When: Sunday, September 28th
9:30am and 4:30pm, Feel free to come and go as you like

Where: Parking is at the intersection of Pahoa-Kalapana Rd and Upper Puna Rd, near Black Sands subdivision. This is between mm 16 and 17 on the 130 highway. The trail into the forest is just across the highway from the intersection. It is a small (not very visible) entrance into the large wall of waiwi (there will be a ribbon)

What: This is an invaluable opportunity to share in a local community project that has purpose and meaning, and to protect the largest and most intact Lowland Native Forest remaining (below 1,000 feet) in the State of Hawai‘i. Keau’ohana Forest Reserve is a very unique habitat with numerous native and rare plant species (including the endangered Ha‘iwale that is found nowhere outside of Puna). Although Keauohana is a truly inspiring place, invasive species are threatening the forest. We will spend the day helping out by making a dent in the weed infestations and doing some outplanting of native plants. There is plenty hand pulling to do. Gloves, long plants, sturdy shoes, water and snacks are recommended. Useful tools include pruning saws, loppers and machetes and this time, chainsaws. We will be mostly in the shade and there will be mosquitoes.

Hurricane damages were moderate in the forest but there will be a need for extra cleanup to be sure, as a good number of ohia and kopiko trees have fallen throughout the forest, and more light enters the canopy due to fallen branches and leaves as well. Some chain sawing support would be very helpful at this time, but there are many things to be done to help restore our lovely native forest community.

Please sigh-in at the canopy before entering the forest and write down the number of hours you have volunteered on the way out. Keeping a record of volunteer hours will help as in-kind support for future grant opportunities. Read the attached waiver form when signing in as your signature will also serve as a release of liability.

Please take care to avoid bringing weed seeds into the forest by brushing off and spraying boots soles at entrance. There will be a boot brush attached to a waiwi at the right side of entrance into the forest, and a spray bottle to disinfect the soles of your boots from undesirable fungus spores or contaminants. Please take a moment to help each other keep the native forest as weed free as possible. This is of utmost importance.