Quarterly HER Volunteer Work Party
Hawai’i Environmental Restoration
Hawai’i Environmental Restoration
About the organizer
Our primary project focuses on the restoration of Keau’ohana State Forest Reserve, the largest and most intact native lowland rainforest remaining (<1,000ft) in Hawai’i State. Of five State Forest Reserves set aside for conservation in 1903, Keau’ohana is the only Puna reserve in which the original forest composition has not been replaced by invasive species due to lack of management. Since June of 2014, Keau’ohana has undergone an intensive restoration process that has focused on the control of invasive plant species, and the planting of native species on ~30 acres of the most biodiverse portion of the reserve.
Keau’ohana rainforest is also a living classroom for many local and international volunteer students, community groups and individuals to learn about native forest restoration, and about general Hawai’i plant issues and solutions. HER participation in community outreach events, public presentations in schools and with community groups also educate people on how they could help support the lowland environment by making wise plant choices for sustainable living in their own lives.
Good For
Groups, Exercise, Meeting People
Activity Type
Outdoor, Parks & Trails, Help Plants & Nature, Cleanup, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation
Requirements
Sign Digital Waiver, Closed Toed Shoes, See below
Forest has been hit by Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD) therefore some sections have minimal canopy; sun hats and water are important items. This is a forest environment without facilities; ground is uneven/ crumbly ‘a’a substrate requiring rugged outdoor shoes/boots. Walking sticks are encouraged for those with less stable footing as it is best not to rely upon the native plant species for balance. In case of an incident, there is an Emergency Clinic in Pahoa town less than 5m away though we do have basic First Aid certification.
Quarterly HER Volunteer Work Party
Hawai’i Environmental Restoration
Good For
Groups, Exercise, Meeting People
Activity Type
Outdoor, Parks & Trails, Help Plants & Nature, Cleanup, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation, Cultural Preservation
Requirements
Sign Digital Waiver, Closed Toed Shoes, See below
Forest has been hit by Rapid ‘Ohi’a Death (ROD) therefore some sections have minimal canopy; sun hats and water are important items. This is a forest environment without facilities; ground is uneven/ crumbly ‘a’a substrate requiring rugged outdoor shoes/boots. Walking sticks are encouraged for those with less stable footing as it is best not to rely upon the native plant species for balance. In case of an incident, there is an Emergency Clinic in Pahoa town less than 5m away though we do have basic First Aid certification.
Hawai’i Environmental Restoration
About the organizer
Our primary project focuses on the restoration of Keau’ohana State Forest Reserve, the largest and most intact native lowland rainforest remaining (<1,000ft) in Hawai’i State. Of five State Forest Reserves set aside for conservation in 1903, Keau’ohana is the only Puna reserve in which the original forest composition has not been replaced by invasive species due to lack of management. Since June of 2014, Keau’ohana has undergone an intensive restoration process that has focused on the control of invasive plant species, and the planting of native species on ~30 acres of the most biodiverse portion of the reserve.
Keau’ohana rainforest is also a living classroom for many local and international volunteer students, community groups and individuals to learn about native forest restoration, and about general Hawai’i plant issues and solutions. HER participation in community outreach events, public presentations in schools and with community groups also educate people on how they could help support the lowland environment by making wise plant choices for sustainable living in their own lives.