Celebrating Science
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 
     
 
 

Resource Guides:

  • Grade K - 4
  • Grade 5 - 8
  • Grade 9 - 12
  • Archived Live Interaction
    •  
    Ecosystems Soaking with Natural Treasures  

    Hawaii is home to over 10,000 native species, more than 90% of which are found nowhere else in the world! Hawaii’s native forests evolved over millions of years to become one of the most remarkable natural assemblages on Earth.


    Through this Celebrating Science Passports, students will virtually visit rainforests on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii to learn about ecosystems. By exploring two very different rainforests, students will learn about native and invasive species, ecological diversity and adaptation, the interdependence of organisms, co-evolution, and the natural and human-induced hazards to rainforests.

    Students will also understand the role rainforests play in supporting humans (through water conservation) and supporting reefs and marine life (through anchored soil and erosion control). Students will not only be amazed at the beauty and natural efficiency of rainforests but also inspired by one botanist’s passion and commitment to preserve these natural treasures.

    Students will learn how their daily lives and actions affect our precious and beautiful rainforests. Ane Bakutis, a botanist, will explore and explain why Mt. Ka’ala is a unique rainforest. She will explain the structure of the forests and their unique plant life (ferns, stagnum, rat feet plant, hula tree, epiphyte, et al…). Finally, students will gain knowledge of what co-evolution amongst the birds and plant life living in the rainforests.

    Video Information:

    Virtually explore a bog rainforest on the island of Oahu with a botanist to learn about this complex ecosystem.

    		  
     

    Video Information:

    Explore the Ola'a rainforest located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii. A botanist will guide you on this journey as you learn about the unique ecosystem and surrounding areas.

    		  
     

    Video Information:

    This video introduces students to a very distinct ecosystem on the island of Hawaii on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Within this ecosystem lives the Hawaiian Silver Sword, an endangered native Hawaiian plant found no where else in the world. A botanist discusses the history of the Silver Sword and efforts to save this incredible plant.

    		  
     
    Expert: Ane Bakutis  

    Ane Bakutis is a Botanist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources. Ane is dedicated to the preservation of Hawaii’s natural environment, through her involvement in native plant propagation, rare species surveys and protection, as well as monitoring native and alien plant communities and ecosystems.
    Ane’s background in Botany at the University of Hawaii, as a masters and undergraduate, combined with her adventuring and hiking throughout the Hawaiian Islands has provided her with comprehensive knowledge of Hawaii’s native flora and fauna, their interactions with each other and alien species, and their current status in the wild. Ane is open to learning new methods to increase the population size of rare and endangered species as well as increasing the health and stability of native ecosystems and communities.
    She has participated in the development and implementation of numerous restoration and recovery plans utilizing the knowledge gained from surveys, compressive data and experimental projects to better assist conservation agencies and efforts in the recovery and stabilization of Hawaii’s native ecosystems.
    She works with Volcanoes National Park, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, and Hui Ku Maoli Native Plant Nursery.

    In her free time, Ane likes to surf, hike, and sew.
    Ane’s favorite native plant is the Hawaiian gardenia or na’u and her favorite rainforest in the Hawaiian Islands is Mt. Ka’ala because “… it is beautiful and filled with amazing plants and because it is unique; it is a bog. Also, I love Mt. Ka’ala because it overlooks my home of Wai’anae!” Ane has a wealth of knowledge and passion to share! It is people like Ane that ensure Hawaii’s beauty and unique resources remain treasured.