Species Restoration, Culture and Beauty on Molokai, Hawaii

The Trip

The island of Molokai is described as "the most Hawaiian island." Indeed, it has been subject to less development than other islands, with a strong coterie of residents who prefer to keep their island rural. Land conservation and cultural preservation efforts by private landowners, local land trusts, national conservancy groups, and local residents interweave the fabric of island life.

The northwest corner of Molokai is a unique habitat of coastal dunes. Steady northeast trade winds and a drier climate have created an ecosystem of native grasses, shrubs, and one notable ground-nesting sea bird, the wedge-tail shearwater. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Molokai Land Trust (MLT) manage 2,639 acres of adjacent preserves. Existing work is restoring years of habitat destruction from grazing cattle and invasive predators and plant species. Our work will continue that restoration effort by removing invasive plants and replanting native species. We may assist efforts to restore nesting sites of the wedge-tail shearwater.

There will be one unstructured day four to explore Molokai or to just relax at the pool or beach.

The Project

We will do five days of work, alternating between the two preserves. Each day will entail short hikes to work sites and likely carrying light garden-type tools: possibly shovels, loppers, rakes, and the like. We will have plenty of breaks for rest, water, and snacks, with lunch at the work site. We will do four to five days of work on the MLT Preserve or in their nursery.

Getting There

There are no direct flights to Molokai from the mainland U.S. Participants will need to book air transport to Maui or Honolulu and then book the short flight to Molokai. Airfare is not included in the trip cost.

Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

The Hawaii subcommittee leaders pride themselves on the food they serve. Local products and recipes are very much a part of the menu. The menu focus will be vegetarian-friendly, but vegans cannot be accommodated. If you have any dietary restrictions, please discuss them with the leaders before signing up for this trip.

Breakfast and dinner are prepared and served in the leader’s condo. Your condo will have all the tableware and utensils you need

Participants will share a condo with 2 or 3 others. Single people will have a twin bed. A couple will have either a queen or king. All the units will have two bathrooms and be fully equipped with a small kitchen. There is a small store on the resort premises. It sells personal items (forgot a toothbrush?) and snack-type food and beverages. We can drive you, as we are able, to the town of Kaunakakai for grocery items and gift shops.

Trip Difficulty

There are short walks from the van each work day to specific sites on the Preserve. You will use common garden tools. Work activities require bending, stooping, and general upper arm, hands, and shoulder use.

Equipment and Clothing

A challenge will be working in a warm to hot tropical climate with sun, wind, and humidity. Sun protection with a wide-brim hat and sunscreen are must-bring items. Bring strong leather gloves, and well-broken-in, sturdy shoes. Participants will carry their own water, bringing two quarts per day to the work site.

References

• Molokai Land Trust: https://molokailandtrust.org/ An excellent introduction to this conservation non-profit. Includes a beautiful video: "Molokai Land Trust: Saving the Last of Wild Hawaii."
• "Coming Home: The Restoration of Nesting for the Wedge-tailed Shearwater." The Nature Conservancy magazine. Spring issue, 2019.

Conservation

This service trip is hosted by The Molokai Land Trust. The MLT also promotes the value of indigenous history and the preservation of its culture.

During our week we will see how volunteer activism is steadily recovering the native habitat from more than 100 years of commercial cattle grazing and from invasive plants and feral animals such as the common domestic cat. The MLT routinely hosts both school groups and adults in its work. Volunteer activism sustains much of what the Sierra Club nationwide accomplishes. A notable example is the Beyond Coal campaign. Coal-fired energy plants are steadily diminishing in number as the Sierra Club continues to expose their harmful emissions polluting the air and contributing to greenhouse gases and climate change.

When we learn where you live, we will discuss as a group what environmental issues are important in your city or region. Our goal is to inspire activism. Margaret Mead, the renowned anthropologist said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Service outings, in particular, stand out as one of the Sierra Club’s most important “boots on the ground” conservation efforts. The work done by service trip participants in our nation’s public lands is a way of practicing conservation in the most direct way possible, whether it’s improving access while preserving wilderness values, restoring wildlife habitat, or repairing human-caused damage to a natural area. Service trips are a great way to pitch in and do something tangible to make the world a better place; they’re a way to go beyond just talking about conservation; a way to get out there and experience conservation with your whole being.

Sierra Club National Outings is an equal opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.