Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

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Search Results for: miconia

Pampas Grass Eradicated

BIISC is happy to share some good news: one of the most notorious invasive grasses in Hawai‛i, pampas grass, has been eradicated from the Big Island! Both species of pampas grass known to occur in Hawaii, Cortaderia jubata and Cortaderia selloana, have been removed, and monitoring continues for any keiki that might appear at the sites of previous known locations. 

Both species of pampas are on the state’s Noxious Weeds list. The South American plant was shipped around the world in the late 1800s, popular for the showy plumes used in fashion and decor. It grows in large clumps, with feathery white or lavender plumes growing up to 10 feet tall.  As people planted it across the Pacific, it slowly began jumping from planting sites and spreading out into natural areas, disrupting native ecosystems in places like New Zealand, California, and here in Hawaii. It is now widespread on Maui, and because it is adapted to fire in its native range poses a significant threat as a fuel for wildfires.

invasive pampas grass

Pampas grass is a noxious weed.

pampas grass removal

BIISC staff controlling pampas grass.

Efforts to eradicate pampas grass

When the Hawai‛i Island eradication effort began in 2007, the plant was mapped in over two dozen locations including several places in Volcano and on the West side of the island.  Although most of the adult plants were removed early in the eradication timeline, Joel Brunger, our field operations supervisor, points out the challenges of surveying for other pampas grass clumps near an adult plant: each grass clump is capable of producing thousands of lightweight seeds which are carried by the wind as far as 20 miles from the parent plant!

BIISC relied heavily on reports from the public about potential pampas sightings, carefully tracking down and identifying each plant to locate any previously undiscovered populations. Removal of the plants by BIISC crews took time, as permission from property owners was required for most of the sites. Locating and contacting property owners can pose a significant challenge for our control efforts, but overall most people were cooperative and eager to support the removal of an invasive plant from their property. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture assisted with securing access for removal of the noxious weed where permission was difficult to obtain. Finally, in 2019, the last known population of pampas was removed, and native māmaki was planted in its stead.  BIISC botanists continue to monitor the area to catch any keiki plants that may spring up.  

An Ongoing Risk

Despite the razor-sharp leaves and potential for fueling wildfires, pampas grass is still sold throughout the world in the horticultural trade and used for landscaping. During the course of the eradication effort, BIISC developed the Plant Pono program, a nursery endorsement and education effort aimed at stopping the sale of invasive plants in Hawaii. Pono-endorsed nurseries voluntarily pledge to sell only non-invasive “pono” plants. There have been no sales of pampas grass in Hawaii for the last several years, although seeds purchased online continue to be a risk for introductions of invasive plants. 

If you spot an online seller promoting pampas grass and allowing shipment to Hawaii, pass the info along to us! Often, just informing a well-meaning grower outside of our state about the potential risks is enough for them to stop any shipment of the plant to the islands.

BIISC takes the lead on early detection and rapid response to new invasive plant species, which means our teams search for new species of plants on the island and target them for eradication when necessary and possible. Efforts to control many of our most notorious widespread invaders like miconia, albizia, or strawberry guava came too late, well past the time when it was economically possible to remove those species from the island. There is only a short window of time when an invasive species can feasibly be eradicated. Once that window has closed, control strategies switch to other efforts, like containment, or at the furthest point, exclusion only from high-value areas.

Currently, BIISC is targeting several invasive plant species assessed to be within the “window of eradication.” These species are not yet widespread, and BIISC crews are working to remove them now so that they will not become the albizia or miconia of the future. Visit our target species page to become familiar with our target species, and be sure to report any new or strange plants you encounter!

Who We Are

native uluhe fern

Who We Are

The BIISC Staff

Franny Brewer

Franny Kinslow Brewer, Program Manager

Philadelphia, PA. I began my career in the financial industry, but always had an interest in the environment and natural resources. After working for a sea turtle conservation program in Greece, I wanted to pursue a career in conservation. I moved to Hawai’i and worked in non-profit, and eventually earned my degree in biology from UH-Hilo. As a student, I developed a love for the forests of the Big Island and a passion for protecting and caring for the unique natural landscapes here. After assisting on several ecological research projects with the Forest Service, I moved into education, teaching science full-time at Big Island public and charter schools while earning my master’s degree. I still am very committed to the young people of our island and getting students out of the classroom and into the forest.

Kris Meehan

Kris Meehan, GIS Analyst/Operations Planner

Hendersonville, North Carolina. Growing up in the southern Appalachians gave me a love of the outdoors and showed me how invasive species can affect native landscapes. I am grateful to be able to combine my background in wildlife biology and GIS to help BIISC understand the trends and patterns in invasive species spread, to better target control efforts, and stay aware of emerging issues.

Judith Ferrera

Judith Ferrera, Fiscal & Program Associate

Makati City, Philippines. I used to live in California before relocating to Hilo. I previously worked in research administration at the University of California. I moved to Hilo because of the warm climate, beaches, rainbows, and lush tropical setting. Natural resources are irreplaceable, and conservation is the only way to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect of our environment for us and for future generations to enjoy this wondrous place. I acknowledge all the efforts of the BIISC staff in restoring the land, and as the fiscal and program associate, I will play an active role in dutifully administering resources to support the program.

Jennifer Randall

Jennifer Randall (Tamaariki), Field Supervisor

Honolulu, Hawai‛i. Born in Honolulu and raised in Eastern Canada on Lake Ontario, I graduated from a college in Quebec with a degree in Natural Sciences: Applied Ecology. I have worked in the field of conservation biology on the Big Island for over 20 years with agencies such as the United States Geological Survey-Biological Resource Division (USGS-BRD) in Hawai‛i Volcanoes National Park, Operation Miconia, DLNR – Natural Area Reserve Systems (NARS) working with our most invasive species and our most endangered. It is my belief that collectively we can make a difference when it comes to the environmental challenges faced by our native ecosystems here in Hawai‛i and throughout our amazing planet’s diverse ecosystems.

Dustin Swan

Dustin Swan, Forest Response Coordinator 

Idaho. Raised in the forests of the Northwest, I grew up with an appreciation for the environment and biodiversity found in the world around us. Today, many of those forests are forever changed due to an invasive beetle killing entire stands of pine trees, and devastating wildfires fueled from the remaining dead timber. The threat of new invaders taking hold and destroying native forests and habitats is neverending. Working with BIISC in conservation allows me to lend a hand in the larger effort to keep invasive species from becoming established on Hawai‛i Island, and combat those that have already reached these shores.

Molly Murphy

Molly Murphy, Invasive Plant Prevention Coordinator

Victor, NY. I had a strong desire to work in the natural environment from an early age. My passion began when my father and I planted hundreds of trees in our backyard for an Earth Day celebration. Watching the seedlings grow into a forest was satisfying. I understood then that a career in conservation would keep me happy. At BIISC, I work with the horticulture industry halting the sales of invasive plants. Managing the content for plantpono.org is another way I help prevent invasive species’ cultivation. Prevention is best!  

Jade Miyashiro

Jade Miyashiro, Invasive Arthropod Technician 

Hilo, Hawai‛i. My first experience in conservation was during the summer of my junior year in high school. Going through KUPU’s Youth Conservation Corps really piqued my interest in this field. From there, I went on to pursue a degree in tropical horticulture from UHH. The biggest influence that directed my career path was working as a volunteer for Dr. Hara, the entomologist at CTAHR that specialized in pest treatments for tropical flowers and foliage. I went on to be a student help and then a temporary hire after I got my degree. While working at CTAHR, I was able to help different nurseries around the island with their pest problems ranging from ants, slugs, beetles, and even coqui frogs. Now at BIISC, I can take what I learned and use it to help the community rid itself of the little fire ant that’s becoming a nuisance to everyone.

kawehi young headshot

Kawehi Young,  Public Outreach Coordinator

Panaʻewa, Hawai‛i. My journey with BIISC started shortly after graduating with my bachelor’s degree from UH-Hilo. I worked as a PIPES and then Kupu intern on the outreach team and helped launch our little fire ant community support program back in 2016. I quickly realized how meaningful these kinds of programs are and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in outreach and environmental education. I have since obtained my MS in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science from UH-Hilo and strive to combine my passion for graphic design, photography, and storytelling to serve my community. 

Nate Friday

Nate Friday, ROD & Albizia Field Crew Leader

Hilo, Hawai‛i. I was raised in Hilo and brought out to field sites at a young age. My involvement in Hawaiian conservation took off with working in the HYCC (with Jade!) and various KUPU internships with the Forest Service and UH while at Hilo High and on through my time at Dartmouth College, where I got a B.A. majoring in ecological biology. I have worked in tropical ecology from Costa Rica to New Zealand, but love that fieldwork in Hawai‛i has neither venomous vipers nor ferocious possums. Preserving Hawai‛i is important to me because I have had the opportunity to visit so many of its pristine natural areas that are now threatened, and have seen the changes in the landscape by both invasive species and by reforestation efforts. Traveling the world has reinforced for me just how unique and special Hawai‛i’s ecosystems are.

Kai‛anui Andaya

Kai‛anui Andaya, Invasive Species Field Crew Leader 

Wai‛anae, O‛ahu. I currently live in ‛Ōla‛a, Puna. Growing up in Hawai‛i and being immersed in Hawaiian culture, there was no separation between people and the environment. My time at Hawai‛i Community College and UH Hilo has inspired me to pursue a career in conservation. My favorite part about working in conservation is learning from the environment. The way the flora & fauna of Hawai‛i communicate and interact with one another in the forest is truly inspiring. Hawai‛i’s ecology informs me on how to carry myself within different spaces. My passion for conservation stems from my Hawaiian heritage and is further strengthened by my hula rearing. 

Josefina Pacheco

Josefina Pacheco, Invasive Species Field Associate II 

San Francisco, CA. Growing up in the Bay Area, my dad would take my brothers and I camping and fishing frequently. These early experiences helped to grow my love of the outdoors and encouraged me to pursue a career in conservation. I received my undergraduate degree from Saint Mary’s College of California in Environmental Science and moved to the Big Island in 2020. I was a member of the KUPU CLDP program at BIISC and really enjoyed my time with the team. When the opportunity to join full-time came up, I jumped at the chance. I am proud to be helping to conserve Hawaii island’s variety of ecosystems and unique, native species that make it such a special place. 

Austin Menke

Austin Menke, Invasive Species Field Associate II 

Hartford, Wisconsin. Raised in Hakalau. I graduated with my Tropical Ecosystem & Agroforestry Management (Team) AS degree in 2019. I always loved immersing myself in outdoor activities. It is a special gift to work in Hawaii’s native forests. The brisk breeze running through the air, and the abundance of life surrounding trickling streams creates a peace of serenity. I can not imagine a day where our forest disappears. I am always interested in learning new ways to help protect the forest and reciprocate my knowledge to help others.

darcy yogi headshot

Darcy Yogi, Invasive Plant Prevention Technician 

Kailua, Oʻahu. From the snow-capped puʻu of Maunakea to the still waters of Kawainui Marsh, I’ve had the privilege of working across dynamic Hawaiian landscapes alongside passionate stewards. My interest in invasive species management has only grown through my ecological education both at UH Hilo (BS) and Mānoa (MS). I continued broadening my knowledge regionally through my work with the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center and bio-culturally through my experiences with Hālau ʻŌhiʻa. Today, I live in Waiākea Uka and my daily conservation inspirations are the native plants that continue to grow, the native birds that still soar, the native insects that still appear to the keen eye, and the people who continue to aloha our special places.

Sibley Barnette, Community Engagement Liaison

Fairhope, AL. Born and raised on the Gulf Coast, I grew up with a strong connection to the environment. After working at a summer camp on Mobile Bay, I knew I wanted to work in human dimensions of natural resource conservation. I graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management with a focus in Nature-Based Recreation and Ecotourism. After I completed my degree, I worked on a community-based ecotourism project for the Mali Tribe in Fiji through Bridge the Gap: Vorovoro Island. This experience led me to pursue my M.S. in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science at UH-Hilo, where I returned to Fiji for my master’s project. I started working for BIISC’s outreach and education team as a student assistant during my master’s. This was a great way for me to learn about and be immersed in community-based conservation efforts on the Big Island throughout my education.

lawaia enos headshot

Lawaiʻa Enos, Invasive Species Field Associate I 

ʻOlaʻa, Hawaiʻi. Growing up I’ve always been exposed to the outdoors. My father Henani Enos taught me many useful skills to live off the land and sea and how to take care of our resources. From learning lots about plants and animals to navigation/sailing and gathering from kai. I am inspired to work in conservation because I’ve always had a passion for learning new skills about the outdoors and always find new ways to take care of Hawai’i for future generations.

timon skinner

Timon Skinner, Invasive Species Field Associate I 

Dumaguete, Philippines. Raised in Hilo, currently living in Hilo for 19 years. Graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation from UH Hilo. My previous experience includes working in native Hawaiian forest restoration and bioacoustic monitoring of native Hawaiian birds. Growing up on Hawai’i Island exposed me to the beauty of our unique environment from an early age.  During my college education, I was fortunate enough to work in the LOHE Lab at UH Hilo and gain insight into the world of conservation. Since then I have followed my passion for working in nature and learning how we can protect our native ecosystems.

Hiʻi Pai, Invasive Species Field Associate I 

Wainaku, Hawaiʻi. I was born in Waimea and raised in Wainaku, Hilo Palikū. I’m an Environmental Studies undergrad student at UH Hilo. My formal experience in conservation began with PIPES internships. At Miloliʻi I worked with Conservation International identifying coral profiles and doing outreach with Miloliʻi ʻohana. My second internship was with Nāpuʻu Conservation Project at Nāpuʻupūʻalukinikini where I supported their field crew with maintaining firebreaks and outplanting native dryland species. I’ve done a 6 month stint in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument on Hōlanikū with Kure Atoll Conservancy focusing on habitat restoration for Hawaiian seabirds. Being an ʻōlapa has pushed me to engage with my natural environment from a young age, and to interact with these spaces in a cultural context with intent, purpose, and reverence. Being grounded in practices of aloha ʻāina and hoʻomana drives me in my career as a conservationist, as it is a vessel for me to take care of and protect that which has fed me my whole life.

High-Risk Medinilla species

High-risk Medinilla species

DO NOT PLANT: Any high-risk members of this genus

Many plants in the Medinilla genus and Melastomataceae family are weedy and extremely invasive in Hawai’i. The seeds are dispersed by birds, water & and unintentionally as a result of human activity (i.e. muddy boots). Worse yet, humans are a major disperser of this family. Seeds, propagules, and clippings are shared and sold due to their beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. They often produce more than 1,000 seeds per square meter per year, and they can persist in the seed bank for more than a year. Furthermore, they thrive in a wide range of elevations demonstrating their environmental versatility. This family is disturbance-adapted and can effectively colonize a disturbed area. Destructive to native habitats, these plants are very aggressive and shade out, crowd out, and smother surrounding vegetation, forming dense stands. These plants are horrible pests and very hard to control.

Medinilla Genus
Medinilla (Medinilla cumingii) is invading areas in Mountain View

Photos: Alberto Salguero, BIISC

Impacts:

  • Easily escapes cultivation
  • Naturalized in disturbed rainforests and in established landscaping
  • Forms thickets and displaces native plants
  • Germinates on other plants and eventually smothers its host
  • Larger mature plants often climb surrounding vegetation
  • Produces prolific viable seeds
  • Shade tolerant and fast growth to reproductive maturity

Description:

  • Shrubs up to 8 ft. tall with strongly veined leaves (6-15 in long) and small (1/4 in) pink, red, or black berries
  • M. magnifica has 4-winged stems and showing flowers, small pink or red flowers (5 pedals) grow in drooping clustered panicles (up to 18 in long) hooded by large, showy leaf-like pink bracts
  • M. cumingii has a square stem and flower clusters 10 in long with small pink flowers (1 in, 4 pedals)

Grow these instead

flame bottletree

mamaki

coral hibiscus

Photos: Forest & Kim Starr

Download No Grow Card- Medinilla

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Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-3340

  

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