The Auwahi Forest Restoration Project is enlisting a limited number of volunteers to help in planting native Olopua tree seedlings to help to restore a native forest. Courtesy photo

The Auwahi Forest Restoration Project is seeking volunteers to help in the planting of native olopua seedlings to help to restore a native forest.

Volunteers are asked to gather at Ulupalakua Ranch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 22. There are a limited number of volunteer slots because of the small staff and limited four wheel-drive vehicles.

Olopua, known also as Nesters sandwicensis, were once common, but are now restricted probably to several thousand wild trees scattered across the archipelago, according to the Auwahi project.

The planting, especially if accompanied by some in coming months, has the potential to help course correct the trajectory of olopua so that future generations might be able to experience the way olopua trees have a certain presence about them from the sound their leaves make in the wind.

Those interested in volunteering are asked to send an email to volunteer@auwahiforest.org. More information is available at auwahi.org.