The Friends of Lili‘uokalani Garderns announce that ongoing efforts to remove decades of accumulated muck, bagasse, fallen leaves, sticks, and rubber slippers have totaled 2,175 gallons of mud, pickup truck loads of invasive seaweed and bags of debris through January 2018.

Volunteer assistance has come from UH-Hilo students, athletic teams and coaches, the Sociology Club, and foreign students. Other community groups include Rotary Club of Hilo, Waiākea Interact Club, Youth Challenge, Sierra Club Moku Loa Chapter, Lions Clubs and Latter Day Saints, to name a few.

SPONSORED VIDEO

The next volunteer day will be Saturday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to noon. Please wear gardening clothes and closed-toe shoes. There is some protective gear for those going into the pond. There also are land-based chores for those helpers who do not wish to go into the pond. Some rakes and shovels are available, but your own tools and gloves are always welcome. Refreshments and lunch will be provided to all volunteers.

For further information or to volunteer for pond chores, please contact Alton Okinaka at [email protected] or telephone (808) 383-4917.

Next month’s volunteer day will be Saturday, March 17.