Free Conservation Training for East Maui Tour Guides

East Maui, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Conservation professionals from three Maui groups have entered a partnership to provide free conservation awareness training to East Maui tour guides.

The Maui Mauka Conservation training program is being offered to bike and helicopter tour leaders, driving guides, and nature-based tour operators who work in the East Maui area.

The program is funded by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and made possible through a partnership between the East Maui Watershed Partnership, the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project.

“The program’s goal is to provide conservation professionals with an effective way to communicate information about the species and environments they are working to protect,” an announcement said.

Project coordinators say environmental interpretation plays a “significant role” in nature-based tourism, and is “mutually beneficial” to tour operators, visitors, conservation groups, and the nature-based tourism economy.

Participants will learn from conservation professionals about current projects, and take back information to share with guests about: the forests of Haleakalā, native forest birds, habitat restoration, unique plants, and how Maui is addressing invasive species concerns.

Field guides and fact sheets will also be provided to program participants.

Training dates include the following:

• Bike Guides: Nov. 4 at 5 p.m.; and Nov. 7 at 8:30 am.
• Helicopter Guides: Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.; and Nov. 20 at 8:30 a.m.
• Driving Guides: Nov. 19 at 5 p.m.; and Nov. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

Training is free.  For more information contact Allison at (808) 573-6999 or [email protected].