Although Hawaii is a small state spanning only 6,500 square miles (0.2 percent of U.S. land area), it is the home of the only tropical rain forests and the majority of all coral reefs in the United States. Unfortunately, almost one-third of Hawaii's birds and plants in are on the U.S. Endangered Species List. This means that more species on the island face extinction than anywhere else in the country. There are a number of organizations that seek volunteers to help protect and restore wildlife populations. These volunteer opportunities may include a training program, and usually require traveling and making a commitment to the conservation program.
The Nature Conservatory is a conservation organization working in all 50 states, and over 30 other countries. As of 2010, the organization has protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers throughout the world. The Nature Conservatory focuses on preserving the communities of plants and animals, with special marine animals, forests, and watersheds projects. The Nature Conservatory is a co-founder of Malama Hawaii, an association that raises environmental awareness, with over 70 organizations offering volunteer opportunities. These organizations provide services like beach, pest, and alien algae cleanup. Organizations that seek volunteers for work trips include the He'eia Fishpond, which looks for scientists to conduct sustainable research, and the Great Annual Fish Count, a volunteer program training individuals to conduct Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) surveys.
The Nature Conservancy
4245 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
800-628-6860
nature.org
The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest environmental grassroots organization in the country, founded to protect communities, wildlife and the environment at large. There are chapter locations in all 50 states in addition to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. the Hawaii chapter offers the The Hawaii Service Trip Program (HSTP) in collaboration with government and private agencies. The program conducts field trips, typically from one to two weeks long, that consist of both work and recreation. Volunteers work on fence building, noxious plant control and trail work projects to protect local environments. They also have the opportunity to swim, relax or explore the area.
Sierra Club Hawaii
1040 Richards Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-538-6616
sierraclubhawaii.com
The Wild Dolphin Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization based in Hawaii dedicated to the protecting and restoring of dolphins' natural habits. They engage in advocacy, conservation, public education, and conduct research. Volunteer programs are designed as internships for students or anyone dedicated to the work she does. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of a eight weeks and one or more of the nine project options. The program does not provide transportation or accommodations on the island of Oahu.
The Wild Dolphin Foundation
87-1286 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792
808-620-6940
wilddolphin.org
