40th ANNIVERSARY/WALK FOR THE WILD

HAKALAU FOREST NWR – WALK FOR THE WILD 2024 RECAP

About 450 Walkers attended the 3^rd Walk for the Wild held at the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, on October 5, 2024. A misty rain fell during the early morning at the Pua ʻĀkala Unit, but then cleared to sunny, blue skies. The Walkers all paid their respects and asked for entrance into our unique native forest with a beautiful ‘oli led by Leilā Dudley. Native birds were heard and spotted in the forest with the assistance of volunteer guides, including ʻiʻiwi, ʻapapane,ʻelepaio, ʻakepa, ʻalawī, and the endangered ʻakiapōlaʻau. In addition, insects and native plants were shown. When our Walkers departed, without fail, each face bore a smile, their hands waved, and expressions of mahalo were the order of the day.

Although the Walk for the Wild is free, we are grateful to those who donated. Over $6500 was donated to the Friends to use for needed supplies and seedlings on the Refuge.

Mahalo to the over 90 volunteers, the Refuge Staff, and the eight Natural History exhibitors. In particular, thank you to Patty Kupchak for serving as the Grand Team Leader for this Walk.

Please watch and share the 2024 WALK FOR THE WILD celebration video – we’re excited to share our success stories!