The public is invited to join E Mau Na Ala Hele on Sunday for a nature walk along the Pu‘u O‘o Trail.
The public is invited to join E Mau Na Ala Hele on Sunday for a nature walk along the Pu‘u O‘o Trail.
The trail provides an interesting nature hike passing through pioneer ohia forest, brush and grassland and several kipuka of mixed native species and older koa. The trail also offers opportunities to see several species of native birds.
Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. at the trail head approximately 22.4 miles from Hilo along Saddle Road. As parking is limited, hikers are asked to carpool if possible. Hikers also should wash clothes and boots before coming to help prevent the spread of rapid ohia death. Disinfectant will be available for boots before and after the hike.
The hike is of moderate difficulty at the approximately 5,800-foot elevation, going out and back along the same route. The length of the route will be geared to the participants’ desires for walking, photographing and bird-watching.
Bring water, a trail lunch, cameras and binoculars. Come prepared for sunshine or fog and rain. The walk is open to everyone, but limited to the first 30 participants.
Established in 1979, E Mau Na Ala Hele is a community-based nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and perpetuating the historic trails of Hawaii and the protection of historic and natural areas adjacent to the trails. Membership is open to all.
Interested Pu‘u O‘o Trail hikers can RSVP Barbara at 640-9270 or BASchaeferPhoto@gmail.com. For more information about E Mau Na Ala Hele, visit www.emaunaalahele.org.