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Trip Number: 12034A
Price: $945
Deposit: $100
Capacity: 16
Staff: Jill McIntire
Highlights:
- Reclaim a stretch of upland forest
- Work with concerned locals to save the native birds and plants
- Hike on both upland and seaside trails
Includes:
- All transportation on Kauai
- All room and board during the trip
The Trip
Unfortunately, this trip has been cancelled. If you
have questions, please
contact us.
Photo: Melody Watral
The State of Hawaii is unique. As a group of islands remote from nearby land
masses, Hawaii evolved its own groups of plants and birds. These endemic species
have been assaulted by invasive plants and animals, and those that have not
already gone extinct are endangered. There are a few spots in Hawaii that continue
to host endemics, and the upland area of Kauai (Koke'e State Park) is such a
spot.
The Project
Depending on our group and the needs of the Koke'e staff, we may be clearing
invasive vegetation from areas near popular hiking trails. The 2010 trip concentrated
on one trail that is being improved for visitors to experience the historical
sightlines within a forest walk. As with most State Parks, paid staff for trail
upkeep are overworked or even non-existant.
Koke'e is at an elevation of 4,000 feet, so our work will be in temperatures
cooler than what we think of when we consider going to Hawaii. In the evenings
we may need a light fleece or sweater, plus rain gear (it is the Garden Island).
Itinerary
Photo: Melody Watral
We will gather at the Lihue Airport at 3 p.m. on day one. Loading ourselves
into three seven-passenger vans, we will drive across the southern section of
Kauai and then up for a hour into the interior, ending in Koke’e State
Park, our work location for the week. On Monday we will hike in Koke’e
to a lookout (seven miles), while on Tuesday we will head for the beach and
go a four-mile hike on a preserved coastline. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
we will apply ourselves to our tasks. In 2010 we removed exotic blackberries
and ginger plants. On Friday evening we will trek down the mountain to a Friday
Art Night in a local town. On Saturday we will clean ourselves up and head back
to the airport, arriving by 11 a.m.
Getting There
Please note that the trailhead will be the Lihue Airport located on the island
of Kauai, state of Hawaii. Participants will need to make their own travel plans
to Lihue. We will gather at 3 p.m. on day one in front of the Baggage Claim
area. More information will be sent as our trip date gets closer. Transportation
will be provided back to the airport by 11 a.m. on day seven.
Accommodations and Food
Photo: Melody Watral
The first group meal will be dinner on day one, and the last meal will be breakfast
on the last day of the trip. Trip staff will prepare the menus for the week
and will be in charge of the selected cook crew for each day. Each participant
will be on the cook crew for one day. All efforts will be made to provide substantial,
well-balanced meals. Vegetarians are welcome. Please indicate any food allergies
on your medical form. As a conservation matter, all participants will bring
a hard plastic lunch container (such as Tupperware).
We will stay in a reclaimed CCC-era bunkhouse. This bunkhouse will accomodate
our group, both men and women in the same sleep area, for the week. We will
have showers, a clothes dryer, and (best of all) a huge kitchen for cook Melody
Watral to work her magic. The building has a large room for gathering, so we
will only use the bunkroom for, well, bunking.
Trip Difficulty
Please note that while this trip is well within the capabilities of most men
and women of virtually any age, it is rated moderate because of a higher humidity
level than many participants are used to. We'll pace ourselves and drink plenty
of water. Having the appropriate gear (hiking boots, hat, long sleeves, and
pants) will serve you well.
Equipment and Clothing
Photo: Melody Watral
The park has tools for our use on this project. Safety glasses are also required.
You can borrow some from the park, or you may wear your own sunglasses. Last,
but not least, a good pair (or two) of work gloves is essential: Leather is
best and thicker is better (remember those blackberries!). More personal equipment
information will be provided closer to the date of the trip.
On Sierra Club outings, participants furnish their own personal equipment,
including items such as boots, day packs, sleeping bag, a basic first-aid kit,
toiletries, and eating utensils. The Sierra Club furnishes all shared group
gear, including cooking utensils, a group first-aid kit, and food, unless otherwise
noted in the trip brochure. The bunkhouse furnishes a fitted bottom sheet, pillowcase,
and towel.
Temperatures in Koke'e may range from the 60s to the 80s during the day, and
down into the 50s at night. While we all hope for mild, clear days, and cool,
comfortable nights, rain can sweep in at any time. Gear should be appropriate
for three-season conditions. Clothing should be selected not for its fashion
statement, but for comfort and appropriateness. Dressing in layers is recommended
for cool mornings. Weather is unpredictable in Koke'e. Be prepared for showers.
References
These are not the usual rcommendations for Kauai, but the leaders likes these
two novels. They are both easy and fast reads. The web site belongs to a woman
who lives on Kauai and who writes about people and places in Hawaii. For conventional
information, any of the guidebooks at your local library will be fine.
- Brennert, Alan, Moloka'i, New York: St. Martin's Press, 2003.
- Brennert, Alan, Honolulu, New York: St. Martin's Press, 2009.
- http://kimsrogers.blogspot.com
Conservation
Photo: Melody Watral
Our trip will be concentrating on clearing invasive plants and helping endangered
endemics, but we will also talk about the challenges of island ecology.
Trip Price
See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details
about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.
The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
Staff
Leader:
Jill McIntire has been leading trips to Kauai for many years and considers Kauai to be her favorite island. As a birder, she especially enjoys time spent in areas not yet altered by flora and fauna from "outside" the islands.
E-mail: jillmcin@lmi.net
Cook:
'Mel' Watral has led and cooked on trips with the Hawaii Sub-Committee for nearly 17 years. Maui holds a special place in her heart -- she met her husband on a trip 11 years ago. She is an avid quilter and is determined to learn how to make a Hawaiian quilt!
E-mail: mwatral@nc.rr.com
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips