This 49-page unpublished report by Forest and Kim Starr, commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, presents a comprehensive checklist and summary of vascular plants found at Kīlauea Point NWR on Kaua‘i. The authors conducted walk-through surveys across the refuge, documenting native and non-native species, including several federally endangered and threatened coastal taxa. The paper also discusses vulnerabilities of these plant communities—particularly to sea-level rise and invasive species—and includes detailed appendices for each surveyed segment.
Plant Inventory & Mapping
Students perform a local botanical walk-through to identify and map native vs. invasive plant species. Compare species richness and habitat context.
Vulnerability Assessment
Analyze which plant communities are vulnerable to sea-level rise or human disturbance using the report’s template. Students can adapt these methods to their own region (e.g., riverbanks, lakeshores).
Endangered Species Case Files
Pick a listed coastal plant from the report. Research its ecology, threats, and conservation strategies. Present findings visually with posters or digital slides.
Invasive Plant Removal & Restoration Plan
Students design a restoration plan: inventory invasive species, propose removal methods, and suggest native replacements. Include cost, manpower, and ecological benefits.
Interactive ID Key
Create a field guide or digital key based on the report's annotated checklist—emphasizing distinguishing features, habitats, and conservation status.
Vascular plant taxonomy and coastal ecosystem inventories
Native and invasive species comparison
Conservation prioritization & vulnerability evaluation (e.g., sea-level rise)
Survey methods: walk-through, checklist compilation, and data recording
Habitat restoration planning and threat mitigation
