fri23aug8:30 amfri1:00 pmForest Restoration Project - August 23, 2019Invasive Banana Poka8:30 am - 1:00 pm(GMT+00:00) Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park

Time

(Friday) 8:30 am - 1:00 pm(GMT+00:00)

Location

Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park

Event Details

Aloha!

The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, August 23rd, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This month we will be removing invasive banana poka in the Mauna Loa burn area. This is part of the park’s post fire restoration effort. The plants are easy to pull or some may need to be cut and herbicide applied to the stump. This area is mostly covered in tall non-native grasses. Many times we may need to separate the grass in order to reach down and get to the root crown and pull it out. That means we need to watch our footing for uneven ground, hidden logs, holes in the ground, rocks, slippery areas, etc. throughout the project. The remaining trees may have rotten trunks or stems that may easily fall.

We will count each one pulled and report it at the end of the project. Some people found keeping track on a piece of paper helped (bring something to write on and a pen or pencil), in their head, or on their smart phones.

Hand pruners have been mentioned but they are discouraged because it will be difficult to collect the cut stems so that they don’t re-sprout or lose track of where the root is. Also, avoid pulling the vine down from tree trunks as the risk of a branch breaking is too great.

We will be in patches of grass that leave seed behind on our shoes and clothing. Leg gaiters have been helpful but are not required. We do rub against branches now and then and touch things which gets soot on our clothing and hands. It washes out easily but please wear clothes you don’t care about. We will all be wearing hard hats supplied by the park.

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. 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 a snack. 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 16 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 August 19th. 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, Carol Johnson, Patty Kupchak, Linda Pratt & Paul Field
Forest Restoration Committee

P.S. Please save the dates for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects in 2019:
September 20, Friday
October 18, Friday
November 22, Friday