I.C.E Internships

Environmental Conservation
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Introduction

In the cloud forests of Kauai join a non-profit organization in their effort to restore native Hawaiian vegetation. Learn firsthand about the plight faced by native species as a result of deforestation and unsustainable land management practices. Amazing Birds 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 one of Hawaii's largest forest reserves and last remaining stands of koa and ohi'a trees. This reforestation project is as much an effort in watershed management as it is in botanical restoration. Your contribution will benefit Hawaii's endangered bird species as well. Eight out of the fourteen native birds residing in the forest are endangered, and seven species have already become extinct since Captain Cook's arrival in 1778. You will play a significant role in advancing the recovery of this beautiful landscape. According to a local guidebook, "the refuge is very beautiful, a diamond in the rough, and encompasses an incredible rainforest like few on the Big Island" (Bisignani, 1999).

Days are spent in the field, assiting in the office, or educating children groups. In addition, there is some work around camp that needs to be done, including maintenance and other odd jobs. Your reward is the knowledge that you are contributing to the long-term benefit of the rainforest.

Location

KAUAI
This internship is located in a major state park rising above 5000 feet in elevation. It is a key area for the restoration of pre-montane and montane rainforest habitats, both of which are scarce on a global scale. You are about forty minutes from the nearest town and an hour and a half from Lihue--the capital city. It is possible to leave the project for a couple of days a week for hiking or travel to the city. However, we suggest that only applicants who enjoy remote locations and who do not feel attached to city living apply for this option.

Weather Conditions

While working in the Park, be prepared for some wet days and eternally wet grasses. Above 2,000 feet, you can expect cooler daytime temperatures and cold nights--temperatures can dip into the 40s up on the mountain. The following items are what your staff will pack (if you are very sensitive to cold weather, you should add more layers): one pair of long johns, a pair of lightweight, durable, waterproof rain pants, and a good rain jacket.

Job Description

You will join a team of seasoned backcountry workers 3-4 times per week in their trips into forest. Sensitive areas are targeted fro restoration and you will employ a variety of means to ensure the survival of the native vegetation. Some mapping of areas may be undertaken. In addition, some spraying of exotics is likely included. Along the way you have an opportunity to learn by asking questions. Yourhosts have logged thousands of hours in the backcountry working on this project and know the flora and fauna of this special place intimately. If you would like to spend an equal amount of time in camp as in the backcountry that can be arranged.

Minimum Length of Stay

4 weeks

Additional Requirements

In your brief letter of intent on the I.C.E. Application form, please be sure to indicate the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the program indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship--this letter of intent will be distributed to internship providers. In addition, be sure to submit a resume or acceptable equivalent indicating any relevant knowledge or skills.

Accommodations

Comfortable government housing with full facilities. Hot water and your own bed are provided; the house is fully heated as well. Space is limited and you can expect to share accommodations, including kitchen facilities, with other staff members.

Previous Intern Experiences

Past interns have really enjoyed the staff members. Most walk away from the experience confident that they had made a difference. Some interns enjoyed the fact that the beauty of the rainforest location was completely opposite any beachside image that most people think of when they consider Hawaii.

Information from Host Organization

Volunteers will be involved in preserving the spectacular natural resources of the Koke’e, Kauai region, and is supported by Hui o Laka~Koke’e Natural History Museum and Kauai State Parks with funding from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Community Foundation, the US Forest Service, and private donations.

Rustic housing at the historic Kokee CCC Camp is available for accepted applicants. The camp is located at the top of the mountain in the Koke’e State Park. This program is for those who are interested in forest ecology and forest conservation. We are not involved with the marine sciences and we are located a long way away from the beaches.

The camp is very nice, a beautiful historic restored facility set in the forests of Koke’e. We have a communal kitchen equipped with pots, stoves, refrigerators. There's a large bunkhouse with bunk beds, We have hot showers, laundry facility, small reading room, and even a VCR. It is a beautiful place to stay for a quiet forest experience. Our workdays are often filled with camaraderie amongst our selves, resident volunteers, and local volunteers. We try to mix up the week so that we work in a variety of areas within the Park and learn more about the different ecological areas of the park.

Our program generally runs like this:

Resident volunteers work 4 days each week and have 3 days off. Generally they work Tuesday through Friday.

You would need to bring:
  • Bedding (sleeping bag)
  • WARM CLOTHES in the winter (temperatures can get down to 40° F at night in winter, 60 in summer), raingear
  • Day pack
  • Drinking water bottles
  • Flashlight
  • Old work clothes with long pants and long sleeves (long pants are required to work).
    You could bring clothes you wouldn’t mind leaving and then have room for souvenirs to take back!
Please do not bring:

Valuables (we haven't had any problems but you never know)

Position Title:

Resource Management Volunteer for Division of State Parks, Kauaÿi, with the Kökeÿe Resource Conservation Program (KRCP), a program of Hui o Laka/Koke’e Natural History Museum.

Purpose:

To perform vegetation management activities in Kökeÿe, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali State Parks, involving primarily alien invasive plant (weed) removal but also sometimes including other management actions such as trail

Qualifications:
  • Interest or training in botany and ecology
  • Commitment to preservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems
  • Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions, understand healthy camping
  • Willingness to perform hard physical work and use herbicides
  • No allergies, back problems, or other medical conditions
  • Team player, safe worker
  • Ability to accept instructions and put them into practice
Supervised by:

Staff of KRCP during field hours

Development opportunities:

Can learn and gain experience in the taxonomy, function and management of Hawaiian flora and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the threats to these native forests and what can be done about them. Receive safety training and training in resource management methods. Spend time in one of Hawai’i’s finest State Parks; can also participate in Kökeÿe Museum projects and programs.

Support equipment provided:
  • Safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses, compass and map
  • Machetes, clippers, machete belt & pouches as needed
  • Tally meter for counting weeds
  • Equipment for special projects such as weedwackers and their relevant safety equipment (ear protection, face shields/helmets, chainsaw chaps) for trail clearing.

Strategies are
1) to remove the most disruptive weeds such as Kahili ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum), Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) and Firetree (Myrica faya), from Special Ecological Areas (SEAs), that contain relatively intact ecosystems. The SEAs generally coincide with areas containing rare, threatened, and endangered native Hawaiian plant species; and
2) to target incipient weeds such as Privet (Ligustrum sinense) and Firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia).

The much-visited Koke’e, Waimea Canyon, and Na Pali Coast State Parks encompass 12,386 acres on northwest Kaua'i and are bordered by Ku’ia and Hono’o Na Pali Natural Areas Reserves as well as the Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve. This ecologically rich area contains several native plant communities, including the rare Koa/’Ohi’a Montane Mesic Forest. The relatively pristine, high elevation bogs of the Alaka’i are truly unique in the world and highly deserve protection. 26 Threatened & Endangered species and an additional 31 rare plant taxa are found in scattered locations throughout the State Parks. Indeed, Hawai’i has become the “endangered species capital of the world” due to the many threats that are degrading native habitat and the resultant loss of species; one-third of the federally listed endangered and threatened species are Hawaiian, and three-fourths of the nation’s extinct plant and bird species once lived only on our islands.

Kaua’i has been severely impacted by two hurricanes since 1982, which have caused proliferation of nonnative invasive species. Biological invasion by alien weed species alters the population dynamics and community structure of native plant communities. "Native and endemic species are the true jewels of any ecosystem. The effects of non-native (alien) plants and animals constitute the greatest threat to native species and ecosystems in Hawai’i" (Biological Survey for Koke’e and Waimea Canyon State Parks, Kaua’i, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai’i, 1996)

Alteration and loss of native habitat is a significant problem for all components of these ecosystems. US Fish & Wildlife Service Recovery Plans for Kaua'i endangered plants specify alien plants as a priority #1 threat to the survival of all but 2 of the 49 listed endangered species discussed in these recovery plans. Remnants of the once extensive native forests need protection.

The project uses weed control strategies and methods developed, tested and proven by decades of work by the National Park Service (NPS), The Nature Conservancy, the State of Hawai’i Department of Agriculture, and DLNR. Weed removal methods are manual and mechanical where feasible, but generally involve the judicious use of herbicides. Generally, alien trees are notched and a small amount of herbicide applied to the notch; the kahili ginger is cut and herbicide applied to the stump. These methods have been adapted for volunteer use and can serve as a model for forest management practices using volunteers.

Started in January, 1998. During 1998 and 1999, we have provided supervised service projects for over 700 local elementary school students representing 14 schools, over 90 students from 6 different colleges, and many other educational groups such as Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, and the Kailana Program for adjudicated adolescents. A group of 15 graduate students in Tropical Conservation from the University of Biodiversity of Sweden called their participation in our forest weeding program "very pedagogic!"

Staff hours in the field compared to volunteer hours shows 5,428 staff hours and 15,784 volunteer hours. The program has successfully recruited volunteers to the point that its funding has been multiplied three times, leveraged to provide three times the work on the ground that staff have accomplished.

Over the past three and a half years staff and volunteers have found new locations of several endangered species, and discovered many more relatively intact and botanically rich areas of forest that need protection now. We've weeded in the vicinity of 57 different listed Threatened and Endangered species and Species of Concern.

Just in the past year, we have participated in 19 public events centered around conservation work service projects. These were advertised in the local media and attendance added up to over 1,000 people. In two years, we have been featured in 18 different magazine and newspapers articles.

Meet your ICE Contact on the Island of Kauai

My name is Ellen Coulombe. I reside in Kalaheo, on the south shore of Kauai, Hawaii, where I have lived for the past four years. I am 46, married and have two school age children. I come to Kauai from Virginia where I received an MS degree from the Department of Crops, Soils and Environmental Sciences at Va Tech, 1988. My research focused on the identification of variant cells of alfalfa that could tolerate a high aluminum concentration in the cell solution, searching for alfalfa lines that could thrive in the aluminum clay soils of Virginia. Subsequently I worked with soybean breeders and agronomists first in Indiana and later in Mississippi.

Since coming to the islands I have been able to acquaint myself with the incredible plant diversity that exists here. Because of their extreme isolation, resulting in over 1,000 species of endemic plants most of which are found nowhere else in the world, these islands are a hot bed for the study of plant evolution. I currently work for a conservation group (KRCP) dedicated towards the preservation of these native species, which are continually threatened by introduced plants and feral animals.

Staff and volunteers for KRCP (Kokee Resource Conservation Program) go into the forested montane area of Kauai and through the judicious use of selectively applied herbicides and hand weeding we are removing the aggressive alien plant species which will, if allowed to propagate unchecked, choke out the less competitive native plants. Our goal is to thoroughly weed over 500 acres of the Kokee State Park land and, as it is labor intensive, this could not be accomplished without the help of volunteers.

No matter which of the Institute for Cultural Ecology’s programs you come to the island to support, I look forward doing whatever I am able to make your stay an enjoyable one. Whether to provide an understanding ear, or to attend to any difficulties you may encounter in your transition, I will be here to support you throughout your stay. See you when you land on the Garden Island!

Aloha,
Ellen Coulombe

Hui o Laka Welcomes You To Koke’e’s Historic C.C.C. Camp

In 1990, volunteers and staff of Hui o Laka~ Koke’e Natural History Museum began renovations, which continue today, at Koke’e’s historic C.C.C. Camp. The camp’s straightforward, wood framed buildings, left as a legacy by the young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps who toiled and played here six decades ago, as well as the men and women who followed them, is serving in a new era as we develop the historic camp into “The Joseph M. Souza, Jr. Training Center and Field Station,” Kaua’i’s first science, interpretive, and volunteer support field station.

If you are staying overnight at the Old C.C.C. Camp, you are part of history’s sweep in these mountains. We know you will treat these old buildings, honored in 1996 with placement on the State and National Historic Registers, with respect and care, and invite you to participate in our renovation events. Come by the Volunteer Office to learn about volunteer opportunities and breaking science at Koke’e.

Listed below is information you will find useful in planning your visit and making it as pleasant and successful as possible. If you have any further questions call 335-9975.

Check In - 8:30 am - 4 pm daily

late arrivals by prior request only

Check Out - 8:30-11:00 am

bunk area clean and ready for use, walk through with staff member completed, and key returned before leaving.

Building an Interpretive Library

As you find yourself getting more deeply involved in the information of Kauai's natural and cultural history as well as the philosophy and techniques of visitor interpretation, you may want to gradually build a personal library. Below follows a beginning list of resource books; most are available in the Kokee Museum Shop, where volunteers who are also Hui o Laka members receive a 15% discount. You'll find many other books at the Shop which will intrigue you, including a section on Myth, Legend & Chant, as well as Contemporary Pacific Literature (great interpretive material is often buried in original source material, as well as in contemporary novels and poetry about Hawaii and the Pacific).

Plants

  1. Ferns of Hawaii by Kathy Valier (1995) UH Press
  2. Hawaiian Heritage Plants by Angela Kay Kepler (1998) UH Press
  3. Hawaiian Forest Plants by Mark Merlin (1995) Pacific Guide Books
  4. Alteration of Native Hawaiian Vegetation by Cuddihy and Stone
  5. Hawaii's Vanishing Flora by Kimura and Nagata (1980) Oriental Publishing Company
  6. Alien Plant Invasions in Hawaiian Ecosystems by Tunison, Stone and others
  7. Plants and Flowers of Hawaii by Sohmer and Gustafson (1993) UH Press
  8. In Gardens of Hawaii by Marie Neal (1965) Bishop Museum Press
  9. Native Trees and Shrubs of the Hawaiian Islands by Samuel H. Lamb (1981) Sunstone Press
  10. Plants and Animals of Hawaii by Susan Scott (1991) Bess Press
  11. A pocket Guide to Hawaiis Trees and Shrubs by H. Douglas Pratt (1998) Mutual Publishing
  12. La'au Hawaii, Traditional Hawaiian Uses of Plants by Isabella Aiona Abbott (1992) Bishop Museum Press

History

  1. Hawaii, A Natural History by Sherwin Carlquist (1980) NTBG, SB Printers, Inc.
  2. Kauai Ancient Place Names and Their Stories by FRederick B. Wichman (1998) UH Press
  3. Islands in a Far Sea by John Cuddihy, Sierra Club
  4. Kauai, A Separate Kingdom by Edward Joesting, UH Press
  5. Arts and Crafts of Hawaii by Te Ranghi Hiroa (1987) Bishop Museum Press
  6. Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert (1979) UH Press

Interpretation

  1. Interpreting Our Heritage by Freeman Tilden (1957) Univ. of North Carolina Press

Birds

  1. Hawaii's Birds by Audubon Society (1993) Hawaii Audubon Society

Hiking

  1. Kau’ai Hiking Trails by Craig Chisholm (1991) Fernglen Press

Koke’e

  1. The Road to Kok’ee by Thelma Hadley and Kathy Valier (1993) Bess Press

Insects

  1. Hawaiian Insects and their Kin by F.G. Howarth and W.P. Mull (1992) UH Press