An ecological monitoring report by Starr Environmental detailing the flowering performance and population trends of the Haleakalā silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense ssp. macrocephalum) on Maui in 2012. Findings include that 2012 was a “medium flowering year” with 802 blooms—up from 565 blooms in 2011, though still far below the record 6,632 blooms in 1991.
Flowering Phenology Tracking
Students collect data on flowering timing and bloom counts for a local native plant species, comparing variations year to year.
Historical Trend Analysis
Use the silversword bloom dataset (1991 vs. 2011 vs. 2012) to graph trends, discuss natural variability, and hypothesize drivers.
Climate Impact Case Study
Examine how factors like rainfall shifts and trade wind inversion contribute to flowering variability, drawing parallels with broader climate-change impacts.
Conservation Outreach
Have learners design an educational poster or presentation on why monitoring rare high-elevation plants like the silversword matters for ecosystem resilience.
Adaptation Strategies Discussion
Facilitate a group debate on management strategies (seed banking, assisted migration, irrigation) in response to population declines tied to climate variability.
Plant reproductive ecology & flowering phenology
Monitoring rare and endangered species
Effects of climate variability (e.g., rainfall, inversion layers) on alpine flora
Data interpretation: long-term trend analysis & anomaly identification
Conservation biology and climate adaptation strategies
