Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low elevation wetlands due to infill and development, and much of the remaining wetland habitat is degraded by invasive non-native plants. Most of the loss is in Hilo. Our goal is to restore the habitats for threatened and endangered native birds and migratory birds at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo. With the help of many dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive non-native vegetation which is covering most of the marsh and restoring the area with native vegetation.
Lokowaka Pond complex is a very important habitat for the endangered and threatened birds and migratory birds. In the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture’s Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranked as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is in first place for Hawaiʻi Island. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
Please join us and take a hands-on role in restoring the beautiful wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering with us, you will not only contribute to conservation efforts but also gain a deep understanding of our unique ecosystem. You will see the direct impact of your work as you help native species flourish and watch our wetlands come back to life.
Here are the details to help you prepare:
Time & Arrival:
We plan to start promptly at 9:00 AM, so please arrive at the parking lot by 8:45 AM.
What to Wear and Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities will include hand-removing invasive weeds and possibly replanting native plants, rain or shine.
Clothing:
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended for sun and insect protection).
Closed-toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (there may be broken glass or sharp objects).
Sun Protection: A hat, reef-friendly sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Rainwear: Be prepared for wet weather.
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Plenty of water in your reusable bottle.
Optional: Insect repellents.
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear.
A bag for wet/muddy items.
A towel.
Swimwear (optional): A beautiful beach park is just a short walk from the parking lot! Showers are available at Kealoha Beach Park if you’d like to freshen up afterward.
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
We are restoring the estuarine wetlands and fish ponds of Lokowaka, Ki‘onakapahu, and ‘Akahi in Hilo Hawaiʻi by removing invasive plants and replacing the area with native ones for our endangered endemic waterbirds and migratory birds.
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Exercise, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Help Plants & Nature, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
Wetland Restoration in Hilo
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
Hawaiʻi Island has lost approximately 75% of its historic low elevation wetlands due to infill and development, and much of the remaining wetland habitat is degraded by invasive non-native plants. Most of the loss is in Hilo. Our goal is to restore the habitats for threatened and endangered native birds and migratory birds at the 51-acre Lokowaka Pond complex in Hilo. With the help of many dedicated local and visiting volunteers, we are removing invasive non-native vegetation which is covering most of the marsh and restoring the area with native vegetation.
Lokowaka Pond complex is a very important habitat for the endangered and threatened birds and migratory birds. In the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture’s Strategic Plan for Hawai‘i Wetlands 2024, Lokowaka ranked as the eleventh most important wetland statewide and is in first place for Hawaiʻi Island. https://pacificbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PB-Hawaii-Plan-FINAL-2.27.24-reduced.pdf
Please join us and take a hands-on role in restoring the beautiful wetlands of Hilo. By volunteering with us, you will not only contribute to conservation efforts but also gain a deep understanding of our unique ecosystem. You will see the direct impact of your work as you help native species flourish and watch our wetlands come back to life.
Here are the details to help you prepare:
Time & Arrival:
We plan to start promptly at 9:00 AM, so please arrive at the parking lot by 8:45 AM.
What to Wear and Bring:
Be prepared for changing weather conditions and wet, muddy, uneven terrain. Activities will include hand-removing invasive weeds and possibly replanting native plants, rain or shine.
Clothing:
Lightweight, quick-drying long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended for sun and insect protection).
Closed-toed shoes, reef shoes, tabis, or diving boots you don’t mind getting wet and muddy (there may be broken glass or sharp objects).
Sun Protection: A hat, reef-friendly sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Rainwear: Be prepared for wet weather.
Supplies:
Gloves and tools (hand weeders, serrated sickles) will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Plenty of water in your reusable bottle.
Optional: Insect repellents.
Post-Work Essentials:
A change of clothes and footwear.
A bag for wet/muddy items.
A towel.
Swimwear (optional): A beautiful beach park is just a short walk from the parking lot! Showers are available at Kealoha Beach Park if you’d like to freshen up afterward.
Good For
Kids, Teens, Families, Kupuna, Students, Groups, Visitors, Exercise, Meeting People, Resume Builder
Activity Type
Outdoor, Help Plants & Nature, Physical Labor
Cause
Environmental Conservation
Requirements
RSVP Required, Closed Toed Shoes
ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative
About the organizer
We are restoring the estuarine wetlands and fish ponds of Lokowaka, Ki‘onakapahu, and ‘Akahi in Hilo Hawaiʻi by removing invasive plants and replacing the area with native ones for our endangered endemic waterbirds and migratory birds.