Seasonal Saturday Program Offered at Kealia Pond

Kealia Pond, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge will open on Saturday September 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a special weekend program.

The Seasonal Saturday Opening is part of an outreach effort to the local community, to encourage families to visit the Refuge and learn about wetlands, endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, native plants, and insects.

The Refuge is located at Milepost six along the Mokulele Highway (Hwy 311) in Kihei.  Visitors to the refuge can explore the new visitor center’s interpretive displays and view native birds, plants, and insects at the refuge’s wildlife viewing area.

Kealia, file photo by Wendy Osher.

A movie titled, “America’s National Wildlife Refuge: Where Wildlife Comes First” will be shown continuously from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and from 1 to 2 p.m.

A talk titled “Wetland Wonders” will also be presented by Sonny Gamponia from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the visitor center.

Visitors can learn about and view Hawaii’s endangered Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian coot and explore a wetland environment.

Admission is free for the special program, and kids are welcome.  For more information the public can call the refuge at 875-1582.