Friends of Kealia Pond NWR

Hey Friends of Kealia! This time last year, I was assisting my brother, Dr. Jason Graham, on a project to gather data and help restore the native Hawaiian Yello...w-Faced Bee population. I'd love to know how the project has been going overall, and whether the portable naupaka planter I crafted has seen any visits or if it failed for being too small for roots. Please let me know if you have any info. Mahalo, Sam

We often get artists out on the boardwalk. It's an inspirational place!

John Kaden Sandbach Jr., age 9, placed first in our photo contest (wildlife youth category) with this portrait of a black-crowned night heron ('auku'u). The judges all agreed this was a photo they would be proud to hang in their homes!

Kelia Pond National Wildlife Refuge Photography Contest Winners Kelia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, in conjunction with Friends of Kelia Pond NWR, are happy to announce the winners of their first-ever photography contest. We received more than 90 entries. Below are the winners in each category. Winners and honorable mentions will be displayed at the Kelia Pond Visitor’s Center beginning Saturday, Feb. 15, and through Spring 2020. Mahalo to judges Bret Wolfe, refuge manag...er at Kelia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, and Bruce Butler and Lourdes Venard, board members with Friends of Kelia Pond NWR. Adult Wildlife 1st Place: Christian Hagenlocher, Ohana 2nd Place: T. Cameron, ‘Auku‘u Fish Food 3rd Place: Nancy Smith, Heron in Reflection Honorable mentions: Chris Barnnowsky, Dragonfly in Flight Soo Baus, Stilt Splash T. Cameron, Fighting Hawaiian Coots Patrick Medvecz, Snacking Ibis Adult Scenic 1st Place: Steven Hamman, Sunset at Kelia 2nd Place: Nadia Nani Koole, Kelia Coastal Boardwalk 3rd Place: Lance Barstad, Sunbeams and Birds Adult Visitor Experience 1st Place: Miguel Morales, Family Visit 2nd Place: Rick Woodford, Rainbow at the Visitors Center Youth Wildlife 1st Place: John Kaden Sandbach, 9, ‘Auku‘u Up Close 2nd Place: Mia Rodarte, 12, ‘Auku‘u in Flight 3rd Place: Syra Sandoval, 16, Muscovy Duck Pair Honorable mention: Hoohieokal Luna-Beamer, 15, ‘Alae kea Standing Proud Youth Scenic 1st Place: Amia Datts-Voluntad, 15, Kelia’s Beauty 2nd Place: Layli Gonzalez, 16, Coastal Boardwalk 3rd Place: Ronel Yadao, 17, Flight Over Pond Honorable mention: Ian Schmidt, 10, Interesting Patterns Youth Visitor Experience 1st Place: Drema Carlos, 10, Water Lessons 2nd Place: Faith Christy Soliven, 15, Natural Beauty Photo shown here is by first-place winner in the Adult Wildlife Category: Christian Hagenlocher.

Over 40 Black Crown Night Herons/Auku’u At the Kealia Boardwalk on Tuesday

Rick Woodford won a second prize in our photo contest for this shot of the rainbow at the Visitors Center!