Conservation Biology

  United States

Hilo

Term: Throughout the year 

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. Your hosts 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.

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.

Highlights: Learn firsthand about the plight faced by native species as a result of deforestation and unsustainable land management practices. 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, assisting 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.

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

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.

Experience Required: no

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.