EVENTS

MEETINGS and PRESENTATIONS

Upcoming  Meetings and Presentations (all on Tuesdays at 3 p.m. in the Quinault Auditorium unless otherwise noted):

  • November 10 – The Long, Bumpy Road to Recovering an Endangered Hawaiian Forest Bird
    Palila

    Join ornithologist and Panorama resident Paul Banko as he describes a major focus of his research: the conservation biology of the Palila, a rare and critically endangered Hawaiian bird.  The Palila is an unusually specialized seed-eater concentrated in a small portion of its former range on Mauna Kea Volcano on Hawaii Island.  For three decades, Paul has researched Palila evolution and ecology and has joined in conservation efforts to rescue it from extinction.  The Palila’s story—and Paul’s—illustrate the many challenges, not only to recovering Hawaii’s native birds, but to other endangered species around the world.

    Paul comments that,

    “We’ve learned a lot about Palila ecology and threats to the species over the years, and it provides a very good opportunity to discuss some of the major conservation work that is being done, which I’m still active in. I plan to give some brief background on the evolution and ecology of Hawaiian birds generally before diving into the key aspects of Palila life history that bear on its conservation.

    “I plan to describe…

    • how the Palila became an endangered species
    • how legal battles emerged regarding the fundamental meaning of endangered species protection and critical habitat
    • what has been and is being done to protect Palila and its habitat
    • why the Palila has not responded (yet) to conservation initiatives
    • as the Palila nears extinction, what measures are underway for its rescue?”


    Dr. Paul Banko     has spent his career as a wildlife biologist studying endangered Hawaiian birds and developing strategies and techniques for their recovery. After earning his Ph.D. in Wildlife Science at the University of Washington, he returned to Hawaii to conduct research at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. He and his wife, Suzanna, moved to Panorama in March 2025. Although recently retired, Paul continues to work on data that he has collected since 1988.

  • There is no general Green Team program  in December.

OTHER COMING EVENTS

  • Friday, November 6, 10 a.m. to noon – Fall Shredding Day. Drive-up at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, walk-up at the Quinault Auditorium.

  • Sunday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. – Field Trip to Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail. Join the Green Team’s annual visit to nearby Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail, led by Panorama resident Cleve Pinnix. Observe the autumn spawning run of wild chum  salmon on a lovely, easy half-mile forest trail, which offers viewing sites along the creek and interpretive signs. Dress for the weather. This trip needs a minimum of five attendees for transportation services to be available. Sign up at LEDServices@panorama.org, x5565, or on Kya. $12.00. Bus leaves 9:30 a.m. (Reboard bus at 11:30 a.m )

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS

PREVIOUS EVENTS 

  • See Previous Events for summaries of past events of interest to the Panorama Green Team members.

Lacey, Washington