Endangered Nene Goose Talk, Part of Public Lands Day Celebration

The Friends of Haleakala National Park hosts a free presentation tonight, Thursday, September 24, 2009, on Hawaii’s state bird, the endangered nene.

Photo © Wendy Osher 2009

Wildlife biologists will discuss protection efforts and community involvement. The public can find out more about the nene and help to protect this endangered bird.

That’s at 7 p.m. at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center poolside meeting room in Pukalani.

Friend’s of Haleakala National Park is a chartered organization that leads overnight service trips into the wilderness cabins, provides monetary support for education and nene research. They frequently advocate on behalf of the park, and conduct regular guest speaker programs.

The presentation is one of a variety of events are being organized this in coordination with The Haleakala National Park to Celebrate Public Lands Day.

The National Park Service relies on many people and organizations to help achieve its mission of preservation and visitor appreciation. National Public Lands Day on September 26th helps celebrate volunteers and partners working for the good of Haleakala.

Hawaii Natural History Association (HNHA) is a cooperating association that provides educational and memorabilia items for sale in three outlets in the visitor centers.  Proceeds from the sale of this material directly supports the park in terms of HNHA interpretive staff, research funding, and support for educational programming.

September 21st through the 27th- HNHA employee Doug Ridley helps lead “Coffee with the Ranger” program featuring stories of the National Park Service and Haleakala over a free cup of coffee.- 6:30 A.M. Summit Shelter. HNHA provided all the coffee materials to support the program.

Pacific Whale Foundation is known for its whale watch and coral reef education programs. They also offer a “volunteer on vacation” program each week with van transportation to Haleakala.

Friday, September 25th, – Volunteer weeding trip- call for reservation (808) 249-881 to ride to park, or meet at summit parking lot at 9:00 A.M.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Photo © Wendy Osher 2009)