FHVNP and HVNP Awarded Partnership Award

The Association of Partners for Public Lands has awarded the nonprofit group Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park the 2015 Partnership Award for Public Lands Partners.

Each year, the APPL awards “an exemplary partnership for a stunning achievement to protect and preserve our public lands and enhance the experiences of their visitors and users.” Both the nonprofit and its agency partner receive the award for their achievements together.

“We rely on the support of our Friends group, which is vital to the success of many park programs, including the Youth Ranger Internship Program, now in its sixth year, and the upcoming BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival in May,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “It is wonderful to be recognized for such a positive and essential partnership.”

FHVNP has helped to create nearly 140 paid internships for high school students from Ka’u and Puna since 2010. Additionally, its role has also given residents and visitors an opportunity to participate with scientists in discovering the unique biodiversity of the park.

Since 2009, FHVNP has raised more than $700,000 for the national park in keeping with its mission to support the park in the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

“We are honored to share this award with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park,” said Elizabeth Fien, Executive Director of the FHVNP. “We have a very collaborative partnership that exemplifies the way nonprofits should work with public land agencies.”