SAVE THE PLANET
Probable Future
If Pouhala Marsh is still cared for as it is today, the probable future would be that the marsh would improve slowly because it does take time for plants to grow and populations to increase. In a few years, there should be more natives growing in the marsh and there should be less invasive species with all the restoration that is ongoing. There should also be a slight increase in native waterbirds and probably other birds like the cattle egret because their health is linked to their habitat. If their habitat thrives then their population should rise. The marsh is a refuge and is protected by the state of Hawaii. There are wildlife officials who conduct periodical checks on the marsh and continually practice restoration. The Hawaii Nature Center is one group focused in Pouhala Marsh and they will continue to practice environmental stewardship with volunteers. If this continues the marsh will be in good hands and will achieve a more natural environment not choked by non-natives.
Preferred Future
I prefer that Pouhala Marsh flourish because it is home to a lot of native species and it is one of the remaining “wild” parts of Oahu. Already most of Oahu is urbanized since we are so focused on tourism. However, we won’t be able to get tourists without the wild areas that make Hawaii paradise. There should be more advocation for Pouhala Marsh and more school groups should get out more to help the environment. I prefer a future that has students working in the marsh, even on a weekly basis to encourage restoration and to promote the learning about this island that we live on. The marsh should be green and have water flowing, as it is a wetland that is healthy for its native species that should be flying around in great abundance, the native waterbirds of Hawaii. I would also like the possibility of having our native and endangered animals and plants removed from the official Endangered Species List.