Embracing ʻĀina: My Journey with HWF (Intern Story by Mike Stone)

Mike scores with two glass ball finds during his time volunteering with US FWS in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Working with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund (HWF) has been a transformative and enriching experience that has left an undeniable mark on my life. Over the course of two years, I had the privilege of contributing to HWF's mission of protecting native wildlife across Hawaiʻi. From day one, the HWF team welcomed me with open arms, embracing me as part of their ʻohana. This sense of belonging fostered a unique bond that extended beyond the workplace. The warmth and camaraderie among the team members made every project feel like a collective effort toward a shared goal — the preservation of Hawaii irreplaceable species and ecosystems.

My journey with HWF took me to both Hawaiʻi Island and Maui, where we engaged in a variety of projects, ranging from community beach cleanups to outplanting rare and endangered loulu (Hawaii's only native palm). This included work in highly sensitive areas, many home to endangered and endemic species which demanded a deep understanding of both culture and ecology. Whenever working in these sensitive areas, we would conduct Oli, including a Hawaiian chant seeking permission to work on the land. This way of respecting the land and culture was paramount to our approach to conservation. The principles learned with HWF during these projects became invaluable during my subsequent work in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, where the same ethics of conservation applied.

Mike supporting HWF's Honu Watch activities on Maui.

The work conducted with HWF was no easy feat. Long hours under the sun, engaging in strenuous activities tested my resilience. Yet, amidst the challenges, I witnessed some of the most genuine individuals in conservation, tirelessly safeguarding our land. As I reflect on my time with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for the team. The memories created, connections built, and the deepened connection to the ʻāina are gifts that will stay with me forever. HWF not only shaped my understanding of conservation, but also instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility towards preserving the natural wonders that make Hawaiʻi truly alive and wild. If our paths had not crossed, I might not have grown to possess the same appreciation for ʻāina that I carry with me today. Mahalo HWF <3

Mike Stone was a graduate student working with HWF during his internship within the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Master's program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo from Fall 2019 to Fall 2021. During this time, Mike worked with HWF's Megan Lamson (as his graduate advisor) and completed over 700 volunteer hours with HWF and focused on a brand audit study for marine debris collected in Kaʻū from 2013-2021, more on that here: https://www.wildhawaii.org/hidden-meanings-what-brand-names-reveal-about-marine-debris-along-our-southern-shorelines/

After spending time after graduation volunteering with NOAA and FWS across the Pacific, Mike spent time on Lānaʻi working in Biosecurity and Invasive Species Specialist for Pūlama Lānaʻi. He is currently continuing with coastal conservation work in Alaska.

This intern story was shared by Mike Stone in November 2023.