Streams and Wetlands

Suggestions if you live near a Stream or Wetland.

Healthy rivers, streams, and wetlands provide habitat for wildlife and aesthetic value. Wetlands filter excess nutrients, chemicals, and sediment, and provide habitat for a host of native birds, many of which are threatened or endangered. If you’re fortunate enough to live near a stream or wetland, you can personally help protect many of Hawaii’s endangered aquatic animals and water birds. Here’s how:

  • Grow native plants suited to your area, especially adjacent to and along streams and wetlands to provide partial shade.
  • Prevent toxic chemicals such as those used in lawn care and landscaping from entering wetlands and water sources.
  • Don’t dump trash in streams or wetlands. Stop other people who do.
  • Avoid entering streams during the breeding season.
  • Don’t build too closely to streams.
  • Keep rat populations under control. It’s healthier for your family plus rats eat bird eggs.
  • Keep your cats indoors and your dogs leashed. These household pets can kill a nest of young chicks within minutes.
  • Don’t release domestic mallards into streams and wetland areas. They compete with native birds for food and habitat.
  • Don’t feed any wild birds, it can increase their risk for disease.
  • Don’t release exotic fish, invertebrates (snails, crayfish, shrimp), or aquatic plants into streams, rivers, and wetlands. It’s against the law.
  • Call the Department of Health’s Vector Control to remove mongoose and feral animals if they are seen in your yard.

Additional Resources


<p><em>Source: &quot;<a href="ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/HI/pub/news/hawaiibackyardconservation.pdf">Hawaii Backyard Conservation</a>&quot; (PDF), The U.S. Department of Agriculture.</em></p>

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