Free talk to mark 35th year of volcanic activity

Wednesday will mark the 35th anniversary of Kilauea Volcano’s east rift zone eruption.

During its first three years, from 1983-85, high lava fountains erupted episodically from the Puu Oo vent. Since then, nearly continuous flows of lava have buried about 55 square miles of the volcano’s south flank and built seaside terraces.

At 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Carolyn Parcheta will describe the early history of the eruption and provide an in-depth look at activity during the past year, including the Kamokuna ocean entry and lava delta formation. Her free talk is part of the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park “After Dark in the Park” series.

The park is also looking for volunteers to help remove invasive, non-native plants that crowd out native species. Upcoming work days are Saturday and Jan. 13, 19 and 26, beginning at 8:45 a.m. at the Kilauea Visitor Center.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and to bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided.

Those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have written consent to participate.

For information on the Stewardship at the Summit program, visit 808ne.ws/summitcleanup.

A similar effort takes place every Thursday at Kipukapuaulu, west of Kilauea Military Camp. Volunteers meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking lot on Mauna Loa Road, off Highway 11, to remove invasive plants such as morning glory.

Workers are urged to bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water. Closed-toe shoes and old clothing are recommended.

Contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.

The National Park Service also recently announced that entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park on Maui will be free on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Day.