Fred the Monkey Cares about Midway

Fred's first visit to Midway was about a year ago, in June 2009, when he came with his buddy, Ron Hirschi.  They were part of the PA`A program, and they learned a lot about Midway's environment, especially the impact of marine debris on wildlife.

Ron and Fred started the SOAR website to spread the word about stopping marine debris.  And they also travel around the world to bring the information directly to community and school groups.

This year Fred returned to Midway to join the PA`A 2010 group.  In the first picture he and friend Randi, a Big Island of Hawai`i teacher, are resting after having planted the native Hawaiian grass, Kawelu, or Bunch Grass (Eragrostis variabilis.)  Fred also shook hands/beaks with a new friend, a 2010 Laysan Albatross chick.

PA`A -- E Ala E!

The extraordinary group of educators and community leaders -- PA`A 2010 -- has departed.  They came to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, this "window" of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and have joined a growing network of people around the world who love this special place.  The participants have now left the Refuge, returning to their corners of the world to carry out the mission of educating people, young and old, to become stewards of the Monument, as well as of their own home environment.  E ala e!

PA`A -- The Teachers Are Here!

There are 12 educators on Midway participating in a week-long program called PA`A = Papahānaumokuākea `Ahahui Alaka`i  They come from all over the world: from Hawai`i to England, from New York to Florida.  These teachers are busy!  They are participating in a variety of activities using traditional Hawaiian knowledge, science methodology, island conservation and wildlife conservation.  Each teacher has a plan to achieve their own care of natural and cultural resources back in their own home communities & schools.  Visit the PA`A blog to see what they're doing!