Hawaii Save The Trees

Like an artistic masterpiece, Hawaii’s breathtaking trails and sparkling beaches evoke wonder and awe. Also like pieces of art, this beauty is maintained by behind-the-scenes work and constant upkeep. Visitors can partake in this important task while enjoying the outdoors in a whole new way. Opportunities such as planting trees and cleaning parks and beaches exist for all age groups. Conduct research in biodiversity and volcanic geology or deliver office and website support—all tasks, small or large, can help contribute to keeping the islands beautiful. By learning and working, visitors may come to appreciate Hawaii’s natural surroundings even more, if such a thing is possible.

Hawaii Sierra Club, P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803 (☎808-538-6616; www.hi.sierraclub.org). Seeks to improve natural resource management, clean up pollution, and protect biodiversity in Hawaii. It offers a service-trip program involving fence building, trail work, and noxious plant control, mixed with recreational activities.
Hawaii Volcanoes Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718 (☎808-985-6000; www.nps.gov/havo). Various volunteer positions; some provide meals and dorm-style housing. A listing of all the volunteer positions offered by the park service in Hawaii can be found at www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/volunteer/opportunities.htm?state=HI.
Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), 46-148 Kahuhipa St., Ste. 201, Kaneohe, HI 96744 (☎808-247-5753; www.hawaiiycc.com). Runs programs, from June to July, on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and the Big Island for high school sophomores through college sophomores. Learn first-hand about conservation through field work and service learning projects. Participants receive a stipend and 3 college credits at the end of the program, if eligible. Under the auspices of Pono Pacific.
Malama Hawaii, 923 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817 (www.malamahawaii.org). A coalition of 70 environmental and community organizations. Website updated often.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), US Dept. of the Interior, US Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/volunteer). Assigns each volunteer researcher a support group and HVO staff member. Opportunities include work in geochemistry, seismology, geology, geodesy, electronics, carpentry, and website or library support. If you can commit to 3 months of work, free lodging and transportation will be provided. Volunteers should have a background in the physical sciences.