Kawainui The Star Of Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day will run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 pm. Feb. 8 at Kailua United Methodist Church, a free annual event about “Wetlands and Agriculture” with Kawainui Marsh’s history and culture in the forefront, under the sponsorship of Ho‘olaulima ia Kawainui.

Experts on the marsh, a Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, will discuss Kawainui and other Hawaii wetlands in a forum moderated by Johnathan Scheurer. Speakers are Bill Tam of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources; Jim Cogswell of DLNR’s Forestry and Wildlife division, UH Sea Grant Program’s Brad Romine, and Carl Evenson of UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. The Nature Conservancy’s Sam Gon III will present a visual program, while photographer Nate Yuen will share his marsh images.

Key players in Kawainui’s modern history will be honored along with the late conservation leaders Diane Drigot, Ryan Kalama and Ray Sweeney.

Also planned: food, tours, art and plant sales, a climbing wall, live entertainment, and children’s activities. Exhibitors and vendors may still apply, and there is no fee. For booths and updated program information, call Shannon Wood at 224-4496.