DatesApr 25th - Apr 30th 2008 Service ProjectPlanting native trees & understory plants, greenhouse work Free DaysBirding with refuge biologist AccommodationsDormitory rooms in volunteer cabin Trip RatingActive : humid working conditions, hiking over uneven ground, bending, lifting LeadersBill Sheppard Equipment |
This is a non-smoking trip featuring vegetarian cuisine. In 1985 the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect native Hawaiian forest birds and their rain forest habitat. Located on the eastern slope of Mauna Kea, the 33,000-acre refuge supports a diverse array of native plants and birds. Many species are rare and endangered, including several colorful Hawaiian honeycreepers: the akiapolaau, Hawaii akepa and Hawaii creeper. Other common and brilliantly-colored forest birds include the 'i'wi, apapane and amakihi. The upper reaches of the refuge contain some of the finest stands of koa and 'o'hia lehua forest in the world. Most of the refuge is closed to public use and entry is by special use permit. The Fish and Wildlife Service will shuttle us over rugged roads from Hilo to this remote refuge where we will spend four days living in Hakalau Cabin (with dormitory accomodations), planting native trees to reforest the refuge. The work is strenuous; we'll be planting on uneven ground in humid conditions. After planting, we will have the privilege of exploring this unique wild place, and we'll spend a day birding with the refuge biologist, Jack Jeffery. **Note: Participants on Hawaii trips must have paid for their airfare at least two months before the trip and furnish this information to the leaders. We have discovered that folks who do not have firm travel plans by this time often cancel from the trip, and these trips are hard to fill at the last minute.
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