Makiki Watershed Awareness Initiative
By caring for the land, it will care for you.
Kanealole Trail, 2135 Makiki, 96822
Saturday, ,May 25th, 2024
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join in for hands-on restoration at the Makiki Valley Loop Trail. We'll be doing general removal of invasives and outplanting of various native plants.
Upcoming Spring 24' Events
5/4/24 - CANCELED (FINALS FOR STUDENTS)
5/25/24
FAQs
Join us 1st & Last Saturdays!
Where to Meet
🚗 Volunteers park for free. Press the button at the green gate just above the Nature Center (2131 Makiki Heights Dr), drive up near the bathrooms, and park at the white wall.
📌 Please gather by the green bench near the bathrooms. We will start moving by 8:10 AM. It's a short 5-10 minute hike from there to reach the shaded worksite.
Who can Join?
Everyone. We strongly advise that due to the utilization of sharp and heavy tools, only individuals possessing physical capabilities should partake to prevent any potential injuries.
Does this Count as Service Hours?
Yes! We are part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, registered under the Service Learning Program (SLP) at the University of Hawai'i Mānoa.
🏅 Volunteer certifications will be given out by request.
What to Expect
⚒️ Tasks will be given out day of and are themed around the event. Overall, general trail maintenance.
🌱 Free refreshments! If can, it will be highly appreciated if you bring snacks to share!
What to bring?
🥾 Long shirt and pants, bug repellent, water, gloves (we have spares if you need), and proper outdoor shoes.
Achievements Earned
Recent Past Themed Events
The Bird is The Word
Jan 27th, 24'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Together with ornithologist and biologist Dr. Wendy Kuntz, our trail crew received education on native, introduced, and invasive bird species, including learning their calls. Additionally, we actively participated in hands-on restoration efforts at the Makiki Valley Loop Trail, focusing on the general removal of invasive species and trail maintenance.
Touch Rocks
Jan 6th, 24'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Under the guidance of Professor Scott Rowland from UH Manoa's Geology Department, our volunteers participated in hands-on restoration activities along the Makiki trail, exploring and examining rocks. Through this experience, we gained valuable insights into the geological history of Oahu, deepening our understanding of volcanoes and their relevance to our specific worksite.
A Fun Guy Talking About Fungi
Dec 2nd, 23'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Kapi'olani Community College biology Professor Brian Deis shared fungi examples and led a scavenger hunt to explore mushroom biology in relation to our workday efforts. Plus, who doesn't appreciate cool mushrooms and catching shrimps?
The WHY in WAI
November 25, 23'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Dr. Marek Kirs, Ph.D., a researcher at the Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, delivered a morning lecture on water microbiology, microbial ecology, public health, and taxonomy. Our trail crew gained insights into the link between restoration efforts and public health from this biological researcher at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.
Outplants: Revisited
October 28, 23'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Outplanting is a vital procedure for introducing and establishing new plants in a designated environment. Our trail revisited the plants we planted in August 2023 for maintenance and tender loving care (TLC).
Stream Day
August 30, 23'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Our committed trail crew actively participated in the stream restoration project, clearing debris and maintaining the area near the 2nd entrance bridge. With time, the native plants already present will gradually dominate, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and native forest and stream.
Outplanting!
August 05, 23'
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Planted native Hawaiian plants with 25 volunteers, reintroducing Koa, Papala Kepau, Kukui, and ʻŌpuhe. Special thanks to Mahi La Pierre, Hawaiian Culture Education Specialist, for guiding with a kahae chant and contributing to the Hawaiian educational aspect of our conservation efforts.