Aloha!

The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, July 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Following the burn on Mauna Loa strip last August several patches of invasive banana poka have been identified. As the vegetation recovers hundreds of invasive banana poka seedlings and vines are emerging in this area. We will be manually pulling or treating individuals with herbicide. 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 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.

***If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening July 15th. 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:
August 23, Friday
September 20, Friday
October 18, Friday
November 22, Friday

Park Entrance Fees Apply