Keālia Pond Celebrates National Wildlife Refuge Week, Oct. 14-20

Treat yourself with a visit to the Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week, Oct. 14 to 20, 2018. The celebration honors America’s wildlife heritage and gives the public a chance to see what wildlife refuges are doing to conserve it. The public is invited to discover Maui’s largest lowland wetland and the creatures that call it home. All activities are free and visitors should meet at the Visitor Center.

Kealia Coastal Boardwalk. Photo credit: US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Here’s what Keālia Pond NWR has planned in celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week:

Tuesday, Oct. 16

GUIDED BIRD WALK at 9 a.m.: Whether you are an experienced birder or just a beginner, you will enjoy the variety of birds that live in or migrate through the refuge. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, and sturdy walking shoes.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

HAWAIIAN HOARY BAT presentation at 1 p.m.: Learn more about Hawaii’s endangered and only terrestrial mammal and how information gathered at Keālia Pond is helping inform biologists about this elusive species.

Thursday, Oct. 18

GUIDED BIRD WALK at 9 a.m.: It’s a great time to learn more about the refuge and the migratory and native birds. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, and sturdy walking shoes.

Saturday, Oct. 20

SATURDAY AT THE REFUGE: Keālia Pond NWR refuge and visitor center will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us for a guided bird and wetlands walk at 10 a.m. or a Hawaiian Hoary bat presentation at 12 p.m. Stroll through the native pollinator garden to see greenery that attracts bees, moths, beetles and butterflies or enjoy walking the wetland paths to quietly observe nature. This family-friendly event also features crafts for keiki, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a visitor center with interpretive displays.

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Visitor center hours are Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on federal holidays. The Keālia Coastal Boardwalk is open seven days a week from sunrise until 7 p.m, including federal holidays.