The state is recruiting volunteers to help care for an Oahu forest that has been replanted with native Hawaiian plants. 

Aaron Lowe, a trails and access specialist for the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ forestry section, says the public’s help is needed in Makiki Valley between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Volunteers will water and fertilize native plants, move or install plant signs, clean up fallen leaves or branches, and weed around native plants. 

The Na Ala Hele trail access program will provide water, gloves, and tools. Volunteers should wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt and footwear with good traction. They should also come with insect repellant, a bag lunch and motivation.

The forest work site is in the Makiki Forest Restoration Area. To get to the work site, go up Makiki Street and take a left at the fork on to Makiki Heights Drive. Before the first hairpin turn, go straight into the Makiki Forest Recreation area. Volunteers should meet at 9 a.m. at the Makiki Forestry Baseyard just above the Hawai’i Nature Center building.