The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, October 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This month we will be doing invasive Faya tree removal in an area where we have been helping the park for the past several years. This will provide hands-on learning about invasive weed control and native plant restoration and how these fit in 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 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 high levels of SO2 in the area. 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 October 15. 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!

Please save the dates for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects in 2018:

November 16, Friday

December – No Project – Happy Holidays

(808) 985-7373
forest@fhvnp.org