Several special field trips are planned as a prelude to the Nov. 2-29 Hawai‘i Nei 2012 Juried Art Exhibit featuring native species at the Wailoa Arts & Cultural Center in Hilo. Advance registration is necessary for each of the excursions.
The first will be the Hawai‘i Nei Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Tour from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday in Volcano. Participants will meet at the Keauhou gate. Directions will be given at the time of registration.
Travel to the misty forests of Volcano for a rare opportunity to view the ‘alala, or Hawaiian crow, along with other endangered forest birds at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center. Participants will take a short walk to the facility providing time to view native plants such as ohia trees, as well as tour the bird facility.
“Bring your sketchbook or camera and immortalize your memories in a work of art,” said spokeswoman Mililani Browning. To register, email her at mililani.browning@gmail.com or call 933-3171.
The cost is $10, with all proceeds going directly to the Hawai‘i Nei art contest. Each participant will receive a coupon for $5 off one Hawai‘i Nei entry.
The second field trip will be the Hawai‘i Nei Artist’s Seed Collecting and Palila Viewing from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Mauna Kea State Park. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is optional.
The Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project and the Hawaii Nei Art Contest are teaming up for an inspirational day at Mauna Kea’s high-elevation dry forest.
“We’ll start the day at the Mauna Kea State Park and collect ‘aweoweo seeds, working our way along Saddle Road. In the afternoon, we’ll take a journey mauka to look for the critically endangered palila,” said a spokesman. “Bring your binoculars and camera. And don’t forget your media, too; time will be set aside for art inspiration and creation while in this special Hawaiian forest.”
Cost is $10, again providing a $5 entry discount for the art contest. To RSVP, email name, phone and email address to puumali.kaohe@gmail.com.
A Hawai‘i Nei Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Tour and Out-planting session is planned for Sept. 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Details and instructions are the same as for the Aug. 25 tour, but this time participants will get a chance after lunch to help restore the forest by planting native trees. To register, email Browning at mililanibrowing@gmail.com.
