Journaling the Marsh: An Afternoon with Birds, Plants, and Community

Yesterday, 20 people of all ages and backgrounds attended the first Hawai’i Nature Journal Club event held at Hamakua Marsh, in partner with Healthy Climate Communities. We met at the new hale, and were able to borrow some newly donated binoculars from HCC and see three different types of birds right near the parking lot: the endangered ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian gallinule and ‘alae ke’o ke’o (Hawaiian Coot), as well as both juvenile and adult of the indigenous auku’u (Black-Crowned Night Heron). There were a lot of birds present thanks to the recent rains raising the water levels, and all the efforts to improve the habitat by both Healthy Climate Communities and DLNR.

Then a group of us moved further into the restoration area to see the birds from another angle and to learn about the native trees and plants. Most of them have been planted by volunteers to improve the health of the marsh for the birds.

We all met as a group to share our journals and discuss the experience. Everyone was surprised by how quickly the time flew by as they were so absorbed by watching the birds and observing everything growing and alive around them. Some people chose to continue journaling, but some of us switched into volunteer mode. Every Monday from 4-6pm the marsh opens up for volunteers to help with planting, weeding, and other work. Since it was a holiday (Veteran’s Day), a large crowd arrived to help out.

The day wasn’t over yet! Some people who had arrived to volunteer wanted to see more of the marsh and the birds, so we had a bonus journaling session. Participants who didn’t have their own journals borrowed clipboards, paper, and pens, and we stayed out past sunset, enjoying the changing colors of the sky, the call of the birds, and the good company.

Want to join us next time? Check out our events page or sign up for our newsletter to get informed about future events!