Conservation Biology

  Hawaii (USA)

Hilo

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: You will join a team of seasoned backcountry workers 3-4 times per week in their trips into forest. Sensitive areas are targeted fro restoration and you will employ a variety of means to ensure the survival of the native vegetation. Some mapping of areas may be undertaken. In addition, some spraying of exotics is likely included. Along the way you have an opportunity to learn by asking questions. Yourhosts have logged thousands of hours in the backcountry working on this project and know the flora and fauna of this special place intimately. If you would like to spend an equal amount of time in camp as in the backcountry that can be arranged.

Volunteers will be involved in preserving the spectacular natural resources of the Kokee, Kauai region, and is supported by Hui o Laka~Kokee Natural History Museum and Kauai State Parks with funding from the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Community Foundation, the US Forest Service, and private donations.

Rustic housing at the historic Kokee CCC Camp is available for accepted applicants. The camp is located at the top of the mountain in the Kokee State Park. This program is for those who are interested in forest ecology and forest conservation. We are not involved with the marine sciences and we are located a long way away from the beaches.

Highlights: The camp is very nice, a beautiful historic restored facility set in the forests of Kokee. We have a communal kitchen equipped with pots, stoves, refrigerators. There's a large bunkhouse with bunk beds, We have hot showers, laundry facility, small reading room, and even a VCR. It is a beautiful place to stay for a quiet forest experience. Our workdays are often filled with camaraderie amongst our selves, resident volunteers, and local volunteers. We try to mix up the week so that we work in a variety of areas within the Park and learn more about the different ecological areas of the park.

Qualifications: - good health, adventurous spirit
- Interest or training in botany and ecology
· Commitment to preservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems
· Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions, understand healthy camping
· Willingness to perform hard physical work and use herbicides
· No allergies, back problems, or other medical conditions
· Team player, safe worker
· Ability to accept instructions and put them into practice

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to Hawaii (USA) Independently

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.