Six young people will have the opportunity to work full-time throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, gaining hands-on experience and career mentorship in conservation for 50 weeks.

Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park recently received a $150,000 grant from the National Park Foundation and $25,000 from a donor, Helen Wright, to support the “Guardians of the Trails” program.

Now in its sixth year, Guardians of the Trails provides paid, hands-on experience for young people in the community who may not otherwise consider a career in conservation. The program offers life-changing career opportunities, breaking down barriers to park employment and empowering participants to become conservation leaders in their community.

Guardians of the Trails will be hiring individuals ages 18 to 30, or veterans 18 to 35.

Participants will perform a wide range of essential work, including native forest rehabilitation, removing invasive species, collecting seeds of rare plants, performing trail brushing and maintenance, and assisting with visitor services and data collection.

For many young people, the idea of a career in a national park feels out of reach. However, Guardians of the Trails provides a direct pathway to employment by equipping them with the practical skills, experience, and confidence they need to succeed.

“This grant is about more than just conservation; it’s about investing in our youth and their potential,” said Elizabeth Fien, CEO of Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. “We are so proud to be entering our sixth year of empowering young people and watching them become the next generation of park leaders.”

To learn more about the Guardians of the Trails program, or to donate, visit the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park website.