Collect native seeds and protect native birds Friday (Oct 14)

MEDIA RELEASE

The ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea) is an endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper found nowhere else in the world.  With its long, decurved bill, the ‘i‘iwi extracts nectar from native flowering trees like this mamane. Photo by Carol Johnson

The ‘i‘iwi (Vestiaria coccinea) is an endemic Hawaiian honeycreeper found nowhere else in the world. With its long, decurved bill, the ‘i‘iwi extracts nectar from native flowering trees like this mamane. Photo by Carol Johnson

The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP) hosts its volunteer “Forest Restoration Project” this Friday, October 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to help collect and process mamane seeds on the Mauna Loa strip of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

“Our goal is to increase the mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) forest on Mauna Loa to provide habitat and forage for native honeycreeper birds,” said Mark Johnson, who co-chairs FHVNP’s Forest Restoration Committee.

“After collecting the seeds, we’ll start processing the seed pods in the field. We will also learn about the park’s native forest restoration program,” he added.

The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park seeks volunteers this Friday, October 14 to help collect and process mamane seed in the park.  Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) is endemic to Hawai‘i’s dry shrubland and dry to moist forests.  By collecting seeds, the Friends’ hope to increase the mamane forest on Mauna Loa in order to provide habitat and forage for native honeycreeper birds. Photo by Carol Johnson

The Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park seeks volunteers this Friday, October 14 to help collect and process mamane seed in the park. Mamane (Sophora chrysophylla) is endemic to Hawai‘i’s dry shrubland and dry to moist forests. By collecting seeds, the Friends’ hope to increase the mamane forest on Mauna Loa in order to provide habitat and forage for native honeycreeper birds. Photo by Carol Johnson

Volunteers should be at least 12 years old, and be able to hike at least one mile over uneven terrain with some ‘a‘a lava 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.

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 12 people, and pre-registration is required. All participants will need to sign a Friends release form and a park volunteer form. For those under 18, an adult will need to co-sign,” Johnson stated.

To register for the October 14 “Forest Restoration Project,” please call the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 985-7373 or email forest@fhvnp.org Instructions on where to meet will be provided upon registration. Additional details available at www.fhvnp.org.

“If you aren’t able to help us this month, we’ll be doing more mamane seed collecting on Saturday, November 19,” noted Johnson. “Please join us to protect our native forests and the birds that depend on them.”

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