The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, November 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This month we will be collecting and processing seeds on the Mauna Loa Strip as part of the park’s post fire restoration effort. Participants will also be able to see the impacts of the recent fire and learn more about our restoration approach in this area. This will provide hands-on learning about native plant propagation for forest restoration and how this fits into the park’s broader vegetation management program. 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, along with gear for variable weather conditions (be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.) plus drinking water and lunch. 

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 clean before entering the park to protect against seeds, Rapid Ohia Death fungus and other invasives.

Our goal is a crew of 15 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 high levels of SO2 in the area (still a possibility).  If it is too heavy 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 November 12, 2018. 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!

Join us in 2019 for our monthly restoration projects.  Happy Holidays

December – No Project – Happy Holidays

(808) 985-7373
forest@fhvnp.org