New Statewide Wetland Study Highlights MCR

January 12, 2025

Many Nene or Hawaiian Geese have taken up residence in the native plant and wetland restorations created by MCR staff and volunteers. This project was carried out, under county, state, federal, and private foundation support, in the abandoned limestone quarry adjacent to the cave. (Photo by Lida Pigott Burney).

A new study of wetlands throughout the state, aimed at setting planning priorities ( Strategic Plan for Hawai’i Wetlands ) rated the wetlands at Makauwahi Cave Reserve as the eighth highest priority for restoration and preservation in the entire state. Restorations we have carried out near the cave on abandoned limestone quarrying lands have become a major attractant to all five of the endangered native waterfowl. Among these, the Ne-ne or Hawaiian Goose has especially thrived, nesting in the native plant restorations and grazing, in flocks of two dozen or more, in the adjacent restored uplands.