The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is hosting a FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT on Friday, September 16, 2016.

This month we will be doing invasive Faya tree removal in an area where we have been helping the park for the past year. This will provide hands-on learning about the importance of managing invasive plants, and how this practice compliments out-planting and other restoration practices. These collectively form 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.

 ***If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or (808) 352-1402 by Monday evening September 12th. 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 & Paul Field 

Forest Restoration Committee Co-Chairs

P.S. Please save the date for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects in 2016:

October 14, Friday
November 18, Friday