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In Defense of Our Natural Resources
This story is part of a series called In Defense of Our Natural Resources, highlighting the success of the Army’s partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Army has dedicated more than $13M in 2023 and 2024 to execute projects restoring habitat, preserving endangered species, and protecting critical ecosystems across 152 installations.
The Army and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are committed to empowering early career professionals to take on these mission critical roles and providing valuable employment experience. This feature highlights the work of Julianne Johnson, Biological Science Trainee at the U.S. Army Garrison Oahu.
Spotlight - Julianne Johnson
As a local born and raised in Hawaii, Julianne Johnson has always felt driven to contribute to preservation and conservation.
“I grew up backpacking with my dad,” said Johnson. “Care for the community, for the island, was integrated into how I was raised, whether I knew it or not.”
Her Pathways position, in partnership with FWS and the army, has given her the footing to transition from her background in veterinary services to focus instead on wildlife health and ecosystem preservation. Native habitat restoration is the name of the game – which is how she now finds herself propagating endangered native plants, riding in helicopters and climbing mountains.
Through the Oahu Army Natural Resources Program (OANRP), Johnson embarked on an three day expedition with the helicopter team, performing habitat maintenance, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species control, seed gathering, and snail monitoring – overcoming her fear of heights in the process.
“The environments I was placed in helped me thrive. I did things I never thought I could do,” Johnson recounts how her mentors pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of, from walking her through her first helicopter ride to scrambling up a mountain top. During the expedition, the interns were lead up a steep, narrow trail called Tetphil’s Peak. On a particularly hard part of terrain, Johnson nearly turned back – but encouragement from her team lead her to “the most breathtaking sunset [she] had ever seen.” Sitting at the peak, on lands that Native Hawaiians once tended to, was deeply humbling and enriching for Johnson.
“It reconnected me to the land in a way that inspired me to continue the journey of preserving cultural practices, values, and beliefs of the island and its people,” said Johnson.
At Lyon Arboretum, Johnson works in the propagation lab, taking tiny samples of critically endangered native Hawaiian plants and growing them into new seedlings.
“It’s incredible,” said Johnson. “You’re working with these plants, and you realize, wow, this sample is literally as old as I am.”
Her work at the arboretum helps to restore populations of native plants that have as few as 50 individuals remaining in the wild. When she works on- site at James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, she assists with maintenance, invasive species removal, and surveying native Hawaiian sea turtle populations.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with the most amazing, passionate, knowledgeable people. It really encourages me to be better,” said Johnson.
Julianne aspires to deepen her involvement in conservation and restoration while expanding her understanding of sustainable agricultural practices. At the completion of her Pathways program, Juliane will be eligible for conversion into full – time federal work.
As she pursues her graduate degree, she hopes to continue advocating for the preservation of Hawaiian culture, and weaving cultural practices and values into conservation strategies. Johnson emphasizes the interconnectedness of people, the environment, and stewardship - each aspect depends on the others.
“In Hawaii, we say that Aloha has the power to change the word,” said Johnson. “It’s not something you say for yourself – its about others, about love and subservience to one another, and to the land. To love and care for the environment the way we care for each other is to thrive.”
