The island of Kaua`i has a variety of habitats. The social organization is equally varied. The Field School venues make use of key locations so that studies can be done in appropriate venues.
The Two Camp Strategy
The Field School makes use to two primary venues: the Boy Scout Camp at Koke`e and the old rice experiment field near Kapaa. The Boy Scout camp is primarily used for conservation problems, so it is called the Conservation Camp. The site near Kapaa is close to people and it is called the Ethnobiology Camp. The camp names do not mean that conservation and ethnobiology activities are separate; quite the contrary. Problems that relate to both conservation and ethnobiology are done at both venues.
Field School participants will use both camps. The participants will be split into two groups, except for the start and ending period of the Field School. One group will work at the Conservation Camp while the other works at the Ethnobiology Camp. Midway through the Field School, the groups switch venues.
.
The Camps
Conservation Camp
We are using the resources available at the Boy Scout Camp near Koke`e.
This is an excellent site for studies in the nearby Kaua`i forests. It is an isolated location about a 10 minute walk from the highway that goes to Koke`e. The elevation is about 3,500 ft.
The camp location itself is quite primitive. Participants will stay in tents. The restroom facilities are pit toilets.
There are covered areas that have picnic tables. This will allow daytime work if it is raining.
There is a good water supply. Electricity is not available at the camp site, but batteries can be charged at the administration building near the camp entrance.
There is no Internet of cell phone access at this site, or even nearby.
Meal catering will come from the Koke`e Restaurant.
Ethnobiology Camp
The University of Hawai`i Agricultural Experiment Station on Kaua`i has some lands that are fairly close to the city of Kapa`a. One of the fields at this lowland site was once used to grow rice. We have access to this site on which to camp and do our camp-related work.
Ancillary Facilities
National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG)