Mahalo Monday: Congratulations Junior Rangers!
Mahalo to all families and keiki who joined Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on April 18 for Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites!
SCA intern Christa and Ranger Jessica pose with Junior Ranger Keahi. (NPS photo/C.Sadler)
Junior Rangers proudly display their Junior Ranger Day certificates with Ranger Jessica. (NPS photo/C. Sadler)
Ranger Jessica and Student Conservation Association intern Christa swore in over 50 new Junior Rangers on Junior Ranger Day to kick off National Park Week. Keiki from all over the world completed an interactive junior ranger handbook and earned a Junior Ranger badge, a Junior Ranger Day certificate, and were sworn in as a National Park Junior Ranger.
Junior Rangers wear their new badges in front of Jaggar Museum on Junior Ranger Day. (NPS photo/C. Sadler)
Family stands in front of Halema’uma’u after being sworn in as Junior Rangers. (NPS photo/C. Sadler)
“Our Junior Ranger programs are a perfect way for families to discover their World Heritage Site and national park together,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “As the park approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016, our most important goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates. Every keiki who becomes a junior ranger helps ensure the future of their national parks, which serve as the model for heritage sites worldwide,” she said.
Lava Rises to the Occasion during National Park Week
This photo, taken at mid-day on Saturday, April 25, shows the lava lake as seen from the west side of Halemaʻumaʻu, which offers a different perspective. The lava lake was about 10 m (33 ft) below the floor of Halemaʻumaʻu at this time. USGS HVO Photo. It has since risen an additional 30 meters at press time.
The lava lake within Kīlauea volcano’s Halema‘uma‘u Crater began to rise earlier this week and is now visible from many viewpoints along the caldera rim in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, much to the delight of park visitors and staff. The coincidence of the spectacular activity during National Park Week (April 18-26) has also correlated with a major surge in park visitation, especially from sunset through 10 p.m.
Park rangers encourage visitors to time their visit before or after the peak visitation. The park is open 24 hours a day, and arriving after 9 p.m. or before 5 a.m. ensures optimal viewing without frustrating traffic jams. Shortly after sunset on Saturday, April 25, a line of traffic was backed up almost two miles from Steam Vents to Jaggar Museum — the closest viewing point. Park rangers reported that visitors had to wait nearly 45 minutes before reaching Jaggar Museum, where many were re-directed to park at Kīlauea Overlook.
A row of headlights from cars waiting to get close to Jaggar Museum. Photo courtesy of E. Fien.
At the time of this post, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported the lava was within three meters (about 10 feet) of the vent rim. If inflation at the summit continues, and the lava continues to rise, it could soon spill out onto the floor of Halema‘uma‘u Crater.
The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater continued to rise over the weekend. This photo, taken by park ecologist Mark Wasser, was taken Friday night, and shows the lake of molten lava within about 33 feet of the vent rim.
Visitors gathered around Jaggar Museum observation deck to observe the lava lake at sunrise Saturday morning. Photo/Darcy Bevens.
Lava lake video courtesy of Hawaii247.com:
Friday night lights from the summit lava lake/Mark Wasser.
Halema‘uma‘u from Jaggar Museum viewing area on April 24, 2015 at 5:13 a.m. NPS Photo/S. Geiger
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Tiltmeters at Kīlauea’s summit recorded continued inflation over the past day, marking a total of about 4.5 microradians since inflation started on Tuesday afternoon (April 21). Mirroring this trend, the level of the summit lava lake has risen to its highest level since the summit eruption began in March 2008. It was measured at 20 m (66 ft) below the rim of the Overlook crater yesterday afternoon, and is at least a few meters (yards) higher this morning.
Collapse on April 24, 2015 at 5:20 a.m. – NPS Photo/S.Geiger
The surface of the lava lake came into view yesterday afternoon, when observed from the Jaggar Museum overlook, and remains in view this morning. The high level triggered a small collapse from the overhanging west wall and rim of the Overlook crater at about 5:20 AM this morning, triggering a small explosive event that threw spatter out onto the Halema`uma`u crater floor.
The lava lake is just visible from Jaggar Museum this morning – NPS Photo/S. Geiger
S.U.V. vs. Volcano
The following is this week’s edition of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory‘s Volcano Watch:
Images by University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
Mauna Loa Observatory: The Keeling Curve recognized as landmark science
On April 30, 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Chemical Society will commemorate Earth’s pre-eminent modern atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) record started at the Mauna Loa Observatory, a NOAA atmospheric research facility located at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) above sea level on Mauna Loa’s north flank. As part of this recognition, the CO2 data set itself will become officially recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark.
Continuous CO2 monitoring began on Mauna Loa in 1958, when Charles David Keeling installed state-of-the-art instrumentation high on the remote north flank of the volcano and began carefully measuring the amount of CO2 in the air. This new data became crucial to an ongoing discussion about whether the CO2 released by industrial processes, such as power generation, was building up in Earth’s atmosphere.
Once established, the record showed convincingly that CO2 buildup was indeed taking place. In fact, the technique worked so well that during summer months it easily detected the seasonal uptake of CO2 by increased vegetation. During winter months, when foliage in the northern hemisphere is scarcer, CO2 levels measured at the Mauna Loa location climbed. This seasonal trend superimposed on the long term increasing background atmospheric CO2 record has since been demonstrated at a parallel measurement location in Barrow, Alaska.
But Mauna Loa is also an active volcano, and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists are sometimes asked if gas released from the mountain affects the ambient CO2 values reported by MLO. The short answer is no. Although instrumentation at MLO can easily detect CO2 emissions from the rift and summit caldera emission sources when winds blow from that direction, MLO scientists are careful to exclude these data from the background CO2 record.
Remarkably, MLO staff have shown how to use these volcanically “contaminated” CO2 records to actually estimate the amount of CO2 discharged by the volcano. Their published findings show that Mauna Loa, when it’s not erupting, releases a fraction of the CO2 emitted by its younger and more exuberant neighbor, Kīlauea. USGS measurements during Mauna Loa’s most recent eruption in 1984 found emissions comparable with Kīlauea’s current daily rate—about 15,000 tons per day.
Fifteen thousand tons—an amount equivalent to the annual emissions from 2,400 sport utility vehicles—is a lot of CO2. However, careful examination of global volcanic CO2 emissions by USGS scientist Terry Gerlach showed that only during rare and very large explosive eruptions do total volcanic emission rates come close to the rate of CO2 produced in the modern industrialized world. For example, the same amount of CO2 emitted during the 9-hour catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 is released every 2.5 hours by human activity. On average, though, the proportion released by volcanoes is much less. All of Earth’s volcanoes taken together emit less than one percent of the CO2 produced each year by humans.
The data set that Charles David Keeling established nearly 50 years ago at MLO, which eventually became known as the “Keeling Curve,” is truly worthy of the recognition it will receive next week. Besides documenting the steady upward trend of CO2 concentration in Earth’s atmosphere, this precise and modern CO2 record has been used to reconstruct temperature and CO2 concentration records as far back as 500,000 years ago. To accomplish this, scientists combined the current record, global temperature data, and studies of CO2 and deuterium isotope concentrations found in the air trapped in ice cores.
Keeling’s modern record, along with the ice core studies, show conclusively that CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are higher than they’ve been in at least half a million years. They also show that the sharpest and most significant CO2 increase coincided with Earth’s industrialization, and that this increase is mimicked by average global temperatures.
The news isn’t all bad, though. As climate scientists work to understand implications of the MLO CO2 record, other data sets at the observatory, inspired partly by Keeling’s work, are documenting progress towards lowering human-generated greenhouse gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons. As HVO continues to study what goes on beneath the surface of Hawaiian volcanoes, we applaud the Mauna Loa Observatory’s efforts to better understand the workings of Earth’s atmosphere.
A new National Park Service report shows that 13,952 visitors to the National Park of American Samoa in 2014 spent $782,500 in villages near the park. That spending supported nine jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $952,500.
“The National Park of American Samoa is proud to welcome visitors from throughout American Samoa and around the world,” said Acting Superintendent Barbara Alberti. “We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the South Pacific and all that it offers. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy—returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of the villages and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”
Ranger Pua on-board a cruise ship chats with passenger before his ranger talk.
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz. The report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally; 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $ 29.7 billion.
According to the 2014 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.9 percent).
To download the report visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm. This report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks, states, and territories.
To learn more about the National Park of American Samoa and how the National Park Service works with the American Samoa villages to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to http://www.nps.gov/americansamoa.
Tourism to Haleakalā National Park Creates Over $70 Million and 837 Jobs in Local Economy
Ranger Dee Krause leads a cultural demo in the Kīpahulu District.
A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 1,142,040 visitors to Haleakalā National Park in 2014 spent over $70 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 837 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of over $84 million.
“Haleakalā National Park is proud to welcome visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Superintendent Natalie Gates. “We are delighted to share the story of this special place and the experiences it provides. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy – returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service – and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”
Summit Sunset.
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz. Nationwide, the report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally; 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $29.7 billion.
According to the 2014 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.9 percent). To download the report visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/economics.cfm. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.
To learn more about national parks in Hawai`i and how the National Park Service works with communities in Hawai`i to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/hi.
Maui Job Corps Facilities Maintenance interns at the summit.
Maui Job Corps Facilities Maintenance interns celebrated Earth Day at Haleakalā National Park on April 22nd, by working with the Volunteer In Park’s program doing a one day service trip.
They were exposed to conservation career work by doing invasive plant identification in the park’s mule pasture. They pulled hundreds of invasive fire weeds (Senecio madagascariensis). By removing this weed from the pasture, they helped to limit the chance this weed will get carried in on the mules hoofs, while packing supplies into the parks back country wilderness .
Other work included cutting invasive Mexican weeping pine (Pinus patula) on Pu’u Nianiau along the parks boundary, and also litter removal from Haleakalā Summit look out at 10,023′ elevation.
Students in the program come from places like Palau, Samoa, Kosrae, Guam, Moloka’i, and Maui. Gaining a diverse amount of job skills to jump start a future career is the goal of the program.
To volunteer for Haleakalā National Park, call 808-572-4487, or email, Adrian_Boone@nps.gov.
That’s What Friends Are For
Sal and Jackie receiving their special trophy from their close friend John Johann.
John Johann emailed us last February that his two closest friends will be coming to the National Park of American Samoa to complete their quest to visit all 59 national parks. Park Ranger Pai helped John to coordinate receiving a special award–a trophy–in the mail to surprise them during their extra special visit.
The trophy reads:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD presented to SAL & JACKIE RODRIGUEZ for visiting all 59 national parks of the United States of America.
Congratulations to Sal and Jackie! We’re grateful to have been part of your special day.
#FindYourPark #SailiLouPakaFaasao
Jackie and Sal with Park ranger Pai.
Earth Day 2015
Every April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day as an annual event worldwide to demonstrate our support for environmental protection. This day is honored to broaden the base of support for environmental program, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world.
What can you do for Earth Day? The possibilities are endless! Change a habit, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle! Help launch a community garden. Do something nice for the Earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference!
But you need not to wait for April 22, EARTH DAY IS EVERY DAY! To build a better future, we all must commit to protect our environment year-round.
Sea Cukes
Spotted Sea Cucumber (Bohadschia argus) releasing white sticky Cuvierian tubules.
Sea cucumbers, along with sea stars, sea urchins, brittle stars (ophiuroids), and sea lilies (crinoids), are members of the phylum Echinodermata. The name echinoderm in Greek means “spiny skin,” and was originally used to describe sea urchins which have large obvious spines. Most sea cucumbers are soft and squishy, so why might they be part of this phylum? Sea cucumbers have small bone-like structures in their skin called ossicles. These ossicles come in many different shapes and sizes (from rod-shaped to button-shaped) and are often used to tell different species apart from one another. Along with ossicles, sea cucumbers are unique in that they have a bone-like ring around their mouth where their tentacles attach.
Sea cucumbers come in all shapes and sizes. They can be “L”-shaped, “U”-shaped, flask-shaped, web-like, tailed and – even – “pig”-shaped (such as the deep-sea Scotoplanes species). Most coral reef sea cucumber species are either thick and round or long like a rope. Some are microscopic, while some can grow to over 9.8 feet!
Along with their many forms, sea cucumbers also display a variety of unusual defensive mechanisms. Some sea cucumbers release white, sticky, anally-discharged filaments called Cuvierian tubules when they are disturbed. It is believed that sea cucumbers uses these Cuvierian tubules to entangle predators when they are attacked. Other sea cucumber species can shed large pieces of their body wall to escape predators. “Anal teeth” are another unique defensive adaptation that some sea cucumbers have developed; the small hard “teeth” which line the cloacal (posterior) opening are believed to have evolved as a response to certain parasitic fish, known as pearlfish.
Sea cucumbers that live in warm water are commonly dioecious meaning that there are two distinct sexes. At certain times in the year females and males will ‘spawn’ or release their eggs or sperm into the water, where they will unite and develop into larvae. Some sea cucumber larvae are non-feeding, while others will feed while they drift or swim around in the water. After a certain amount of time, these larvae will transform from a bilateral (two-sided) to a pentaradial (five-sided) body plan and settle to the bottom as tiny adults. A few warm-water sea cucumbers will sometimes split in half to reproduce.
Pearsonothuria graeffei getting reading to spawn (release either eggs or sperm into the water).
There are over 2,000 species of sea cucumbers in the ocean with many more yet to be discovered. So get out to your coral reef and look for some sea cucumbers!
– A. Miller, Biological Science Technician, War in the Pacific National Historical Park
National Park Week
Ranger Sam with local students at Lower Sauma Ridge Trail overlooking Pola Island.
The nation is buzzing about National Park Week, America’s largest celebration of national heritage. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations and enhancing America’s best idea—the national parks! It’s all happening in your national parks.
To help celebrate, you can come to the National Park of American Samoa visitor center, become a Junior Ranger, or explore a hike in your national park! #FindYourPark #SailiLouPakaFaasao
Bat Appreciation Day
It’s BAT APPRECIATION DAY!!!
Celebrate with us with more than 40 bat species across all of our national parks for this special day. These bats contribute greatly to our natural world by eating insects, spreading seeds, and most especially pollinating plants.
The National Park of American Samoa has two fruit bats that are especially distinctive: they are renowned for being large (with a wing span up to 3 feet wide) and active both day and night. Pteropus samoensis (pe’a vao) is commonly called the Samoan fruit bat. It is presently found only in the Samoan Archipelago and Fiji. It once occurred in Tonga but is now extinct there. The other fruit bat, Pteropus tonganus (pe’a fanua), has several common names such as the Insular, White-naped, White-necked or Tongan fruit bat. It has a wider distribution in the Pacific, ranging from islands near Papua New Guinea to the Cook Islands.
During the daytime, our fruit bats form large roosting groups or colonies of hundreds to thousands of bats. These colonies are generally organized according to their reproductive status and may be composed of bachelor males, clusters of females defended by an adult male (suggesting a harem mating system), or groups of females and their young.
In American Samoa, fruit bats can be seen flying, soaring, feeding, or just hanging in trees. Although individuals of the two species overlap in size (adults weigh 300-600 grams), there are ways to differentiate them from a distance. When silhouetted against the sky, the pe’a vao has a more triangular shape, with wings that are slightly scalloped and relatively dark and opaque. Their flight appears more relaxed, usually with slower wing beats and deeper wing strokes. It is not unusual to observe them soaring in the air in the day, taking advantage of rising currents of warm air (thermals) to seemingly float up and about without flapping their wings.
Join in the efforts to help #SaveTheBats! Visit bat conservation.org or their Facebook page, Save The Bats to learn more.
2015 Flag Day
Celebrating American Samoa’s 115th Flag Day!
“Honoring Our Military”
Have you ever visited Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at night?
Share your photos with us on Instagram by following us @HawaiiVolcanoesNPS and using the hashtags #HawaiiVolcanoesNP and #FindYourPark, or post them to our Facebook page!
Ranger Dean gazes at the stellar view above Halema‘uma‘u Crater. (NPS photo/Janice Wei)
Learn more about the Dark Sky efforts of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park here, and about International Dark Sky Week here!
Prawn Eats Snake !
While National Park Service biological technician, Anne Farahi, surveyed for freshwater animals in a stream in War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam, she came across an unexpected sight. A Tahitian prawn (Macrobrachium lar), presumed to be native to Guam, in the midst of eating an invasive brown tree snake (Boiga irregulars) which must have fallen into the water. These extremely invasive snakes are notorious for decimating the native birds of Guam. Watch this aggressive prawn defending its meal against other hungry prawns.
Marching together in the Merrie Monarch Parade 2015
Hawaiian hoary bats, Kamehameheha butterflies, feral pua‘a, ‘ōhi‘a & koa trees, and other cool creatures emerged from the Hawaiian rainforest and marched the streets of Hilo this past Saturday, April 11 in the annual Merrie Monarch Parade. About 50 Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park rangers, staff, and volunteers joined the forest dwellers, along with park partners, supporters and staff from Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park to encourage spectators to “Find Your Park” and raise awareness of the National Park Service and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park centennial anniversaries in 2016. Here are a few photos from the fun-filled day, enjoyed by thousands of local residents and visitors. Enjoy!
The banners make their way down Bayfront Avenue! NPS Photo/Jon Christensen.
Chief of Natural Resources, Rhonda Loh, shares park information from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with spectators. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen.
Charlie Hua of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park greets keiki, adorned in cape and malo. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen
Hawaii Volcanoes’ volunteer Jeanne works the crowd. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen
Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ new Centennial logo made its public debut on the park banner. NPS Photo/Rebecca Carvalho
Everyone needs friends! Especially friends like Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, our supporting non-profit partners. Photo courtesy Ab Valencia
Park partners Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Assocation and the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and youth rangers assemble for group photo, plus a few Hawaiian happyface spiders, a lava wolf spider or two, an endemic butterfly and a handful of Hawaiian hoary bats! Photo courtesy of Alan Lakritz
Andrew and Luke represent the heat from Hawai‘i Volcanoes Fire crew. NPS Photo.
You can’t rain on our parade! Just the pre-parade. Waiting for the start. Note the eco-bikes making the parade debut. Photo courtesy of Alan Lakritz
Ranger Leinā‘ala (left) and Ranger Diana lead the charge as the group approaches the big right turn from Pauahi Street onto Kīlauea Avenue. Photo courtesy of Kimie Castillo
A Hawaiian hoary bat (Christa Sadler) and public affairs specialist Jessica Ferracane. NPS Photo.
Aloha and see you next year!! Centennial Find Your Park banner carried by Kristi of cultural resources and Jessica, public affairs. Ranger Nainoa and Superintendent Cindy in the vehicle behind them. NPS Photo/Jon Christensen
Stations Everyone
A new RAWS climate station (above) was installed at Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE) in January, 2015.
Climate and Weather Affect Everything the NPS Monitors Climate and weather touch coral reefs through warmer ocean temperatures which affect coral growth; and permutations can affect whole reef ecosystems. Precipitation directly affects stream animals, plants, and water quality. Bird breeding cycles can be affected by the changes in seasons, and the list goes on. One of the primary goals of climate and weather monitoring is to determine the status and trends of weather patterns and long-term climate regimes so managers can make informed decisions about the conditions existing in each national park. Similarly, monitoring of weather and climate may provide an early warning of abnormal conditions. It is therefore very important to get accurate and consistent data from our weather stations. To be useful for statistical analysis, this generally means collecting data more than 85% of the days of the year (300 days or more). The importance of the permanent location of an individual weather station can’t be overemphasized either. All long-term (climate change) data is only of value if the station never moves. Climate/Weather Stations The Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program (PACN) primarily relies on two kinds of weather stations, COOP (Cooperative Observer Program) and RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Stations). COOP stations are checked by specific personnel and gauges need to be read daily. We are grateful for the folks that do this work at the parks. RAWS stations send data via the GOES (NOAA geostationary server) satellite network to WRCC (Western Regional Climate Center) for validation and are then downloaded to the web, where we can retrieve it for specific analyses. Currently, all 10 PACN climate stations (RAWS) are operational and transmitting data every hour to WRCC. These data are then distributed via the internet to various agencies, and also to the public. RAWS data: http://www.raws.dri.edu/index.html COOP data: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/coop/wfo-rfcmap.htm
Map of the islands in the NPS Pacific Island Network.
Overview of Island Climate Climate is generally mild at our monitored national park sites in the Pacific islands. Weather patterns are largely controlled by island geomorphology and the surrounding Pacific Ocean. The ocean temperatures vary only about six degrees throughout the year, from lows near 73° in March to 80° in August. Because there are no continents nearby, weather systems are moderated by the ocean. Seasons are not strongly differentiated either. Two seasons prevail in Hawaii; summer (April through October) and winter (November through March). Dry and wet seasons somewhat correlate with summer and winter, respectively. The wet season in American Samoa is from October through April, and from July through November in the Marianas Islands (Saipan and Guam). Interestingly, in Hawaii, the coldest months are not December and January as they are in the continental United States, but February and March. Cold winds come from the Arctic but the lower temperatures arrive one to two months later due to the lag in the Pacific Ocean’s temperature. –S. Kichman, NPS GIS Specialist (I&M)
Junior Rangers encouraged to “Find Your Park” at Hawai‘i Volcanoes as National Park Week begins
Junior Rangers discover the rainforest in Hawaii Volcanoes NP/NPS Photo.
Fee-free weekend April 18-19 kicks off with Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park encourages keiki to connect with their national park and World Heritage Site by becoming a Junior Ranger on Sat., April 18 – Junior Ranger Day and International Day on Monuments and Sites.
The fee-free weekend and programs kick off National Park Week, April 18-26, 2015. This year’s theme, Find Your Park, celebrates the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park also celebrates is centennial in 2016.
A Junior Ranger station with handbooks and park information will be set up at Kīlauea Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jaggar Museum observation deck. Keiki who complete an interactive junior ranger handbook will earn a Junior Ranger badge, a Junior Ranger certificate, and will be sworn in as a National Park Junior Ranger.
Saturday is also International Monuments and Sites Day, which marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and was the first World Heritage Site in Hawai‘i. The state’s other World Heritage Site, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, was inscribed in 2010, and representatives from both sites will share information at the Junior Ranger station.
Bigeye soldierfish mingle with pyramid butterflyfish at French Frigate Shoals in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, a World Heritage Site, by Greg McFall/NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
“Our Junior Ranger programs are a perfect way for families to discover their World Heritage Site and national park together,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “As the park approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016, our most important goal is to connect with and create the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates. Every keiki who becomes a junior ranger helps ensure the future of their national parks, which serve as the model for heritage sites worldwide,” she said.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes is one of five national park units on the island of Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is also free of charge April 18 and 19. Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail do not charge entrance fees.
Keiki become Junior Rangers in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park/NPS Photo
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to Host BioBlitz 2015
Sign Up Now to Join Top Scientists, Students and the Public in a Race to Count Species and Celebrate the Connection of Science and Hawaiian Culture
May 15 and 16, 2015
35th Annual Cultural Festival Moved to May and Expanded to Include Biodiversity
An endemic nēnē (Hawaiian goose) feeds on indigenous naupaka kahakai (beach naupaka) in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo/Janice Wei
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s diverse ecological zones provide refuge for many distinct plant and animal communities, including endangered endemic species such as the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and the Mauna Loa silversword, which flowers only once in its life. The fascinating geology and biology are vital components of the cultural heritage of indigenous Hawaiian people. To better understand, appreciate and protect this natural and cultural treasure, the National Park Service and National Geographic are hosting a two-day BioBlitz species count and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival on Friday and Saturday, May 15 and 16, 2015.
Hālau hula Ulumano o Palikū, shown here performing in the 2013 Cultural Festival, return to perform in the 2015 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival. NPS Photo/Jay Robinson
Themed I ka nānā no a ‘ike (“By observing, one learns”), the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz is part scientific endeavor, part outdoor classroom excursion and part celebration of biodiversity and culture. It will bring together more than 150 leading scientists and traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners, more than 750 students and thousands from the general public. Together, they will be dispatched across the park’s 333,086 acres to explore and document the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rain forests of Kīlauea volcano.
“We are honored to host BioBlitz 2015,” said Cindy Orlando, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s superintendent. “BioBlitz provides an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside leading scientists and cultural practitioners to discover, count and add to the park’s species list; to explore the interconnectedness of plants, animals, Hawaiian people and our daily lives; and to protect this amazing biodiversity and rich culture in our park.”
In connection with the BioBlitz opportunity, the park is moving its 35th annual Cultural Festival from July to May this year and expanding it to include biodiversity. At the two-day festival, visitors of all ages will discover how native Hawaiians lived closely to the land as its stewards, embodying “I ka nānā no a ‘ike” principles that continue today. The Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will offer hands-on science and cultural exhibits, food, art and entertainment, plus the opportunity to meet individuals and organizations at the forefront of conservation, science and traditional Hawaiian culture — and to learn how to join their efforts. The festival is free and open to the public.
Keiki (children) examine insects with an entomologist in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo
The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz is the ninth in a series of 10 BioBlitzes co-hosted by National Geographic and the National Park Service at different national parks across the country, leading up the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016.
“Each year, the BioBlitz evolves,” said John Francis, National Geographic’s vice president of Research, Conservation and Exploration. “Last year we moved away from paper data sheets and used smartphones and the iNaturalist app to photograph, identify and map species finds, adding more detailed information to both Park Service and international species databases. This year, we are going to build on that and blend technology with Hawaiian culture. This exciting, holistic approach will enhance our appreciation for the amazing resources in this breathtaking park and establish a more complete model for scientific exploration in Hawai‘i and around the globe.”
A longtime partner of the National Park Service, the National Geographic Society helped draft legislation to establish the Service in 1916. It has given many grants to create and sustain national parks across the United States and has extensively covered the parks in its media for nearly a century. The BioBlitz program is the latest successful collaboration between the two partners. The first BioBlitz took place in 2007 at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Others have been held at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California in 2008; Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 2009; Biscayne National Park in Florida in 2010; Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, in 2011; Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado, in 2012; Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve outside New Orleans in 2013; and last year in Golden Gate National Parks in Northern California. Smaller-scale events take place throughout the year at various national parks across the country. For more information, visit nature.nps.gov/biology/biodiversity/.
The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park BioBlitz has been made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Rutherfoord Jr., the Harold M. and Adeline S. Morrison Family Foundation, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Additionally, generous corporate support for the event has been provided by Kona Brewing Company, KapohoKine Adventures, First Hawaiian Bank, Roberts Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines and Big Island Candies. In-kind donations from local business and organizations have been received from Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company LLC, KTA Super Stores, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawai‘i Forest & Trail and Aloha Crater Lodge.
How to Get Involved:
Public registration is now open. To be part of a scientist-led inventory team, participants must register online at nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz. Participation on inventory teams is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come basis. Children ages 8 and older, accompanied by adults, may participate in the free inventory opportunities.
Everybody can enjoy hands-on fun at the Biodiversity & Cultural Festival. BioBlitz base camp and the Biodiversity & Cultural Festival will be located at the Kahua Hula overlooking Halema‘uma‘u Crater near the Kīlauea Visitors Center in the park. No registration is required for the festival. Entrance fees are waived for both days. To learn more about BioBlitz and the festival, visit nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call (800) 638-6400, ext. 6186. For more information about the parks, visit nps.gov/havo.
About the National Geographic Society
With a mission to inspire, illuminate and teach, the National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The member-supported Society, which believes in the power of science, exploration and storytelling to change the world, reaches over 600 million people each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com, and find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About the National Park Service
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 407 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Crater Rim Trail winds through the native rainforest surrounding Kīlauea caldera in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity. NPS Photo/Jessica Ferracane
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Stay connected with us and visit FindYourPark.com to share your favorite photos and park experiences! #FindYourPark
Easter Greetings to All!
Latest USGS Eruption Photos
Breakouts remain active in three general areas near Puʻu ʻŌʻō: 1) at the northern base of Puʻu ʻŌʻō, 2) just north of Kahaualeʻa, and 3) the most distal breakout, about 6 km (4 miles) northeast of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. This photograph shows much of the most distal breakout, a portion of which was burning forest. Puʻu ʻŌʻō can be seen near the top of the photograph. (USGS)
The following images were released by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS) (Dated April 3, 2015). Note: the photos were not taken in areas currently accessible to the public. (You can visit the official website of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park for current information on the areas of Kilauea that are open to public)
The breakout north of Kahaualeʻa has one lobe that has traveled along the west side of the perched lava channel that was active in late 2007. This breakout consists of blue glassy pāhoehoe, which is easily visible in the photograph on the left. The white box shows the rough extent of the thermal image on the right. Active (flowing) portions of the breakout are shown by yellow and white colors, while the red and purple areas show hot, but solidified, portions of the surface crust. (USGS)
In the time since our last overflight (March 24), a new collapse pit has formed in the western portion of Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater. This circular pit can be seen in the lower left portion of the photograph, and measures about 27 m (roughly 90 ft) in diameter. Numerous hot cracks were observed in this general area during previous visits on foot. (USGS)
A closer look at the new pit in the western portion of Puʻu ʻŌʻō Crater. Views inside the crater with the naked eye were obscured by thick fume, but the thermal images (right) revealed two areas of ponded lava, separated by a pile of collapse rubble, deep within the pit. Measurements using the thermal camera images indicated that the lava pond surface was roughly 24 m (about 80 ft) below the rim of the pit. (USGS)
A closer look at the lava flow field near Puʻu ʻŌʻō. Puʻu ʻŌʻō is in the upper left portion of the photograph. Slightly above and to the right of the center of the photograph, the light colored area of lava is the active breakout (which started on February 21) on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō. The small forested cone of Kahaualeʻa is just to the left of the center of the photograph. (USGS)
This map shows recent changes to Kīlauea’s active East Rift Zone lava flow field. The area of the flow on March 24 is shown in pink, while widening and advancement of the flow as of April 3 is shown in red. (USGS)
his map overlays georegistered mosaics of thermal images collected during a helicopter overflight of the three areas of breakouts near Puʻu ʻŌʻō on April 3. The perimeter of the flow at the time the imagery was acquired is outlined in yellow. Temperature in the thermal mosaics is displayed as gray-scale values, with the brightest pixels indicating the hottest areas (white areas are active breakouts). (USGS)
Sometimes, Your Park Finds You
Today kicks off the official launch of the National Park Service “Find Your Park” campaign, a public awareness campaign that invites the next generation of park visitors, supporters, and advocates to find their park as the NPS approaches its centennial anniversary in 2016.
On August 1, 2016, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park also celebrates its 100th anniversary, and we wanted to share Ranger Andrea’s story. Not only did she find her park, her park found her…and four generations of her family!
Enjoy, and get out there and find your park!
The National Park of American Samoa joins parks, programs, and partners across the country to encourage everyone to find their park and share their stories online at FindYourPark.com. Launched today by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, Find Your Park is a public awareness and education campaign celebrating the milestone centennial anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and setting the stage for its second century of service.
Find Your Park invites the public to see that a national park can be more than a place—it can
be a feeling, a state of mind, or a sense of American Samoan pride. The campaign not only
recognizes American Samoa’s tropical rainforests, coral reefs, fruit bats, and the Samoan
culture, but all of the diverse 407 National Park Service sites. Just like the National Park of
American Samoa, each national park unit is unique and includes for example, historic events
such as battles, areas to recreate and relax, and even showcases the homes and birthplaces of
U.S. presidents.
The National Park of American Samoa is planning a variety of events and activities that will
occur in 2015 and 2016. The community will be invited to participate to help them to find their
national park.
59 National Parks at 80
A few days ago, Ranger Eymard was surprised when a visitor walked into our visitor center wearing a grey hoodie covered in national park patches. Canadian resident Sherrye Emery (aka “the PATCH Lady”) was determined to get a patch from the National Park of American Samoa before she shared her adventure story.
Ranger Eymard with Sherrye Emery (aka “the PATCH” lady) with her National Park of American Samoa patch and her 59th Certificate.
The PATCH Lady’s amazing journey started a year ago when she visited Dry Tortugas National Park during her 80th birthday. She set a goal to visit ALL 59 designated national parks within a year. Last week, she completed her journey at the National Park of American Samoa–one of the most remote national parks.
Cancellations stamps on her passport book with her most recent stamp from us.
Later, she brought out her Passport To Your National Parks that showed the cancellation stamps of the other 58 designated national park sites that she had visited.
Some of the national park patches she has collected
Sherrye Emery (aka “the PATCH lady”) wearing her national park patches.
To formally acknowledge her efforts as a park fanatic, we awarded her with a certificate indicating that she had visited all 59 designated national parks. By the way, today is her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATULATIONS Sherrye aka “PATCH” Lady!
Mahalo Monday: Volunteers Sought for Stewardship at the Summit April through June 2015
Stewardship at the Summit begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. The dates from April through June are: April 2, 11, 17, and 24; May 1, 8, 20 and 30; and June 5, 13, and 19.
A volunteer removes invasive Himalayan ginger from an endemic kōlea lau nui (Myrsine lessertiana), an endemic understory tree found in the rainforests on Kīlauea volcano (NPS photo).
Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native species from growing. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on any of the above dates. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply.
Closeup of kōlea lau nui (NPS photo).
Volunteers have dedicated 4,271 hours of their time, and have restored more than 25 acres of native rainforest within the national park, since 2012. Countless Himalayan ginger, faya, strawberry guava, and other invasive, non-native plants that threaten the native understory near the summit of Kīlauea volcano have been removed. In their place, once-shaded ‘ama‘u and hāpu‘u tree ferns have re-emerged, and pa‘iniu, kāwa‘u, and other important native plants are returning to the stewardship plots.
Mauna Loa lava flow blazes a trail for the Saddle Road
The following is this week’s edition of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory‘s Volcano Watch:
With the recent downgrade of the Volcano Alert Level for Kīlauea’s June 27th lava flow that has been threatening the Pāhoa area, it’s interesting to take a look back at the 1880-1881 Mauna Loa lava flow and the threat that it posed to Hilo.
A sketch by Joseph Nāwahī showing the 1881 lava flow approaching Hilo. (Courtesy of National Park Service, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, HAVO 394, Volcano House Guest Register 1873 to 1885, illustration by Joseph Nāwahī, February 21, 1881.)
On the evening of November 5, 1880, people in Hilo and at the Volcano House hotel at the summit of Kīlauea noticed a glow on Mauna Loa—produced by an eruption located northeast of the volcano’s summit. A vent at about the 3,200 m (10,500 ft) elevation produced one lava flow that moved to the southeast and stalled about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from Highway 11 near Kīlauea caldera. A second vent, immediately downslope of the first, erupted a pāhoehoe lava flow that advanced to the northeast toward Hilo.
By January 1881, the northeast flow was estimated to be about 30 km (18 mi) from Hilo. This flow was of interest to Hilo residents, but not a big concern. However, by April, the flow had split into three branches in the vicinity of what is now Kaūmana City, a subdivision at the upper Hilo city limits, and advanced to within 11 km (7 mi) of the town. By the beginning of July, a single branch was only 4 km (2.5 mi) from Hilo.
The flows were initially difficult to access. But by July, the flows had moved close enough to Hilo that residents and visitors alike were frequently trekking up to the flow to watch its progress. They observed that the pāhoehoe would advance very quickly as narrow fingers for short periods of time and then stall, only to repeat the process a few hours or days later. Astonishing stories of narrow lobes of lava advancing hundreds of feet in a few hours were common.
Observers would occasionally note that the lava sometimes occupied a ravine or gulch where water flowed during heavy rains. As the flows got closer to Hilo, people often noticed that warm water seemed to flow out from under the active lava.
As the eruption continued, Hilo residents became alarmed, and many started moving their belongings out of harm’s way. The branch closest to Hilo split into two lobes, with one headed down ‘Alenaio gulch toward the center of Hilo, and the other headed down Kalanakāma‘a gulch (near and parallel to Mohouli Street) toward the Waiākea Fishponds and Sugar Mill (Wailoa State Park). Everyone feared that the lava would cut through town and enter Hilo Bay.
Just as concern was getting intense, the leading tips of both lobes stalled on or about August 10th with the Kalanakāma‘a lobe a little more than 1.6 km (1 mi) from Hilo Bay. The ‘Alenaio lobe didn’t quite reach Komohana Street. The lava had destroyed only one house near the current location of Kaumana Elementary School. By August 19th, the lower portions of the flow were inactive.
This Mauna Loa flow differed from Kīlauea’s June 27th flow in two significant ways. The Mauna Loa 1880–1881 flow is about twice the length of the June 27th flow, and the Mauna Loa eruption rate was probably higher.
But there were also some similarities. The Mauna Loa 1880–1881 and the Kīlauea June 27th lava flows were both pāhoehoe and were active for about 9 months before their threats were reduced. Both flows greatly concerned the people who lived and worked downslope of the advancing fronts, but the flows consumed only a single house before their leading edges stalled. And both flows cut a swath through heavily forested land.
Interpretive sign on the side of Daniel K Inouye Hwy (Saddle Road).
But in the case of the 1880–1881 Mauna Loa flow, the open swath it cut through the forest eventually improved travel from Hilo to Waimea and Kona via the saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Years later, the Saddle Road, as it is now known, took advantage of this path. Today, Saddle Road crosses four Mauna Loa flows—the 1880–1881, 1855–1856, 1899, and 1935 flows—between mile markers 3 and 29.
While the 1880–1881 Mauna Loa eruption may have had a beneficial aspect—blazing a trail for Saddle Road—that’s not always the case with active lava flows.
Volcano Watch (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volcanowatch/) is a weekly article and activity update written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey`s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
Best Wishes to Superintendent Jim Bacon
National Park of American Samoa staff and crew.
National Park of American Samoa’s park rangers, staff, and crew came together to wish our Superintendent Jim Bacon best of luck in his future endeavors on the U.S. mainland. Gifts and some of the island tokens were given to him to remember us by and to remind him that there is always “family” waiting for him in case he decides to come back to visit American Samoa.
Superintendent Jim Bacon holding an arrowhead plaque.
Message from Superintendent Jim Bacon:
“My family and I have enjoyed our time in American Samoa over the last two-and-a-half years. It has been an honor and absolute privilege to work with a group of people that truly care for one another, their culture, and their natural environment. We will surely miss this wonderful place and all of the people we have come to know, but we will certainly stay in touch.
Tofa soifua Amerika Samoa!”
Middle School Interns Graduate From Park Program
Interns at park entrance sign.
On Saturday, March 21, eight middle school students graduated from Haleakalā National Park’s Kupukupu `Āina internship program. The middle school program is held each year during spring break.
Interns at the summit
Interns with an `ahinahina (silversword), at the summit.
Interns explored the diverse habitats of Haleakalā by hiking several trails and helped park resource managers work with endangered species. They removed over 600 invasive plants and assisted with trail maintenance. Interns learned about national park law enforcement and practiced emergency medical skills via mock scenarios. The students also received job and career counseling through workshops offered by staff from the Maui County Human Resources office and the University of Hawaii Maui College’s CareerLink office.
Interns with Ranger Walter Pu in Kīpahulu near an `opihi rest area.
Graduation photo, left to right: Lilia, David, Arnubi, Aidan, Ho’i, Justine, Mahina, Katelynne, Intern Program Coordinator Serena Kaldi and Middle School Program Assistant Lily.
Funding for the program was provided by non-profit partners Hau`oli Mau Loa Foundation, Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council, and the Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is seeking volunteers to help us celebrate and document biodiversity at the National Geographic/National Park Service BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival, happening here May 15 and 16th. There are tons of volunteer opportunities, from set-up to scientific inventories.
Learn more and sign up here.
Keiki document insects, plants and other species with a USGS entomologist during a BioBlitz practice in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo.
Pacific Island National Parks 