HVNP Seeks ‘Stewardship at the Summit’ Volunteers

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is seeking volunteers as part of its “Stewardship at the Summit” programs.

Volunteers will help protect the native Hawaiian rainforest at the summit of Kilauea through the end of the year, with dates including Sept. 18, Sept. 26, Oct. 2, Oct. 17, Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13, Nov. 21, Nov. 28, Dec. 4, Dec. 9, Dec. 18, and Dec. 26. Each of the volunteer days begin at 9 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m.

Volunteer and stewardship project leader Jane Field lops invasive Himalayan ginger, one of the world’s top 100 invasive species according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. NPS photo.

As part of the program, volunteers will remove invasive, non-native plant species that keep native species from growing.

Paul and Jane Field are the project leaders and will meet interested participants at the Kilauea Visitor Center at 9 a.m. on each of the work days.

Sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, a hat, rain gear, a day pack, snacks, and water should be among the items that volunteers bring along with them.

Park entrance fees apply, but the volunteer work is free and advanced registration is not required.

HVNP officials say that since 2012, more than 5,000 hours of time has been donated by volunteers who have restored more than 25 acres of native rainforest with HVNP.