MEDIA RELEASE

The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is hosting our next volunteer FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT

Saturday, January 23rd from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This month we will be removing invasive plants in Kipuka Ki on the Mauna Loa strip of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. We will be working under a canopy of mature manele (Soapberry) trees in an area with a diverse native understory, including some unusual and rare species. Our primary focus will be pulling Jerusalem Cherry which has been spreading into this area. We will learn about the Park’s native forest restoration program and control of invasive plants in Special Ecological Areas.

Volunteers should be at least 14 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain covered by slippery leaf litter with rocks and logs and through brush in an area with a moderate slope. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions (be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, etc.) plus drinking water and a snack.

Because the area has a wide variety of native plants, we will have to be careful in moving through the understory and be sure of the identity of what we pull up. Also imperative is scrubbing the soles of one’s shoes prior to arrival on site, in order to ensure outside dirt and invasive species seeds aren’t tracked in.

Our goal is a crew of 16 people, and pre-registration is required. All participants will need to sign Park volunteer forms and a Friends release form, and have an adult co-sign for those under 18. Be aware that there can be VOG or high levels of SO2 in the area. If it is too heavy or the Park is closed, we’ll cancel the project and try to notify everyone in advance.

***If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Patty Kupchak at kupchakk001@hawaii.rr.com or (808) 261-2585 by Monday evening, January 18th***

Come join us for a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our National Park and participate in native forest
recovery!

Patty Kupchak, Nancy Chaney, & Mark Johnson
Forest Restoration Co-Chairs

P.S. Please save the dates for our upcoming Forest Restoration Projects on Saturday, February 20th & Saturday, March 20th.

Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes Institute
(808) 985-7373
PO Box 653
Volcano, HI 96785

admin@fhvnp.org

Please visit our website: www.fhvnp.org