NPR: For Love of a Sinkhole

For Love of a Sinkhole

Q: How many paleoecologists does it take to excavate a sinkhole, find seven previously undescribed bird species and reintroduce native plant species to a place they haven't grown in for a thousand years?

A: Depends on the paleoecologists.

Fact is, some aren't mortal. In particular, keep an eye out for the pair shown below. They were recently featured in an NPR radio report that mistakenly assumed they were human, based on their oh! so convincing paleoecologist clothing.

Closer scrutiny has determined it simply isn't possible for this couple to do as much as they do in as many places as they do it and not be in league with He Who Cannot Be Named. Consequently, approach with extreme caution should the pair be spotted one fine Sunday morning within the nether reaches of Kauai's Makauwahi Cave.

Meet the happy sorcerers Lida Pigott and David A. Burney, whose life work in the field of paleoecology has culminated in a picturesque sinkhole where they're bringing an ancient piece of Hawaii back to life. While the couple may or may not be in league with the supernatural, they do have a lease on the cave property courtesy of Grove Farm.

photo credit: Ketzel Levine, NPR

We'll post more photos shortly plus details as we gather them. Until then, be very afraid.

11:10 AM ET | 01- 2-2008 | permalink

comments | | e-mail

Comments

View all comments »

Add a Comment

Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.

Do you have a pic of the palm spoken about in the story Lolu plam. I'm a palm lover and would love to see it . Thanks Shane J. Rukkila

Sent by Shane Rukkila | 5:42 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Indeed I do, will post by tomorrow, so c'mon back.

Sent by Ketzel Levine | 6:05 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Dave Burney and Lida Pigott showed our group of Environmental Journalism Fellows at the National Tropical Botanical their work last May. We posted our report at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ntbg. It was a fabulous experience.

Sent by Christine Heinrichs | 6:28 PM ET | 01-02-2008

Spot on, Ketzel. These two cannot be trusted...

Sent by Kamaui Aiona | 8:40 PM ET | 01-02-2008

I agree with Shane. I'd love to see a photo of the palm described in the story. Am I missing a link, so to speak?

Sent by Holly Smith | 8:34 AM ET | 01-04-2008

I absolutely love the humorous tone of this blog entry's text- complete with the link to the Wikipedia "Lord Valdemort" article! I've already got about 1,000 or more reasons to travel to Hawaii one day and this sinkhole has just been added to my list. Great job!

Sent by Lori Mc. | 9:18 PM ET | 01-04-2008

I loved hearing about the work they are doing. It interests me so much and I would love to find out how to get in contact with them. I went to Kauai last spring in order to help with the Habitat for Humanity affiliate and I fell in love with the place and people. It is nice to know that there are those working to keep it that way and bring back the native species and hopefully get rid of the naturallized ones. Could you possibly let me know some contact info? I am a junior field biology major with a love for botany. Thanks so much.

Sent by Jessica Price | 3:46 PM ET | 01-07-2008

I am an environmental science major at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on the Island of Hawaii. I have enjoyed all your recent stories about Hawaii and its plants. As you know so much of the extraordinary beauty of Hawaii is due to its unique plant species. I was particularly interested in Kauai's Makauwahi Cave project. It was exciting to hear about people restoring the land to its original flora. I am senior next year and I am looking for some experience in ecological restoration or related fields. I was hoping that you had some contacts to people, including Lida Pigott or David A. Burney or organizations doing such work in Hawaii. Thank you and keep up the good work!

Sent by Matthew Lucas | 5:24 PM ET | 01-25-2008

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
Please send me updates from NPR.	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

E-mail |
Print

Ketzel Levine

BLOGGER

What is 'Talking Plants?'

Talking Plants is an open invitation to meet new plants and cool plant people, tour incredible private gardens, savor inside-gardening industry gossip, swap dead plant stories and get the odd gardening question answered by your fellow "hort-heads."

To learn more, read the FAQs and the discussion guidelines.

www.flickr.com

photos in Ketzel Levine's Talking Plants

Share your gardening photos in Ketzel's Flickr group!

Talking Plants' Past

Before Talking Plants the blog, there was Ketzel Levine's Talking Plants the Web site. Although it's no longer updated, the site still offers an archive of Plant Profiles. It also answers the eternal question: Why Did My Plant Die?.

Comment Privately

If you would like to send private comments or questions to Talking Plants with Ketzel Levine, please use our contact form.

Blog Roll

Search 'Talking Plants Blog'

Browse Topics

Services

Programs

Text-only