The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, February 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

We’ll be working on the Mauna Loa strip, clearing invasive weeds around native seedlings planted in the past. This will allow the park to control blackberry and other weeds without hurting the seedlings. There is blackberry in the area and participants will need to wear long sleeves and long pants and we’ll be wearing leather gloves. This will provide hands-on learning about invasive weed control and how it fits in with 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 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.

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 February 13. 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 Schubert & Paul Field 

Forest Restoration Committee

P.S. Please save the date for our upcoming Forest Restoration Project in 2017:

March 17, Friday

April 14, Friday

May 19, Friday

June 16, Friday

July 21, Friday

August 18, Friday

September 8, Friday

October 20, Friday

November 17, Friday