Princeville Moʻolelo Lecture Series: “What’s the Fuss About Fallout?”
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 | 5:00–6:30 p.m. | Princeville Community Center & via Zoom

The Princeville Moʻolelo free lecture series continues on August 19, 2025, with Jacqueline Nelson, Senior Program Manager for Save Our Shearwaters (SOS), returning to share timely insights on a critical wildlife issue: seabird fallout season.

Understanding Fallout Season
From September to December, thousands of fledgling shearwaters and petrels leave their burrows for their first journey to the ocean. Guided by moonlight, these young birds can become disoriented by artificial lighting, often landing in unsafe locations. Once grounded, they are unable to resume flight, leaving them vulnerable to predators, vehicles, and other hazards. This annual event, known as “fallout,” affects hundreds of seabirds on Kaua‘i each year.

With fallout season approaching, Nelson will explain how the phenomenon occurs, the role the public can play in reducing its impacts, and volunteer opportunities available. She will also review key factors influencing 2025 fallout numbers, along with wildlife rehabilitation regulations and laws that govern this essential conservation work.

About Jacqueline Nelson
Nelson earned dual degrees in Public Relations and Natural Resource Conservation and Recreation Management from Virginia Tech in 2017. Joining SOS in 2018 as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician, she has since advanced to Senior Program Manager. In her role, she has been involved in rescuing and rehabilitating over 3,500 wildlife patients. Her responsibilities range from developing rehabilitation protocols to managing outreach, social media, grant writing, and consulting on patient care.

Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) Event Details
The free lecture takes place Tuesday, August 19, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Princeville Community Center and will also be available online via Zoom. Visit www.kauairefuges.org/princeville-moolelo for the Zoom link and more information.

About the Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) Series
The Princeville Moʻolelo lecture series is a collaboration between the Princeville at Hanalei Community Association Events Committee and Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges. These monthly “talk story” events highlight the work of conservation partners, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and others contributing to the preservation and enrichment of Kaua‘i’s natural and cultural resources.