We at FOMA wanted to take the time to thank and congratulate the 2026 Summer Volunteer Crew on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) for completing an incredible season of service! All photos shared are courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife staff and volunteers.
This year’s crew—Greta Wasler, Sam Baxter-Bray, and Colleen McDonough—took on vital biological work during a season when Kuaihelani was facing fewer staff members. With a wide range of biological challenges throughout the season, their work was more important than ever.
As their dedicated Volunteer Crew Lead, Molly Henling has spent the last two years helping guide volunteer crews through various projects and tasks. As she prepares to leave the island, she shared her appreciation for this year’s crew and the remarkable work they accomplished.
“I am so incredibly thankful for all their time, dedication, and the incredible amount of love and care they showed for Midway and its residents.”
Bot Day Ones
The crew decided to name themselves the “Bot Day Ones” after encountering botulism during their very first seep check in March after they arrived. The botulism season began unusually early this year and has continued to the present—an extremely unseasonable occurrence for Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). Through their dedicated response and care, the crew helped save the lives of more than 80 critically endangered Laysan Ducks with avian botulism.
Their work included monitoring affected ducks, providing care, and responding quickly as the situation developed—work that required patience, determination, and long hours in the field. The effort was an important contribution to protecting one of the most vulnerable & endangered residents on Kuaihelani.
More Than 330 Albatross Chicks
The crew also played an important role in monitoring the island’s newest generation of albatrosses.
Throughout the season, they banded and followed the lives of more than 330 albatross chicks.
Banding provides researchers and wildlife managers with valuable information that can help track individual birds throughout their lives. A chick that receives a band on Kuaihelani today may provide important information years—or even decades—later when it is encountered again.
Caring for White Tern Chicks
The crew also devoted significant time to 10 White Tern chicks.
Caring for these tiny seabirds required close observation and attention as they developed toward fledging. Eventually, these young terns will leave the island, follow the adults out to sea, and learn to find food and fish for themselves.
Helping these chicks reach that next stage was another important part of the crew’s season.
Searching for an Invasive Plant
Not all of the crew’s work involved wildlife.
They also contributed to ongoing efforts to eradicate Verbesina, a harmful invasive plant that threatens native habitat on Kuaihelani.
Their excellent plant identification and searching skills helped locate and remove invasive plants from areas where they could otherwise spread.
It may not be the most glamorous job, but finding a single invasive plant before it has a chance to spread can make an important difference in protecting the native ecosystem of Kuaihelani.
A Very Special Albatross Chick
One particularly memorable moment of the season was the banding of an albino albatross chick.
An albino chick is an unusual sight, making this an especially interesting individual to follow. By banding the chick, researchers will have the opportunity to learn more if it survives to adulthood and eventually returns to Kuaihelani.
Perhaps one day, this bird will come back—and provide a glimpse into what an albino albatross looks like as an adult.
A Lasting Contribution to Kuaihelani
Six months can go by quickly, but the work accomplished during those months can have an impact that lasts far beyond a volunteer crew’s departure.
Thank you, Greta, Sam, and Colleen, for your time, dedication, hard work, and care for Kuaihelani. Your contributions will have lasting effects—and we are grateful for everything you did for the island and its residents.
And a very special thank-you to Molly Henling, whose years of dedication as a Volunteer Crew Lead have helped guide and support numerous volunteers serving on Kuaihelani.
Would you like to be part of this important work? Donate today! Your generous support helps sustain the six-month volunteer program, providing the people and resources needed to continue the vital conservation efforts that protect Kuaihelani and its wildlife.