College of Micronesia Kosrae, field trip to the Yela Ka forest, February 1, 2025

Tropical Pacific Environments (SC-117) took its first field trip of the spring semester to the Ka forest on Kosrae's north shore. This forest is the only remaining stand of Terminalia carolinensis in the world. Our tour was led by JunThol Alik, project manager of YELA (Yela Environmental Landowners Authority). This was a unique opportunity for COM students to explore and learn about a one-of-a-kind ecosystem. In addition to the students and their teacher Dr. Nick Zoa, we were joined by COM staff members Mery Livae and Matsuko Jack, and Dr. Liz Van Volkenburgh from the University of Washington.