‘Behind the Scenes II’ to Provide Tour of Rare Species

The public will have a rare opportunity later this month to see some of the world’s rarest plants and wildlife.

Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is offering a special field seminar in the park’s nursery, herbarium and bird and wildlife collection, which usually aren’t open to the general public.

The “Behind the Scenes II” event is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Event organizers said nearly all species of plants and birds known to live – or to have once lived – in Hawaii Volcanoes are represented in the collection.

The tour will be conducted by Rhonda Loh, the park’s natural resources chief, with the assistance of botanist Linda Pratt and wildlife biologist Thane Pratt.

The event costs $25 for Friends members and $35 for non-members, who are welcome to join the non-profit group to get the discount. Proceeds support the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park educational programs.

To register call 985-7373, visit www.fhvnp.org or email institute@fhvnp.