This large, clump-forming grass is one of the fastest growing terrestrial plants in the world---growing 4” a day and up to 20 feet tall! Arundo donax is also known as "giant reed." Arundo g … [Read more...]
Fireweed watch
Fireweed (Senecio madagascarensis) is a bright yellow-flowering, daisy-like weed that looks a bit like a cross between the common garden wedelia and a dandelion. But don't be fooled by … [Read more...]
Miconia Biocontrol a Possibility
After 30 years of study, a new butterfly may offer hope for control of miconia in Hawaii. The Hawaii State Department of Agriculture has completed a Draft Environmental Assessment for … [Read more...]
Australian Tree Fern
It may look benign growing in your yard, but Sphaeropteris cooperi, the Australian Tree Fern, is a major invader in the forest. This is a popular ornamental because it so easy and fast to grow … [Read more...]
Native Hawaiian Plant Month
Did you know April is "Native Hawaiian Plant Month"? Celebrating the unique and fragile flora of the Hawaiian Islands. Help spread the word! Hawaii is the extinction capital of the world... … [Read more...]
Ivy gourd
Have you seen this plant? On the Hawaii State Noxious Weed List: Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) is a fast-growing, aggressive vine that smothers anything in its path. It rapidly covers … [Read more...]
COVID update
COVID-19 Status Update for KISC last updated: Wednesday March 24, 2020 Aloha Kākou, We hope everyone is staying safe and well during this time of extraordinary challenge for our … [Read more...]
Wood rose
Our invasive plant of the week is wood rose (Merremia tuberosa), photographed above in December, 2018 along a roadside near Anini Beach on Kauai. This attractive vine was introduced for horticultural … [Read more...]
Plant phaseout list
Do you have any of these plants in your yard? Some of the biggest threats to Kauai's forests can come from our own back yards. The Pono Endorsement Program has identified some of the worst … [Read more...]
Little Fire Ant Awareness
October each year is Little Fire Ant Awareness Month but that doesn't mean we should forget them again come November 1. Keeping our island safe from this harmful invasive pest is an important kuleana … [Read more...]
Mongoose Report Update
Posted June 23, 2017 On Sunday, June 18th, there was one eye witness report of a possible mongoose sighting from a couple in Princeville. Due to the amazing Kauai community and their dili … [Read more...]
Mahalo Kauai!
Posted March 7, 2017 Last week, Kauai began celebrating the 5th annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week with events across the island. This Friday, March 10th, Kauai will be well r … [Read more...]
Collaboration in Conservation
Posted January 11, 2017 by Rachel Smith Ah, the New Year. Starting fresh. KISC has a lot on our horizon this year. For those of you who receive our Guardian of the Garden Isle emails, you know … [Read more...]
Christmas Trees in the Tropics
Posted November 23, 2016 by Rachel Smith The holidays are here! Santa is coming! And Christmas trees are arriving to the islands by the boatload. It is estimated that around 200,000 Noble Fir a … [Read more...]
Live Mongoose Captured on Kauai!
Posted October 11, 2016 by Rachel Smith LIHUE – Live mongoose capture at Lihue Airport. On October 11, 2016 at 8:15am, Craig Kaneshige, Clyde Ragasa, and Eric-John Garcia of Hawaii Department o … [Read more...]
Little Fire Ant Awareness Month
Posted October 3, 2016 by Rachel Smith It is the second annual Statewide Little Fire Ant (LFA) Awareness Month! While every month is important in the invasive species battle, this month we are … [Read more...]
Hawaii Welcomes the World Conservation Congress
Posted August 11, 2016 by Rachel Smith The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is an international organization made up of over 10,000 members that facilitate global … [Read more...]
Managing Miconia
Posted July 25, 2016 by Rachel Smith Miconia calvescens, Velvet Tree, the Purple Plague, or Green Cancer; it has many names, is one of the worst invasive species in Hawaii, and one of the most … [Read more...]
Busy with Botany
Posted May 6, 2016 by Rachel Smith As stated in the previous blog post, Springing into Action, KISC has been quite busy this year. Each department in our organization has been working … [Read more...]
Springing Into Action!
Posted April 19, 2016 by Rachel Smith Spring is here! As the cool mornings drift away, and the warmer temperatures encourage you outside, you may notice there is a lot of work to do in your … [Read more...]
