In Memory of Dr. Fern Duvall

Fern Duvall with Joe McDonald at MNBG in 2019
“Mahalo a me ke aloha mai Maui Nui”
That is how Fern Duvall always ended his email correspondence. With his love for Maui Nui. And his appreciation for you. And then he added his full title, because he was also a professional:
Dr. Fern P. Duvall II
Native Ecosystems Protection and Management – Maui Nui Program Manager
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Division of Forestry & Wildlife

Somehow Fern always made you feel like your questions were the most important thing at that moment. He then gave his time and utmost attention for you. His answers were knowledgeable, supportive and even better than that, he personally would help open a path for you, and your project, to succeed.

A Ho‘awa tree was one of the trees planted by Fern’s family near the pavilion, to honor his beginnings in Hawai‘i studying ‘alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis).

There are hundreds of people who feel that same way about Fern. It was a joy to meet them and listen to them tell their stories during a Celebration of Life for Fern, kindly hosted by HILT (Hawai‘i Land Trust) at their Waihe‘e Preserve.

I had the pleasure to know Fern for 34 years. It is hard to believe I can‘t just email him with more questions. But in place of that I have a smile that spreads warm and deep while remembering him. And I‘ll have that smile for at least another 34 years.
Mahalo piha e Fern.
- Cathy Davenport

The sudden passing of Dr. Fern Duvall was a terrible blow. Fern had a rare combination of traits: a deep knowledge of Hawaiian plants and animals, and a fond regard for and kindness towards people. During the 20 years I knew him, I was never once ill at ease in his presence. Fern was the reason I heard the native birdsong on Mauna Kea, saw a happy faced spider, and stuck with conservation as a career when I felt the most disillusioned. None of us will ever be as great as Fern but we will all keep trying.
– Tamara Sherrill

Location
The Garden is located at 150 Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului, Maui, right across from the War Memorial Stadium.
(808) 249-2798

Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Saturday,
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed occasionally for inclement weather and Hawaii State Holidays.

Admission
Members:   Free
General:   $10
Keiki Under 12:   Free
Kama'aina:   Free
(with Hawai'i ID)

Please Consider
Making a Donation
Every dollar contributed to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens goes directly towards the preservation of Native Hawaiian Plants and the upkeep of our collection that includes some of the rarest specimens in whole world!

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