The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, April 12, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This month we will be working on the Mauna Loa Strip. We will do a small planting in the burn area and then collect seeds farther up the strip. This will provide hands-on learning about native plant restoration processes following a fire. Volunteers play an important role in protecting important and threatened native ecosystems.

Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven ground. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty that may not clean up. Be prepared with gear for variable weather conditions, we could have sun or rain or both (bring a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.) plus drinking water and lunch. We will all arrive and leave from the site at the same time.

Also imperative is scrubbing the soles of one’s shoes prior to arrival on site, in order to ensure outside dirt/soil and invasive species aren’t tracked in. Clothing, tools, and gloves, etc. should be cleaned before entering the park to protect against seeds, Rapid Ohia Death fungus and other invasives.

Our goal is a crew of 13 people, and pre-registration is required. All participants will need to sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. For those under 18, an adult will need to co-sign.

Be aware that there can be VOG or poor air quality. If the levels are unsafe or the Park is closed, we’ll cancel the project and try to notify everyone in advance.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening April 8, 2019. Please include your first & last name(s), email address(s) and a phone number where we can reach you at the last minute in case of cancellation.

Come join us for a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our National Park and participate in native forest recovery!

Mark Johnson, Patty Kupchak, Linda Pratt & Paul Field
Forest Restoration Committee

P.S. Please save the dates for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects in 2019:
May 17, Friday
June 21, Friday
July 19, Friday
August 23, Friday
September 20, Friday
October 18, Friday