Click on any image below to view in a slideshow:
Helicopter are not only used for aerial surveys but allow us to access remote locations, saving time and energy so we can get to surveying!
Giant miconia leaves shade out native species, taking up resources.
OISC rappel crew dropping into a gulch teaming with miconia…which we removed, of course!
Crews planning their survey.
OISC inspecting native naio plants for the invsaive thrip insects. Early detection of invasive species keep costs down by finding invasives while their populations are still small and damage can be mitigated.
Pampas grass removal.
OISC outreach booth.
OISC surveys are physically demanding, but ground surveys are essential to finding and removing invasive plants before they mature and drops seeds.
OISC surveys at Poamoho for the invasive cane ti plants. These summits are priority watersheds that are dominated by native species, some of which are endangered. It is necessary to stop the invasion of harmful plants that can damage these valuable resources.
Inspecting a coconut tree for Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle damage.
OISC field crew office.
Once a month, OISC crews do remote work on O’ahu’s north shore, removing devil weed.
Aerial surveys in the Ko’olau Mountains.
Happily removing a patch of miconia.
Ko’olau Mountains miconia surveys take us to some beautiful spots.
We remove and bag fruits from mature plants and take them to HECO to burn.
We all love what we do because this is what we are protecting.
Unexpected rainbow treats make our crew happy!
Bino surveys of ridges.
Halloween is an OISC favorite.
Rain or shine…we go where the plants are.
OISC wears these white Tyvek suits around mature cane ti so seeds can’t stick to our clothes.
Blustery day at Poamoho.
Surveys at Poamoho to remove cane ti.
Cold, wet surveys.
Nice spot for a lunch break.
Waiting for our ride.
Removing fountain grass…which promotes the spread and intensity of wildfire.
Fountain grass surveys…yup, we’re going up there.
Fountain grass can grow on exposed rock faces. This allow fire to burn up cliffs where it otherwise would not burn…also called a fire ladder.
OISC crews (in orange) conducting fountain grass surveys. Even though we can hike difficult terrain, some places are impossible or pose too great a safety risk. In which case, aerial surveys and treatment of fountain grass are necessary.
Our talented crew member Derek Ford made this!
OISC’s 15th Anniversary Celebration – November 2016. Every person in the photo has worked, volunteered or supported OISC is one way or another. Mahalo Nui Loa!!
Prepping vials baited with peanut butter for early detection of little fire ants.