Photo: Courtesy The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is an international organization, with an affiliate in Hawaii that strives to conserve everything from the land to the ocean. It has protected nearly 200,000 acres throughout the state. On Oahu, its Koolau Mountains Watershed Partnership gives refuge to 133 billion gallons of fresh water per year.
How to Help: Volunteering for the Nature Conservancy is often organized through its many partner organizations, including such activities as removing weeds from native forest or removing alien algae.
How to Give: The Nature Conservancy allows donations to area-specific affiliates around the world to further the cause in those individual areas. They also release a quarterly magazine to its members. Donate online: support.nature.org/Hawaii. 923 Nuuanu Ave., 537-4508. Visit nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/hawaii/ for more information.
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
The foundation protects both humpback whales and their habitat around the main Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii is one of the most important sanctuaries in the world for these endangered mammals. This private sector, non-profit organization operates a yearly program that allows volunteers to monitor whale numbers and behavioral patterns on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island.
How to Help: NMSF is currently looking for volunteers for the 2012 Sanctuary Ocean Count during the peak season for humpback whales in Hawaiian waters, which will be on the last Saturday of January, February and March.
How to Give: Money donated to the Kohola Campaign helps supplement the costs for education, rescue and research. NMSF Donations c/o HIHWNMS, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, # 301, Honolulu, HI 96825, 397-2651, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.