Field Study Programs: The Blue-Green Bridge: Connecting Oceans & Streams
Waihe'e Preserve

This program is introduced by kupuna wahine, steering students through the area's features and rich cultural history. From the Waihe'e Stream to the Beach Park, we discuss the effects of predators and development in coastal habitats. Walking through the stream and taro fields above, to the beach and waves below, students discover two distinct ecosystems side-by-side. As they grasp the fragile balance to keep both habitats healthy, students may help with a stewardship project or other activity as part of the program.

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Explain unique features found and activities that occur where these two ecosystems meet
• Describe the differences between native and non-native plants, birds, animals, and insects
• Explain the importance of protected coastal zones as turtle nesting areas
• Identify 2 coastal birds and 2 preserve native plants

8:30 at school meeting place

• Introductions and briefing
• Outfit everyone at the school
• Develop rules of conduct for the day with students

9:00 Arrive at Waihe'e Preserve
During the drive:

• Who has been here before?
• What habitat are we visiting today?
• What importance might this have had to the Hawaiian people -- why this area is protected?

9:15 Visit Waihe'e Stream overlook with kupuna wahine

• Learn about the history of this area
• Students look at the unique 'auwai (man-made ditch) and guess what they might have used this for

10:00 Drive down to Waihe'e Beach Park for a bathroom break; Intermediate School students play Turtle Hurdles

• Introduce Waihe'e as an active turtle nesting area
• Discuss life cycle and limiting factors to turtle survival
• Game Goal: students try to “make it” as a turtle – all the way to nesting age

10:45 River Walk to Beach

• Focus on native vs. non-native plants, coastal birds and the importance of this area as the vital link in the green/blue bridge from stream to ocean

11:30 "The Edge Effect" activity

• Students are stationed along the stream at intervals and identify & record what they see (substrate, species of plants/animals, etc.)
• Focus on zonation and types of animals/plants that inhabit each area.
• What did they find (or NOT find)?
• Adaptations animals/plants have developed for their zone, assess the general health of the area
• High School students lead water quality monitoring tests and document results to be used in post-program activities

12:15 Lunch

12:45 Hike back towards Waihe'e Beach Park. Students have observation projects & discussion topics for the hike

1:30 Leave for school or meeting place

2:00 Return to school or meeting place

Download the Waihe'e Preserve Program Packet

Water is Precious
Seasonal Wetlands & the Watershed
Living Streams in Balance
Journeys to the Sea

DOC Files require Microsoft Word.
PDF Files require Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Contact Wild Hawai'i:
Wild Hawai'i Learning Adventures, Inc.
PO Box 1378
Kihei, Hawai'i 96753
Office: 808-874-1256
Fax: 808-875-7536
info@wildhawaii.net