1 week Ago By Elenore Chase
Restoration efforts in West Kaua‘i's Mānā Plain have improved the wetlands for both native and migratory birds. Division of Forestry and Wildlife biologist Jason Vercelli, who has worked in the area for 18 years, reported seeing an increase in bird numbers, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.The Mānā Plain, historically the largest wetland in the state, has been restored to improve habitat lost due to agricultural drainage since the early 1900s.
This restoration project, which started with the older Kawaiʻele sanctuary, now covers 150 acres and supports endangered species such as the Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian gallinule, Hawaiian stilt, and Koloa duck. The wetland area attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and birdwatchers, especially during migratory seasons. The sanctuary also offers educational programs and volunteer opportunities for schoolchildren and others.
Vercelli quoted, "It started with Kawaiʻele, which is the older sanctuary," and "People come out here to see birds they don’t usually see," as reported by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.The sanctuary provides essential ecological services, including water filtration and protection of coral reefs from sediment. It also serves as a stopover for migrating birds.
Management efforts focus on habitat enhancement, predator control, and water management to meet the birds' seasonal needs. Vercelli, who has worked at the Mānā wetlands for nearly 20 years, expressed the satisfaction he finds in his work, stating, "I can have a bad day and then come out here and see something, a new bird, or see chicks, and just seeing this and getting feedback from the people and just knowing that I was helpful in developing this is definitely a pride factor." Future plans include a visitor’s center, as mentioned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
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