The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

A new satellite banana poka infestation was reported by Friends Forest Restoration (thanks to Carol’s sharp eyes!) on our February 2019 seeding project in the burn area. As the vegetation recovers, hundreds of invasive banana poka seedlings and vines are emerging in this area, just north of Kipuka Ki, adjacent to the Mauna Loa Strip Road. 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 14 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 May 13th. 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!

 P.S. Please save the dates for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects in 2019:

June 21, Friday

July 19, Friday

August 23, Friday

September 20, Friday

October 18, Friday

November 22, Friday