"Getting to Know" Kea‘ahala Stream
"On July 9th, 12 participants joined stream expert, David Krupp, to learn about this very urban stream.Once we had a good idea of where the stream started, we made several stops down the stream learning how Kea`ahala runs above and below ground and has natural flow, channelized portions, and culverted sections, in addition to many small tributaries.
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Stream Survey at Windward Estates Windward Estates is in the process of stabilizing the banks with native plants and trees. |
From Windward Estates we made our way to view the portions of the stream behind Windward Mall and Papa John’s Pizza. At these points the stream is fully channelized. Dr. Krupp discussed how channelization affects stream, plant and animal health. |
Below the Distric park, there was much trash and excess vegetation. Human rubbish is a major pollutant in Kea`ahala Stream.
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The participants then talked about ways to minimize the negative effects of channelized streams, including: making the channel bottom less uniform and planting trees and over-arching vegetation along the channel for shade.
We ended the walk at the mouth of the stream where the channelized
portion returns to natural flow and cascades down to the estuary,
forming a waterfall. We wrapped up the experience with a discussion
of how our behaviours affect the water quality in Keahala Stream
and how we can effect change by picking up our trash and disposing
of iujjt properly, washing our cars on the lawn and promoting education.
This streamwalk was a very informative and an interesting look
at an urban stream in Kaneohe.
If you think these walks sound interesting or look like fun, why not sign up for the next one?