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Koke'e Resource Conservation Program

Placement number: 0057
Location:  Hawaii
Preferred Languages:  English
Date: All year
Minimum Period: 1 week

Koke'e Resource Conservation Program aims to preserve biodiversity.  Volunteers remove alien invasive plants in Waimea Canyon State Parks to preserve the spectacular and unique natural resources of the area.  Other management actions include trail clearing and out-planting of natives as their subsequent care.  Rustic housing accommodations are available upon approval of application.

Role of Volunteer

 

The Koke'e Resource Conservation Program does primarily alien species control work in the forests throughout the Parks. This involves strenuous hiking and the use of herbicides. The program provides a framework for volunteers to be involved in preserving the spectacular natural resources of the area, and is supported by Hui o Laka~Koke`e Natural History Museum and Kaua`i State Parks with funding from the U.S. Fish Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and the US Forest Service.

Rustic housing at the historic Koke`e CCC Camp is available. Volunteers must have their own health insurance to stay here, the camp does not cover any accidents or illnesses. Volunteers are required to do light cleaning and maintenance of the camp. There's a large bunkhouse with bunk beds, hot showers, and a fully equipped communal kitchen. We provide transport to and from the airport, and we can help volunteers get to the grocery store, post office etc., but the camp is isolated, 15 miles from coast so you would have to find your own transportation to town on your days off if you wish to see the beaches and the rest of the island.

There is a public bus that goes around the island but at this time they do not allow luggage on the bus so transportation on your days off can be a problem. We do have an extensive network of trails in the park and we would be able to help you get to trailhead if you want to go backpacking in Koke`e on your days off.

The camp is very nice, a beautiful historic restored facility set in the forests of Koke`e. But it can sometimes get very lonely here and you must have some emotional self-sufficiency to enjoy it. Staff does not live at the camp and sometimes there are no other volunteers staying here. We do not have an evening program for the camp and you must be able to entertain yourself in the evening. But there have been many runners who have stayed with us and they do enjoy running the many quiet roads and trails in the park.

  

Cost

 

Volunteers work 4 days each week and have 3 days off. In exchange for your work you are given 7 nights of accommodation in our bunk house.  Food is the responsibility of the volunteers.

Travel

We can arrange pick-ups at the airport on our Island, Kaua'i, free of charge.

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