Pacific Whale Foundation Needs Volunteers

The new trend, Volunteering on Vacation, has been embraced and promoted by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Many travelers, seeing the decreased funding for environmental and social efforts, are volunteering their vacation time. With support from Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Pacific Whale Foundation has launched a new "Volunteering on Vacation" program. Sign on for three hours and you'll walk away with a free Volunteering on Vacation tote bag, plus the satisfaction of making a difference on behalf of Maui's environment.

Participants can peruse a calendar of weekly group activities such as clearing invasive weeds in Hosmer Grove in Haleakala National Park or restoring native plantings in Honokowai. Free admission is part of the deal; you also learn about the history and environment of the beautiful natural areas you visit. If the group events don't fit your schedule, you can pick up a kit to undertake a solo project. For example, the "Beach Clean-up" kit includes directions to a local beach, rubber gloves, trash bags and instructions on disposing of the litter you gather.

From their web site, here a some of the organized activities:

Ongoing, Saturdays
Malama Honokawai
With our partner Ed Lindsey you'll visit the beautiful and hidden Honokawai or Launiupoko Valley, areas closed off to the public. Among Hawaiian archeological sites, you'll learn about Hawaiian history and culture as you help to remove invasive weed plants and possibly plant native species. Meet at 9 a.m. in front of North Sugar Cane Train Station, Puukoli Road, Kaanapali. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. Bring water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen and bug repellant and wear closed-toe shoes, pants and a t-shirt. Be sure to call 249-8811 in advance to sign up.

Ongoing, every 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month
Haleakala National Park
In the company of a Pacific Whale Foundation group leader, you'll gain free entrance to beautiful Haleakala National Park and learn about the history of this spectacular wilderness area. At the park, you'll help remove invasive plants from the National Park. Free transportation is provided, from Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Store in Ma'alaea (meet at 7:30 a.m.) and the Tavares Community Center in Pukalani (meet at 8:15 a.m.). The program takes place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and includes three hours of work, plus time for a short hike and picnic. Bring water, snacks, lunch and sunscreen and wear closed-toe shoes, pants and warm clothes. Be sure to call 249-8811 in advance to sign up!

Ongoing, every Friday
Maui Coastal Land Trust
With our partner, Maui Coastal Land Trust and group leader Scott Fisher, you'll visit a remarkable coastal area that's rich in Hawaiian history and bird watching - and it's home to some of Maui's last sand dunes. You'll help to remove invasive species, clear brush and weed. Meet at 7:15 a.m in front of Maui Coastal Land Trust Offices, located at 2371 W Vineyard St Wailuku, adjacent to the Iao Valley Church. The program takes place from 8:00 a.m. to noon and includes four hours of work. Bring water, snacks, lunch, and sunscreen, and wear closed-toe shoes, pants and hat/sun protection. Be sure to call 249-8811 in advance to sign up!

To protect our beautiful island and the wild species that call it home, give some time to the Pacific Whale Foundation. For more information about Volunteering on Vacation and to sign up, contact Pacific Whale Foundation's Reservations department at (808) 249-8811. From the U.S. Mainland, please call 1-800-WHALE-11 and ask about Volunteering on Vacation.

Gary Bland, REALTOR
gary@garybland.com
www.garybland.com
808-385-1265

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