KOKE‘E — Kaua‘i volunteers have been participating for 11 years in the National Public Lands Day service at Koke‘e State Park. The field day begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 26 at the historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Work side by
KOKE‘E — Kaua‘i volunteers have been participating for 11 years in the National Public Lands Day service at Koke‘e State Park. The field day begins at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 26 at the historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Work side by side with veteran volunteers painting picnic tables or clearing the land of invasive plants that endanger Kaua‘i’s fragile native species.
The surge of volunteerism across the country and on Kaua‘i mirrors current needs of society as well as President Barrack Obama’s call to national service.
“It’s time to challenge ourselves to accomplish the true meaning of giving back a gift that shines through caring for these upland forests. Said Winnie Yulo, volunteer coordinator for Hui o Laka-Koke’e Natural History Museum in a press release. “It is a gift… to enjoy the sense of serenity and peacefulness these mountains have to offer… and a chance to meet new friends, learn what weeds are endangering our native plants and which in turn compromise the wellness of the lower land regions.”
Kaua‘i volunteers of all ages and skill levels can be part of the largest one-day service project in the nation. Families and groups as well as visitors are welcome. Volunteers can choose from helping to weed a forest trail and gardening the CCC Camp grounds to painting picnic tables and cleaning park pavilions. There’s lots of firewood to split if anyone is so inclined. All tools and materials are provided. Lunch is provided to everyone who registers.
This is eleventh year Hui o Laka’s Kokua Koke‘e program has hosted National Public Lands Day in the park. Koke‘e is one of seven Hawai‘i service sites set for the late September event and one of almost 2000 service sites in public lands around the country. National Public Lands Day carries on the legacy of the CCC Camp, a program established to revive communities and create opportunities for employment following the Great Depression. Last year over 120,000 folks donated their time at 1800 locations.
For the first time Hui o Laka is teaming up with Ka‘imi Naua‘o o Hawai‘i Nei Institute and Storybook Theatre of Hawai‘i to weed “Pohaku Hula,” an area of Koke‘e that was visited by Queen Emma in 1871. The story goes that the Queen’s dancers performed at Pohaku Hula inspiring the now 21-year Emalani Festival.
Led by field supervisor Brad Soria, groups like HGEA Community Action Team, Ke Kula o Ni‘ihau o Kekaha and Waimea High School JROTC are helping restore park trails after many years of insufficient park funding. The Kokua Koke‘e program links the community, DLNR-State Parks Division and the visitor industry.
The Kokua Koke’e methodology is one of hand-gardening and is appropriate for all ages. Large trail side areas have already been cleared of blackberry, karaka nut trees and strawberry guava. The goal and vision of the Kokua Koke‘e program is a collaboration of many dedicated volunteers to influence others to have that same heartfelt desire to “Free the Natives, one tree, one trail at a time.”
Volunteers should wear long sleeves and pants and closed shoes. To register for the work day, call Koke‘e Museum, 335-9975, Ext. 0 or e-mail winnie_yulo@yahoo.com or mhookano@earthlink.net.
• Marsha Erickson is executive director of Hui o Laka.
