Volunteers Needed for HVNP Forest Restoration Project

A volunteer forest restoration project will take place on Friday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

The Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park organizes the monthly events. This month, volunteers will work at the Kahuku unit of the park, planting native seedling trees in a fenced enclosure where plants can be protected from grazing animals. Volunteers will also learn about the park’s native forest restoration program at Kahuku and see the start of the natural recovery of the forest.

Volunteers 12 and older are welcome. All volunteers must have the ability to hike at least one mile over rough uneven terrain that is covered by thick pasture grass in an area with a moderate slope. Additionally, it is required that all participants wear walking shoes and long pants. Gear for variable weather conditions such as preparations for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat and sunscreen is also required. Volunteers should bring their own drinking water, snacks, and lunch.

The soles of shoes are expected to be scrubbed prior to arriving on site, to avoid the potential of invasive species invading the area through seeds tracked in.

Pre-registration is required of volunteers, and the organizing group hopes to get a minimum of 12 participants. Individuals interested will need to sign a FHVNP release form and a park volunteer form.

Officials in charge of the activity also want to advise potential volunteers that high SO2 levels and vog may be in the area.

Interested participants should contact Patty Kupchak at [email protected] or call 352-1402 by Monday, Feb. 2.