May 6, 2017—May is Wildfire Preparedness Month! Join The Kohala Center’s Kohala Watershed Partnership crew on Community Wildfire Preparedness Day (Saturday, May 6) from 8 a.m. to noon as we remove fountain grass and lantana in the Koai‘a Tree Sanctuary on Kohala Mountain. Both of these non-native weeds increase the risk of wildfires and impede the growth of native vegetation that is essential to capturing and retaining moisture. Hundreds of volunteers have helped us plant thousands of native trees over the years, so let’s protect these precious plants by reducing the risk of wildfires this summer!

This volunteer day is organized in partnership with the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization, which is offering prizes for the best photos and stories from Wildfire Preparedness Month! You could win Kaleo the Pueo t-shirts and hats, WaveWing hydrofoil surfing fins, Starbucks gift bags (each with 1 lb. coffee and tumbler), Smokey gear from Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and more. Simply post your photos or stories on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with the hashtag #WildfireReadyHI or email them to admin@hawaiiwildfire.org by June 1.