Ia Ora Na 

This month we have moved into Summer weather although since it is a La Nina year it has been a subtle change. We're having a bit more rain (which is good since it has been dry) and warmer days when the wind dies down. Many plants are blooming and some, like the arrowroot (or pia in Tahitian), just appear, as new shoots sprout from the tuber. The migratory birds are in flux, as the northern species arrive (Wandering Tattler, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Pacific Golden Plover), and the southern species (Long-tailed Cuckoo) leave for their breeding season.
In this issue we feature some Geology for a change and talk about the process and material that makes up the atoll. We also are very pleased to announce a couple of new videos that we have produced with our partners Island Conservation that promote our Habitat Restoration program. The first video is an Island Journey episode from Island Conservation that focuses on our program, and the other is a short promotional video on which Laura Dern graciously agreed to narrate and, as you will see, does a great job. 

The construction of an amazing island like Tetiaroa by the chemical wizardry of animals and plants combined with the actions of the ocean has to be one of the great wonders of the world.

Tetiaroa is a classic atoll : Atolls are the reefs and islets (called motu) that are left when volcanic islands subside and erode away. The barrier reef is the same reef that used to surround the volcanic mountain and the lagoon is where the mountain used to be. The motu form on top of the reef flat and the sediment and rock is 100% calcium carbonate.

While the world was shut down due to COVID-19, a team of conservationists saw an opportunity. No travel meant no visitors. The world-renowned Tetiaroa Atoll was quiet. It was time to strike.

A local team of scientists led by the not-for-profit organizations Tetiaroa Society and Island Conservation assembled on island, embarking on a ground-breaking restoration project to save the world the best way they know how—by removing invasive rats.

Tetiaroa Society receives generous support from The Brando for our core operations, but our ability to carry out innovative programs depends on your help -- any amount is appreciated!

Share the beauty of Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa Society is a US registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #45-1080688). We host scientific research, develop and implement conservation and education programs, and curate the island's knowledge base. We partner with The Brando to establish Tetiaroa as a model for sustainability, where businesses, non-profits, scientists, educators and the local community work together for common goals. Our program objectives are summarized in our Conservation and Sustainable Use Plan, which is available on our website.

© Tetiaroa Society 2020