DLNR creates virtual field trip for kahuli conservation
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The Maui News
A new virtual field trip created by the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will allow students of all ages to go behind-the-scenes of a conservation program that studies kahuli (native land snails) without leaving their classroom.
The virtual tour was designed to celebrate the conjunction of Earth Day and Year of the Kahuli, as it combines 360-degree imagery and videos with expert staff at two sensitive locations not normally open to visitors.
The first few stops occur at the Snail Extinction Prevention Program lab, where endangered snails receive specialized care to encourage population growth, the news release said. The field trip then moves to a "kahuli kipuka," a section of protected, high-elevation forest where rebounding snail populations can be safely returned to a predator-free environment.
Due to the sensitive nature of the area, in-person visits are prohibited and the actual location is not disclosed.
"We're excited to show people the work we and our partners across the state do to protect our rare kahuli," said Dr. David Sischo, head of the DLNR Snail Extinction Prevention Program, in a news release. "Our lab space is small and carefully regulated for the snails, so we can't host large classrooms or frequent in-person visitors. We hope this virtual tour helps students explore our work while keeping our k?huli safe as they prepare to be put back into our forests."
Educators are encouraged to take their classrooms on this virtual field trip and are invited to download kahuli activities or request free packs of kahuli stickers by mail from DOFAW.
Through the field trip and associated web pages, students can learn about invertebrate biology, hear from young professionals receiving workforce training in the laboratory, and better understand the ecological and cultural importance of these small but important animals.
For more information, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/virtual.