Description

On the flanks of Mauna Kea, the 13,796-foot giant of the Pacific, join a reforestation effort to help native Hawaiian vegetation. Located on a historic ranch whose range cattle severely deforested the mountainside, you will work with one of Hawaii's foremost green thumbs to plant, cultivate and nurture threatened species such as the Koa tree. Your every action will add to the long-term benefit of this region. The current lack of tree cover on this section of the mountain slope has severe implications for the region's water table. This reforestation project is as much an effort in watershed management as it is in botanical restoration.

Your effort will benefit Hawaii's endangered bird species as well. Eight out of the fourteen native birds residing in Hakalau are endangered, and seven species have already become extinct since Captain Cook's arrival in 1778.

Location

This internship is located in a National Wildlife Refuge that spans an elevation level from 3,900 to 7,200 feet above sea level, and as such, is a key area for the restoration of pre-montane and montane rainforest habitats, both of which are scarce on a global scale. Wildlife protected within this refuge include: akiapola'au, Hawaiian akepa, Hawaiian creeper, Hawaiian hawk, ou, Hawaiian hoary bat, amakihi, Hawaiian thrush, elepaio, 'i'iwi, and apapane. All of these species and more are represented within this 32,000-acre expanse of forest and recovering forest. The forest itself is comprised of some of Hawaii's last remaining stands of koa and ohi'a, and you will play a significant role in advancing the recovery of this beautiful landscape. A local guidebook states: "the refuge is very beautiful, a diamond in the rough, and encompasses an incredible rainforest like few on the Big Island". (Bisignani, 1999)

Duration

The greenhouse keeper works four days per week on the mountain (Friday through Monday). As such, your work schedule will roughly parallel that of Baron Horiuchi. Occasionally, a university researcher works on the mountain collecting data on endangered birds. If the timing is right, there may be an opportunity to assist her with her research during your down days. This is something that she is unable to plan months in advance, but will be an added treat should she be able to accommodate you. You should expect to devote four days a week to the reforestation effort. The three days in-between will be spent either in Hilo as days off, with the bird researcher collecting data and samples, or further exploring the Big Island. This internship requires a maturity of participants to be able to entertain themselves during down times and in remote locales.

Accommodations

Accommodations on the refuge are dormitory style. There is running water and hot showers. Conservation of this resource applies as well. While at the refuge, you will stay in one of two lodges, depending upon availability. The two lodges are just ten minutes on foot from one to the other, and are operated by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Hawaii, respectively. Accommodations in the lodges are on the nicer side of basic, with beds, stoves, refrigerators, etc. Your nights in Hilo will be spent at the Wild Ginger Lodge

Job Description

The particular tasks associated with this internship will vary from day to day. Activities may include work within the greenhouse, removing weeds (liverwort) from seedlings, fertilizing, transplanting, etc. Follow the course of particular plants as you care for them in the greenhouse, and then go out into the field to plant them in the ground. Hundreds of seedlings can be planted in a single day with your energetic assistance, and many of these seedlings may be of the famed koa tree. Planting of the ohi'a seedlings may involve some experimentation as well, to determine the most ideal elevations and micro-climatic conditions within which the species will thrive.

Other activities may include the eradication of banana poka-a non-native creeper that strangles native trees.--collection of seeds to be planted at a later date, cleaning and preparation of equipment used in planting and eradication, transplanting of potted membranes to the wild, adding mulch to seedlings, locating planting sites, preparing plantings with augur drills for larger seedlings, etc. Weather is a factor that limits or enables the amount of work accomplished in a single day. Planting days and days spent eradicating banana poka or similar pests can be physically demanding, but the feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day will more than compensate for the energy utilized. Previous interns have indicated that evenings socializing in the dorm were among the highlights of their experience.

"This is an experience you can't have preconceptions about. The friendly people, stimulating information, and the unbelievable scenery will blow you out of the water. This internship is about new experiences that will open your mind. Baron is one of the kindest people I have ever met. He is very thoughtful and grateful. He is such a great teacher, and his enthusiasm rubs off on his students." - Courtney, 17

"Planting trees was really rewarding, and I learned a lot about Hawaiian natural history, local plant history and plant propagation. I really felt I was helping out." - Heather, 20.

Weather Conditions

Hawaii can be a land of extremes. You should expect warm, dry days on the leeward coastlines, humid rainy days on the windward coastlines. Above 2,000 feet, you should be prepared for cool nights and possibly rainy days. Temperatures can dip down into the low 40's up on the mountain. You will have approximately two weeks of cold weather on the course, more if you choose the Hakalau Restoration project. The below list is what your staff will pack, if you are very sensitive to cold weather, you should add more layers. As we will be camping and traveling in this weather at times, you should prepare yourselves accordingly. We suggest one pair of long johns. And, if you choose to do the Hakalau Internship, be prepared for some wet days and eternally wet grasses. We advise the purchase of some lightweight, but durable and water tight rain pants along with a light rain jacket. Dressing for hotter coastal weather requires less preparation.

Highlights

* Work one on one with Dr. David Adams, a cultural anthropologist and respected author
* Academic credit available
* Letter of Recommendation on completion
* Career and academic advising available

Qualifications

* Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
* We accept GAP YEAR students through college graduates
* Positive attitude
* 20 - 40 hours per week

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,895.00 and up

Program Fees Include:

Housing, Internship setup, Airport pickup, Pre-trip reader, Office support

Salary/Pay

Unpaid positions. We charge a fee to set up the internship and provide housing

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

7 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement

The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to premier host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded

1999