After a two-year pandemic pause, the Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS), formally known as Office of Maunakea Management, will host a second Mālama Maunakea Volunteer Weed Pull later this month.
Volunteers are needed for the Saturday, March 18 invasive weed pull starting at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Information Station on Maunakea.
The Malama Maunakea Volunteer Weed Pulls are part of CMS’ ongoing Malama Maunakea efforts to protect the resources on the mountain by helping to control fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and other invasive plant species around Maunakea’s 9,000-foot elevation. Eradicating invasive species and weeds helps to reduce habitat for invasive ants, prevents unwanted invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea, and prepares the surrounding area for future native plant restoration projects.
The Malama Maunakea campaign connects community volunteers to help in resource management and stewardship of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and mid-level support facilities at Halepōhaku. Since its launch in 2012, the Malama Maunakea campaign has organized 60 separate weed pulls with more than 1,500 community volunteers, over 10,000 volunteer hours, 2,400+ garbage bags of weeds pulled. CMS has also planted more than 300 native plants near Halepohaku.
In February, CMS restarted the campaign after pausing for the pandemic with 14 volunteers and 3 staff members pulling 440 pounds of invasive weeds.
The Malama Maunakea Volunteer Weed Pull project meets at 9 a.m. at the Visitor Information Station and will wrap up about 2 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water in a reusable container, sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat), layers to protect from wind or wet and cool weather are recommended (light rain gear, warm clothing long-sleeve shirt), hiking boots or good walking shoes, long pants andgarden or work gloves that are clean and free of invasive species.
Lunch will be provided.
A third Volunteer Weed Pull will be held next month on Saturday, April 22 as part of an extended Earth Day celebration.
To sign up online, visit hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/calendar