Volunteers Sought to Help Restore Habitat in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, in partnership with the Kure Atoll Conservancy, is seeking habitat restoration volunteers for work at the Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

Hōlanikū, or Kure Atoll, is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and is located 1,400 miles northwest of Oʻahu. According to a press release from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hōlanikū provides important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Laysan duck and Hawaiian monk seal. Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Hōlanikū including the black-footed albatross and Christmas shearwater.

“Over the last 20 years DLNR has been working to transform Kure Atoll State Wildlife Sanctuary from a tangled mess of weeds to a resilient functioning ecosystem that supports over one million nesting seabirds, hundreds of shorebirds and 80 endangered Laysan ducks,” Kure Atoll Conservancy Executive Director Cynthia Vanderlip said. “This work was done by many hands who worked year-round to remove the most destructive weeds and plant native Hawaiian plants. These natives prevent erosion and increase the nesting success of seabirds.”

Volunteers selected will work in a field camp from October 2022 through April 2023. Although the program objectives are diverse, the majority of the time is dedicated to invasive plant removal. Volunteers will also be trained in safe animal handling as well as participate in beach cleanups to remove wildlife entanglement and ingestion hazards.

To apply to participate in the field camp, click here.