse and the restoration efforts recently completed. Tickets are required and obtained on-site. No early reservations will be taken. NĪHOKU/MŌKŌLEA POINT HIKE-Join local historian and Refuge Volunteer Gary Smith from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a vigorous three-mile hike to spectacular vantage points on the Refuge, accessible only to guided visitors. This free hike will reveal a rich history of the Refuge and bright past of Kīlauea Town. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please call 808-631-5191 For other questions not related to the various hikes contact Jennifer Waipa at 808-635-0925 To learn more about the Refuge, visit: fws.gov/kilaueapoint; to learn more about KPNHA, visit kilaueapoint.org Lighthouse photo by Scott Hanft
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:28:00 +0000