Charity granted $175,000 for management of Trail Protectors

In a significant move to promote conservation and invest in the future, the Guardians of the Trails program at the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (FHVNP) has received a combined grant of $175,000. This grant, a testament to the program's impact and potential, has been supported by the National Park Foundation and a generous donor, Helen Wright, who contributed $150,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Now in its sixth year, the Guardians of the Trails program is making strides in breaking down barriers to park employment. Elizabeth Fien, CEO for FHVNP, highlighted that this grant is not just about conservation, but also about investing in youth and their potential.

The program is designed for young people who may not otherwise consider a career in conservation. For a 50-week duration, a crew of six people, aged 18 to 30 or veterans up to age 35, will be hired. Participants will be immersed in a variety of tasks, including native forest rehabilitation, removing invasive species, collecting seeds of rare plants, performing trail brushing and maintenance, assisting with visitor services, and data collection.

The Guardians of the Trails program offers a transformative opportunity to local young adults. It empowers participants to become conservation leaders in their community. Beyond practical skills and experience, the program provides career mentorship, offering a direct pathway to employment for young people in the national park sector.

If you're inspired by this initiative and wish to contribute, donations for the Guardians of the Trails program can be made directly online at the organization's website: www.fhvnp.org.

As we look to the future, the Guardians of the Trails program continues to be a beacon of hope, not just for conservation, but for the young people it empowers to become the next generation of leaders in this vital field.