Waikalua Loko I'a

For 20 years, many people including students, private and public partners, and members of the community worked together to restore an old fishpond that has been around for 400 years. The fishpond was designated a historic site and continues to be maintained as a living classroom, open to the public.

The fishpond has been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem, with native fish such as oysters and porgy thriving within its waters. It also serves as an important habitat for birds, amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife. The fishpond is home to a variety of native plant species, including seagrasses, wildflowers, and grasses.

The fishpond restoration project has also focused on providing educational opportunities for the community. Through numerous public workshops and events held by partnering organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the fishpond is being used as a platform to educate students and adults alike on topics such as water quality, native species conservation, and environmental stewardship.