Backyard Native Forests Subject of Workshop

If you’re looking to go native – backyard style, then an upcoming Volcano Art Center workshop may be just what you need.

Veteran botanist Tim Tunison will present a “Backyard Forest Restoration” on Aug. 25 in Volcano.

Tunison, who previously worked for Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, will show how to create a “dream backyard perfectly suited for Hawai`i,” the center said in a statement.

The workshop will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village, and continue in Tunison’s own backyard where he is in the early stages of restoring a native forest habitat.

“I explain the nuts and bolts of weed control, how to do it safely and not harm native plants intermixed with plants,” Tunison said. “We also discuss how to identify a target forest community to model efforts after, and the difference between true ecological  restoration, replacement communities and general horticultural landscaping.”

A brief demonstration on how to begin a simple propagation project will complete the workshop which ends at 2:30 p.m. Participants will be provided an informational CD to guide their efforts.

A participant in last year’s workshop said he found the initial visit to the Niaulani campus very informative.

“What I liked most about this class was that it began in a beautiful forest that is a great smaller-scale example of successful strategies,” said 2011 workshop alumnus Oliver Kinsley.

The workshop made possible in part through a grant from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority’s Natural Resources Program, tuition for the workshop is $15, with all of the proceeds going toward the Niaulani forest restoration.

Workshop size is limited and pre-registration is required. For information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org, call 967-8222j or email info@volcanoartcenter.org.

Tunison also often serves as a tour guide and forest interpreter for weekly free tours of the Niaulani Rain Forest held Mondays at 9:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m.