The Hawaii Nature Center

"Man's heart away from nature becomes hard. "

-Standing Bear

Supporting environmental education while having fun with others is what volunteering at the Hawai’i Nature Center is all about. Volunteer benefits include T-shirts, personalized orientation and training, and special invitations to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic and the O`ahu Museum Volunteer Leaders’ Volunteer Appreciation Month activities in April.

Our Volunteer Program Manager will find a niche that is just right for you. Discover new skills and creative talents, and find out how you can make a difference.

To sign up for a volunteer opportunity, please contact:

Pauline Kawamata, Volunteer Program Manager Hawai‘i Nature Center

2131 Makiki Heights Drive Honolulu, HI 96822

Phone: (808) 955-0100, ext. 18

Fax: (808) 955-0116

E-mail: volunteer@hawaiinaturecenter.org

TEACHING DOCENTS
Work with elementary school children (kindergarten to fifth grade) outdoors and teach various environmental education lessons. Previous work with children preferred but not required. Training provided. Field sites include: Makiki Valley, Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area, USFW Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge in ‘Ewa (Fall semester only), Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu (Spring only) and Pu‘u ‘Ualaka‘a State Park. Time commitment: one weekday morning, four hours per week, Fall and/or Spring semester.

OFFICE ASSISTANTS

Assist with various office tasks such as word processing, data entry, and bulk mailing and labeling. Help with special arts and crafts project preparation. Time commitment: varies. FACILITIES MAINTENANCE: Help maintain and beautify Center facilities. Includes simple construction and repair projects, painting, and cleaning. Time commitment: varies, depending on staff needs.

GARDENING & LANDSCAPING

Maintain planted areas around the Center and on the program trails. Includes planting, propagation, vine eradication, weed whacking, watering, and composting. Can also help with the maintenance of the taro patch. Time commitment: varies, preferably once a month for maintenance.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Care for existing program trails and teaching sites. Will occasionally create new teaching sites along program trails. Requires the ability to do physical work. Time commitment: varies, usually needed prior to the beginning of each semester (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Assist Center staff at community events, fairs, and exhibits. Usually involves hands-on activities, nature crafts, and the distribution of Center literature. Time commitment: varies, usually on weekends working in three to four hour shifts, very busy during the summer.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Includes formal evening fundraiser, The Green Gala. Help with various aspects of event – set-up, visitor registration, silent auction, clean up. Time commitment: Once a year.

TRAIL SWEEPS

Serve as support personnel for weekend hike leaders. First aid certification and hiking experience required. Time commitment: varies (preference given to veteran trail sweeps).

SENSATIONAL NATURE ADVENTURE PROGRAM (SNAP): Includes weeklong Summer Nature Adventure Programs (SNAP). SNAP volunteers assist various age groups with hikes, nature crafts, and off-site activities. Time commitment: At least two days per week, 7:30 am – 3:00 pm, during the summer or during school intercession breaks (spring, fall, winter).

SPECIAL PROJECTS: Includes Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects, wetland restoration at Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu and USFW Honouliuli National Wildlife Refuge in Ewa, service projects for Cub Scout Troops and other service-oriented clubs like Interact Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and Sierra Club High School Hikers. Time commitment: Varies, depending on group’s request.