Classroom Presentations and Field Trips

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Classroom Presentations and Field Trips

Our outreach staff can help your group learn about natural resources in Hawaiʻi. Use the tabs below to fill out our request forms for presentations or field trips, or contact our staff directly. When you request a presentation or field trip, we will add you to our contact list for our Educator Bulletin, an occasional newsletter announcing new opportunities. You can unsubscribe at any time.

| Request a Presentation| Request a Field Trip| Outreach Staff Contact Information

"*" indicates required fields

Select your island*

Your Email*

Your Name*

First Last

Your school or organization*

Provide possible dates and times for the presentation

Please note that we book out roughly one month in advance. Please provide a date range at least a month from the date you are submitting this form.

Provide possible dates and times for the presentation

All presentations should take place on weekdays—Tuesday through Friday—between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Please provide several available dates that work for you. **Note that we book out roughly at least one month in advance. Please provide dates at least a month from the date you are submitting this form.

How many are in your group?*

Your group's primary age or grade*

What topics would you like covered? (select all that apply)

Hawaiʻi's native wildlife

Hawaiʻi's native plants

Forests and watersheds

Invasive species in Hawaiʻi

Wildfire risk & response

Conservation careers & what we do at Forestry & Wildlife

Urban and Community Forests

Other (provide details in the "Special requests" field below)

Which presentation are you requesting?

All presentations are approximately 30 minutes. Before scheduling your presentation, please make sure you have access to AV equipment, such as a projector, TV, smartboard, or AppleTV. We will bring a laptop that can connect by airplay, bluetooth, USB-C, or HDMI. If you do not have these tools available, please let us know in advance so we can assist with alternative arrangements.

Meet Hawaiʻi’s Native Wildlife: Manu (Birds). Discover what makes Native Hawaiian manu unique in this engaging classroom presentation. Learn about their special adaptations, diverse habitats—from forests to seashore—and their vital roles in Hawaiian culture and ecosystems. This presentation also highlights endangered species conservation efforts with Division of Forestry & Wildlife and their affiliated partners.

Meet Hawaiʻi’s Native Wildlife: Iwi kuamoʻo ʻole (Invertebrates). Find out who these unique creatures are, from iconic kāhuli land snails to pulelehua butterflies and where they live in Hawaiʻi's diverse habitats. More importantly, we'll explore their role in island ecosystems, from pollination and decomposition to serving as food sources. This presentation will also highlight endangered species conservation with the Division of Forestry & Wildlife’s Hawaiʻi Invertebrate Program and Snail Extinction Prevention Program.

Island Treasures: Discovering Hawaiʻi’s Native Plants. Did you know that Hawaiʻi is home to some of the most unique plants on Earth? Discover how Native Hawaiian plants help make Hawaiʻi a truly special place. This presentation highlights how these plants arrived in Hawaiʻi, why they’re important to our island ecosystems, and how to spot some of the most famous native species—like the koa tree, ʻōhiʻa lehua, and wiliwili. You’ll also learn about the programs at Division of Forestry & Wildlife and their partners who work to bring back rare and endangered plants from the brink of extinction.

From Forests to Faucet: How Native Forests Supply Our Islands’ Water. Wai or fresh water is our most important natural resource. Learn how Hawaiʻi’s native forests are uniquely adapted to capture, store, and filter fresh water, making them critical for our islands’ water security. This presentation highlights Oʻahu forest reserves and the conservation work of Division of Forestry & Wildlife in our native forests.

Nature's Sponges: The Importance of Wetlands. Learn how Hawaiʻi’s wetlands—from mountain bogs to coastal marshes—help in slowing stormwater, filtering pollutants, and protecting communities, while providing distinct habitats for native birds and aquatic wildlife that differ markedly from surrounding forest ecosystems. This presentation highlights the conservation work of the Division of Forestry & Wildlife in natural area reserves and wildlife sanctuaries here on Oʻahu.

Who’s Causing Trouble?: Challenges with Hawai‘i’s Invasive Species. What happens when new plants or animals arrive in Hawai‘i and start causing trouble? In this presentation, students will learn what invasive species are, how they harm our islands, and what we can do to help protect Hawai‘i’s unique plants and animals. Through stories about the work of Division of Forestry & Wildlife, learn why invasive species are the biggest threat to our island home and how everyone can help Hawai‘i’s environment.

Wildfire Ready Hawaiʻi: Protecting our ʻāina, homes and community. Wildfires are an increasing threat across Hawaiʻi, impacting everything from our homes and families to native forests and water resources. This presentation explores why wildfires are becoming more frequent in the islands, what conditions contribute to their spread, and—most importantly—how you can take steps to safeguard your home and community.

E Mālama Kākou i ka ʻĀina: Exploring Career Opportunities with Hawaiʻi’s Division of Forestry & Wildlife. Did you know you could turn your love for the islands into a real career? Conservation careers are thriving right here in Hawaiʻi, offering ways to protect our land, forests, and wildlife. Learn about the dynamic work of programs within the Division of Forestry & Wildlife and the people working to safeguard Hawaiʻi’s unique native flora and fauna. Whether students are interested in science, culture, or hands-on work, there are opportunities to volunteer and internships for those wanting to get into Hawaiʻi conservation to care for the islands we call home.

Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Community forests are the trees of the wao kanaka, where we live, learn and play. If you want to learn about community forests, neighborhood trees, or shade trees in schools, staff from our Kaulunani program can come present to you your class.

Which presentation are you requesting?

Before scheduling your presentation, please make sure you have access to AV equipment, such as a projector, TV, smartboard, or AppleTV. We will bring a laptop that can connect by airplay, bluetooth, USB-C, or HDMI. If you do not have these tools available, please let us know in advance so we can assist with alternative arrangements.

Hilo Arboretum Plant Walk. Up to 2 hours, explore the history of the Hilo Arboretum and its collection of trees. Learn some plant families and do a leaf rubbing!

Community and Classroom ʻIo Presentations. 45 minutes to 90 minutes, Learn about He ʻIo Au (a community science project) and the data you can submit to support our native hawk. Try out a binoculars tutorial or listen to a creative story about Ikaika ʻIo and his forest friends. Maybe, play a round of ʻIo Eats!

Community and Classroom Forest Bird Presentations. 1 hour, Learn the names, behaviors, and status of Hawaiʻi Island forest birds. Play the pollinators matching game and listen to bird songs!

Community and Classroom Native Plant Workshops. 45 minutes to 90 minutes, Learn about invasive species, weedy plants, and native plants. Then, learn why you might like to plant native at home. Complete a hands-on activity to get your native garden started. * Scheduling in cooperation with Plant Pono (BIISC) whenever possible.

Special requests

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The form below is designed for educators and student groups to request field experiences. Adults who are interested in volunteering and are not affiliated with an education group should instead check our Events Calendar or visit iVolunteer to find volunteer opportunities.

"*" indicates required fields

Your Island*

What type of experience are you looking for?*

Teacher training experience: Organize an experience for you and your coworkers to prepare you to teach about the environment.

An educational field trip: A site visit or guided hike for a group of students

A service learning experience: A site visit for a group of students that includes weeding, planting, or other activities

Your name*

Your school or group name*

Your Email*

Contact phone number:

Total number of people attending

Please enter the ages of any minors. Please note that all minors must be supervised by you or someone from your organization at all times. Please have at least a 1:10 adult to minor ratio.

Select your desired field experience

View this Oʻahu Site Visit Flyer for more information about the options below. Please select all that apply.

Kawainui - Kahanaiki: In the moku of Koʻolaupoko and the ahupuaʻa of Kailua, possible activities at this site include weeding a trail, clearing grass, or a hike to Pōhaku o Hauwahine. Can include gathering seeds, planting native plants, or talking about native and invasive plants. Cultural connections include Hauwhine (a famous moʻo), Kawainui (Hawaiʻi's largest wetland), Kamehameha, and lepo ʻai ʻia

Pouhala Marsh: In the moku of ʻEwa and the ahupuaʻa of Honouliuli, possible activities at this site include removing pickleweed, picking up rubbish, birdwatching, or stream restoration. Can include gathering seeds, planting native plants, or talking about native and invasive plants. Cultural connections include Honouliuli history and Puʻuloa (Pearl Harbor)

Kamananui Valley: Located in the moku of Kona and the ahupaʻa of Moanalua, possible activities at this site include weeding outplanted areas, creating signage, or a hike to Pōhakukaluahine. With enough time, we could also do crafts including weaving or making cordage. Cultural connections include moʻolelo about the valley and Kamehameha.

Waiʻanae Kai Greenbreak: Located in the moku of Waiʻanae and the ahupaʻa of Waiʻanae, possible activities at this site include weeding around natives, picking up rubbish, or hand-sawing koa haole. With enough time, we could also do crafts including weaving or making cordage. Cultural connections include moʻolelo about the area and a heiau/spring..

Hauʻula Loop Trail Located in the moku of Koʻolauloa and the ahupaʻa of Hauʻula, possible activities at this site include clearing the trail, hiking the loop, or hiking a portion of the loop. With enough time, we could also do crafts including weaving or making cordage. Cultural connections include moʻolelo about the area and seeing the heiau restoration.

Honouliuli: We have a couple of great partner sites in the area that we could visit. Possible activities include weeding, hiking, and sharing moʻolelo about the ʻEwa area.

Makiki Baseyard: Depending on group size and staff availability, we may be able to do a tour, work in the nursery, do a wildfire relay, or hike/do service in the surrounding area.

Nā Ala Hele & State Park Trails: We might be able to work with other divisions to pick a trail that meets your learning goals and timing/location needs. Some may be appropriate for young children depending on trail conditions (will be checked ahead of time). For very popular areas like Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), contact State Parks directly.

Coqui Frog work in Waimanalo: During the day, those 8 and above are welcome to help clear fallen branches and vegetation. At night, those 6 and above are welcome to help catch frogs. For night captures, each minor (under 16) needs to be accompanied by an adult.

Other: describe below

Other desired field option

Select your desired field experience

Hilo Arboretum Plant Walk Up to 2 hours, explore the history of the Hilo Arboretum and its collection of trees. Learn some plant families and do a leaf rubbing!

Other

Desired field trip location

You can let us know a general area you want to go (e.g., anywhere in central Maui) or a specific place that we manage (e.g., Keahua Arboretum on Kauaʻi). Final service location will depend on staff and project availability.

Provide your desired trip date or a range of available dates.

Please give as many options as possible as dates can fill up quickly. If looking at multiple experiences, please include general times of year (i.e. specific months, once a quarter, etc)

Preferred start time of service trip:

Hours

Minutes

AM/PM

Preferred end time of service trip:

Hours

Minutes

AM/PM

Is your group commuting by bus or caravan (a group of cars)?

Bus

Caravan

If by caravan, how many vehicles will your group drive?

Some locations may have limited parking or require 4-WD vehicles. Discuss this with the staff member who helps you set up your field trip.

Consent regarding requirement for waivers*

I understand that, for both field trips and service learning trips, participants must complete the DLNR "Agreement for Individual Voluntary Service for Conservation Projects" (even if my group is planning a field trip without a specific service activity). Participants are also encouraged to complete Media Release Waivers prior to the trip (you may end up in photos that we use for outreach). These forms are available at: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/volunteer/forms/

Yes, I understand

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Please be aware that the type of field trip or service project is dependent on project needs at each site. Work may include using tools for plant removal, herbicide applicators and sprayers, or other methods. Terrain may be uneven or muddy. Weather may be humid, hot, or rainy. Trips may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Some sites may not have running water or restroom facilities, and may be remote with little to no cellular service. Any concerns should be discussed with the Forestry & Wildlife staff member assisting you during planning for your trip.

Statewide Admin Office: Josh Atwood, [email protected]

Kaua‘i: Our Kauaʻi outreach position is currently vacant.

Oʻahu: Pua Heimuli, [email protected] and Winona Farias, [email protected]

Maui Nui: Jeff Bagshaw, [email protected]

Hawaiʻi Island: Andrea Buskirk, [email protected]

We also have outreach staff who are specific to some of our programs:

Contact our Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry staff for outreach regarding community forests or shade trees on school campuses
Our partnership projects with University of Hawaiʻi often have specialized outreach staff, including the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project, Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project, Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, Invasive Species Committees, and Watershed Partnerships.

Division of Forestry and Wildlife

Classroom Presentations and Field Trips

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