The Office of Maunakea Management will host a volunteer day Saturday.
The Saturday volunteer weed pulls are part of OMKM’s Malama Maunakea campaign to protect the resources on the mountain by helping control fireweed and other invasive plant species around the Halepohaku area on Maunakea at the 9,000-foot elevation. The Malama Maunakea weed pull also reduces habitat for invasive ants, prevents unwanted invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea and prepares the area around Halepohaku and the Visitor Information Station for future native plant restoration projects.
The volunteer day begins with a project orientation and acclimation to the elevation. After the orientation, volunteers pull weeds around Halepohaku. Lunch follows, and an interesting lecture on the Maunakea resources completes this fulfilling day of stewardship on the mountain.
Transportation to and from Hilo and lunch for volunteers will be provided. Community members coming from other areas of Hawaii Island should contact OMKM to coordinate transportation.
Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, sunglasses, sunscreen, sun protection, light rain gear, warm clothing, hiking boots or good walking shoes. A long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sun hat and layers to protect from wind or wet and cool weather are recommended.
Lunch, snacks, transportation, drinking water, gloves for pulling weeds and tools will be provided. Families are welcome, but space is limited.
Reservations are required. Email omkmvolunteers-grp@hawaii.edu or call 933-3884 to sign up.
To protect, preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources of Maunakea, the Office of Maunakea Management’s Malama Maunakea campaign connects community volunteers to help in resource management and stewardship of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and mid-level support facilities at Halepohaku.