Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes Schedule Tree-Planting Day

The public is invited to take part in a forest reforestation project next week in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

The Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has scheduled the event from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, July 19.

Volunteers will be planting native trees in the Kilauea section of the park.

The area and species selected will be dependent on recent rainfall, a Friends spokeswoman said.

Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and able to walk up to a half-mile over uneven terrain with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required as is drinking water and a snack.

Participants also should bring gear for variable weather conditions which means they should be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, sunscreen and raincoat.

Event organizers say it is imperative that participants scrub the soles of their shoes prior to arrival on site to ensure that outside dirt and invasive species are not tracked in.

The goal for the event is a crew of 12 people, and pre-registration is required.

All participants must sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. Those under 18 will need an adult to co-sign.

There is a possibility that high levels of vog in the area could require cancellation of the event.

For information or to register contact Friends at forest@fhvnp.or or call (808) 985-7373 by the evening of Wednesday, July 17. A first and last name, email address and phone number should be provided in case a last-minute cancellation is required.