Fireweed pulls help keep the invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea and reduce habitat for invasive insects.

Volunteers are needed to pull weeds on Maunakea.

The Office of Maunakea Management at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Maunakea Science Reserve, is seeking community volunteers to participate in its ongoing Malama Maunakea campaign.

Weed pulling is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, starting at 8:00 a.m. Space is limited.

“Our overarching goal at the Office of Maunakea Management is to malama Maunakea,” says Stephanie Nagata, director of the office. “Taking care of 12,000 acres is a daunting task, but with collaborative community partnerships we can accomplish much.”

See The Maunakea Invasive Species Management Plan.

Nagata says she is grateful for the school groups, service organizations, chambers of commerce, individuals and families who give a weekend of their time to take care of Maunakea.

“The invasive species weed pulls, held since 2012, have proven quite successful with over 800 participants volunteering over 5,000 hours, pulling over 1,000 garbage bags of invasive weeds and also planting 200 Maunakea silversword,” Nagata says.

The weed pulls concentrate on eradicating the highly invasive fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) along the Maunakea Access Road and around Halepohaku at approximately 9,200-foot elevation. The fireweed pulls help keep the invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea and reduce habitat for invasive insects.

For Hilo-based volunteers, transportation to and from Hilo is provided. For West Hawai`i volunteers, the Office of Maunakea Management will help coordinate ride sharing.

Upon arrival at Halepohaku, volunteers are given a project orientation and allowed time to acclimate to the high elevation. A brief tour of Maunakea resources completes the day on the mountain.

To volunteer or for more information, call (808)933-3884 or email OMKMvolunteers-grp[at]hawaii.edu.