Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park received a $150,000 grant from the National Park Foundation and $25,000 from donor, Mrs. Helen Wright, in support of the Guardians of the Trails program.

Now in its sixth year, the Guardians of the Trails provides paid, hands-on experience and career mentorship to young people in the community who may not otherwise consider a career in conservation.

During the program, which runs for 50 weeks, six young people will work full-time throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on projects including rehabilitation, removing invasive species, collecting seeds of rare plants, performing trail brushing and maintenance, and assisting with visitor services and data collection.

For more information visit www.fhvnp.org

Photo credit: Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park