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On National Public Lands Day, join rangers at Kahuku and collect seeds of native soapberry, ‘a‘ali‘i. Photo by Jay Robinson

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park celebrates National Public Lands Day with free admission to park visitors.

Said Superintendent Cindy Orlando, “Come spend the day, enjoy your park , and then stay into evening for our second annual Digital Mountain: It’s My Park film festival.

Everyone is cordially invited to attend the festival which will be held at 6:00 pm in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium.

The gala event will include interviews with the young film makers, a debut of their films on the big screen, refreshments, and presentation of awards.

The videos are posted at www.dmhawaii.wordpress.com. You can view and vote for your favorite on-line and again at the festival.

National Public Lands Day also presents an opportunity to volunteer and be a part of the forest recovery program in the park’s Kahuku Unit.

From 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, join park botanist Sierra McDaniel and park ranger Dionne Pegeder and collect seeds of native species that will be propagated to help re-forest pasture lands.

Participants should be able to hike at least a mile over uneven terrain; wear sturdy shoes, long pants, sunscreen, and a hat; and bring lunch, water, and rainjacket. Due to the high fire danger, smoking is not allowed.

The program at Kahuku is limited to 10 people and pre-registration is required. To register, call 985-6304 and leave a message that includes a contact phone number and the names of each participant.