Field Blog – May 31, 2026

Aloha everyone!! This is Diane

I arrived on Hōlanikū earlier this month to begin training with the winter field crew and have spent the last few weeks learning how to transect and identify native and invasive plants. It’s definitely been a steep learning curve, but I’m slowly getting more familiar with the island and all the work that goes into protecting it. I even found my first Verbesina! Big shoutout to Nick, Kayla, Delia, and Naomi for being such patient teachers.

Some highlights from my first few weeks here include rehousing a baby manu-o-Kū (White Tern) chick that kept falling off the shower stall and helping reopen a freshwater seep for the endangered koloa pōhaka (Laysan Duck). I also had the opportunity to tag along on a Hawaiian monk seal survey with Mack and Calypso, where we spotted several moms with pups!

Outside of fieldwork, we’ve enjoyed movie nights, board games, lots of laughter, and plenty of good snacks. I’m definitely planning to steal a few ice cream and bread recipes from Kayla and Delia before the season is over.

Overall, I’m incredibly grateful to be here, surrounded by not only amazing wildlife but also wonderful people. I’m happy to have this overlap with last season’s team and excited to welcome the rest of my crew when they arrive soon.

Mahalo for following along, and I look forward to sharing more from Hōlanikū in the months ahead!