KAILUA-KONA » The Nature Conservancy has acquired a conservation easement to preserve a 922-acre area with an ancient forest and disappearing stream on Hawaii island.

West Hawaii Today reported last week that the land will serve as an outdoor ecology laboratory for students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

The rugged, mossy property features a diversity of native plants, birds and insects. Its forest is 400 to 700 years old and was bypassed by a volcanic lava flow in 1855.

"It has a majestic stand of native loulu palms and other ancient forest trees," said Jody Kaulu­ku­kui, the conservancy’s director of land protection. "Our hope is that it will serve as one of the few easily accessible sites where school and community groups can reconnect with a Hawaiian forest."

The land has had problems with weeds, feral pigs and illegal trash dumping because it is so close to Saddle Road.

"It is in good enough shape that we can remove the invasives (species) and make a quick, significant difference," Kaulu­ku­kui said.

In addition to ohia lehua and olapa trees, ieie vines, akala bushes and numerous other native trees and shrubs, the kipuka is home to the rare Clermontia parviflora, a curved flower that fits the beaks of native birds. Some of those birds in the area include omao, ele­paio, apa­pane and ama­kihi. Io, the native hawk, often soars overhead.

The land is now part of 15,000 acres that The Nature Conservancy manages on the Big Island. With its partners, the nonprofit protects about 200,000 acres statewide.