Community Awareness and Education
MISC’s community awareness and engagement program empowers the Maui County community with the knowledge and tools needed to take action in addressing the invasive species threats—from preventing species from arriving to backyard control.
Invasive species impact everyone on Maui, whether through threats to native forests and watersheds, harm to agriculture and local businesses, or disruptions to daily life. Through classroom education, outreach events, workshops, presentations, and partnerships, we connect with residents, landowners, industry professionals, and decision-makers to foster a deeper understanding of the issues. Our programs encourage community participation, from reporting invasive species to hands-on efforts, such as empowering residents to control coqui in their own backyards. By fostering collaboration and sharing resources, we help build local capacity to manage invasive species at a broader scale.
MISC’s work is most effective when the community is informed and engaged. By working together, we can protect Maui’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. Whether you’re a homeowner, farmer, business owner, or visitor, you can play a role in stopping the spread of invasive species. Stay informed, get involved, and help us mālama ʻāina.
Classroom Education and Educator Workshops
The place-based environmental education curriculum, Hōʻike o Haleakalā, is the foundation for MISC’s education program. Through classroom visits and teacher workshops, MISC staff support Maui County teachers in their efforts to connect future land stewards with the unique natural environment of Hawaii. Sign up through our newsletter at the link above to stay informed about educator workshops and classroom visits, or contact our education specialist at hoikeinfo@gmail.com for more information.
Presentations and Workshops
From workshops for professional arborists and landscapers to community association presentations, MISC staff will work with your organization or business to inform and explore partnership opportunities to support, detect, and prevent invasive species. Contact miscpr@hawaii.edu for more information.
Community Events
Look for MISC around the island. From local farmers’ markets to festivals and other community events, MISC staff reach thousands of residents and visitors through tabling at community events.
Community Coqui Control
Effectively containing coqui frogs requires a collective kuleana—shared responsibility. MISC trains community members on coqui control and helps organize and coordinate control efforts that reduce the impacts in the community. Learn more about our partnership with neighborhoods to mitigate the impacts of coqui frogs.
Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award
The Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award recognizes those in the landscape industry taking proactive steps to address and prevent the spread of invasive species in Maui County. The award, presented since 2003, is a cooperative effort of the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the County of Maui.
Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Tour Guide Training
The Maui Mauka Conservation Awareness Training supports nature-based tourism by connecting Maui tourism professionals with conservation educators. A collaboration between MISC, the East Maui Watershed Partnership, and Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, the training covers Hawaiʻi’s unique natural history and current challenges. Each training features a different guest conservation program.
Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Awareness Month
HISAM is an annual event dedicated to educating and mobilizing Hawaiʻi residents to protect the islands from the threats posed by invasive species. Held statewide throughout May, MISC partners in hosting educational webinars, local volunteer opportunities and events, and HISAM community awards.
Stop the Ant Month
Stop the Ant Month is an annual awareness campaign held statewide each October. The campaign supports community efforts to detect invasive ants and protect our neighborhoods. Community awareness and quick action are essential to preventing the spread of little fire ants. Request a free test kit from StopTheAnt.org and survey your property for little fire ants today.
