Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low-elevation wetlands due to infill and development, with much of the remaining wetland habitat degraded by invasive, non-native plants. The greatest loss has occurred in Hilo. To combat this, we are working to restore critical habitats for threatened and endangered native birds, as well as migratory species, at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo.
With the help of dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive vegetation that has overtaken much of the marsh and reintroducing native plant species to restore this vital ecosystem.
The Lokowaka Pond complex is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland habitats. According to the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranks as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is the top priority on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the plan here. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
We invite you to take part in this meaningful conservation effort and help restore the wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering, you’ll not only contribute to the protection of our native wildlife but also gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems. Witness firsthand the impact of your efforts as the wetlands begin to flourish again.
Volunteer Details
Time & Arrival:
Start Time: 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM)
Meeting Point: Parking lot near Lokowaka Pond
What to Wear & Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities include hand-pulling invasive weeds and planting native vegetation, rain or shine.
Clothing:
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended for sun and insect protection)
Closed-toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (sharp objects or broken glass may be present)
Sun Protection: Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses
Rainwear: Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
Reusable water bottle (bring plenty of water)
Optional: Insect repellent
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear
A bag for wet/muddy items
Towel
Optional: Swimwear for a refreshing visit to the nearby Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are available there if you’d like to clean up after the work session.
We look forward to working with you to protect Hawaiʻi’s wetlands and wildlife. Together, we can restore Lokowaka Pond to its natural beauty and ecological significance!
Facebook: @aina.hoola.initiative
Instagram: @aina_hoola_initiative
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative is dedicated to restoring and stewarding Hawai’i’s wetlands and loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). At Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo, we work alongside the community to revive native ecosystems, protect endangered and threatened species like the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and reconnect people to the ʻāina (land). Through hands-on conservation, education, and community engagement, we are breathing life back into this vital place.
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low-elevation wetlands due to infill and development, with much of the remaining wetland habitat degraded by invasive, non-native plants. The greatest loss has occurred in Hilo. To combat this, we are working to restore critical habitats for threatened and endangered native birds, as well as migratory species, at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo.
With the help of dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive vegetation that has overtaken much of the marsh and reintroducing native plant species to restore this vital ecosystem.
The Lokowaka Pond complex is one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland habitats. According to the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranks as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is the top priority on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the plan here. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
We invite you to take part in this meaningful conservation effort and help restore the wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering, you’ll not only contribute to the protection of our native wildlife but also gain a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems. Witness firsthand the impact of your efforts as the wetlands begin to flourish again.
Volunteer Details
Time & Arrival:
Start Time: 9:00 AM (please arrive by 8:45 AM)
Meeting Point: Parking lot near Lokowaka Pond
What to Wear & Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities include hand-pulling invasive weeds and planting native vegetation, rain or shine.
Clothing:
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended for sun and insect protection)
Closed-toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (sharp objects or broken glass may be present)
Sun Protection: Hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses
Rainwear: Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own
Reusable water bottle (bring plenty of water)
Optional: Insect repellent
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear
A bag for wet/muddy items
Towel
Optional: Swimwear for a refreshing visit to the nearby Kealoha Beach Park. Showers are available there if you’d like to clean up after the work session.
We look forward to working with you to protect Hawaiʻi’s wetlands and wildlife. Together, we can restore Lokowaka Pond to its natural beauty and ecological significance!
Facebook: @aina.hoola.initiative
Instagram: @aina_hoola_initiative
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative is dedicated to restoring and stewarding Hawai’i’s wetlands and loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). At Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo, we work alongside the community to revive native ecosystems, protect endangered and threatened species like the ʻalae keʻokeʻo (Hawaiian coot) and nēnē (Hawaiian goose), and reconnect people to the ʻāina (land). Through hands-on conservation, education, and community engagement, we are breathing life back into this vital place.