If you appreciate the wonder of the Hawaiian Islands, you can participate in caring for both the land and the environment by volunteering at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG). One NTBG tour opened my eyes to a new understanding of the importance of plants to our world and an appreciation of island history. Take a tour of Allerton or McBryde Gardens on Kauai and look down on the beautiful little Lawa’i Valley. You might feel compelled as I did to become involved. My experiences as a volunteer and member have enriched my life beyond expectations. There are opportunities for many interests, skills, and available time, visitors to the islands included. Check out https://ntbg.org/support/volunteer/
As a visiting researcher I would like to confirm that NTBG is a great resource for botanical research. Rich plant collections (both living plants and herbarium specimens) are based on research expeditions to different islands of Pacific region and systematic inventory and documentation of endemic flora of Hawaiian Islands - so many species to study! Very good library, very professional and dedicated staff.
NTBG is not only a world class collection of tropical gardens, they also contribute significantly to botanical research, training, education, and conservation of some of the countries' most emperiled plant species. I participated in NTBG's garden internship program in 2015, and then was a Science and Conservation intern for 2016. The training and mentorship I received from NTBG's team of scientists and conservationists has inspired me to dedicate my career to studying and preserving Hawaii's unique flora. NTBG staff grow, study, store seeds of, preserve in herbarium specimens, outplant, restore, and publish articles and books on not only Hawaiian plants, but plants from throughout the south Pacific (and Florida!). They are also leaders in biocultural conservation, blending Hawaiian cultural traditions and values with modern ecological restoration techniques. NTBG has so much to offer, as a beautiful tourist destination, scientific research and training hub, and conservator of plants and culture.
The staff at NTBG, particularly Ms. Walsh and Mr. Wolkis, have been amazing community partners for our island's Science and Engineering Fair program. They have provided community mentorship for student projects along with industry specific judging at our school-level and regional fairs. Additionally, they have provided specialty awards honoring student achievement in ecology and botany. They have really helped move the needle in regards to student passion in our local ecology.
NTBG does cutting edge work in plant conservation and it also has a fantastic education and outreach program. I worked as a Horticulture intern in the fall of 2016 and as a Science and Conservation intern the summer of 2017. I had the incredible opportunity to work with NTBG scientists as they tagged and collected DNA samples from endemic hibiscus across the island to study how the genetic diversity of hibiscus is captured in the collections. I also helped run experiments and store seeds in the on-site seed lab, and worked inthe propagation nursery. NTBG provided me, and many students and young professionals like me, the inspiration, experience, and mentorship needed to kickstart a career in conservation. It is thanks to those at NTBG that I am currently in graduate school, studying environmental science.
The Gardens were such a delightful, relaxing way to spend an afternoon! The trip to McBryde was informative, and the garden itself was so tranquil. We did the self-guided tour, and it was nice to move around at our own pace. Though it was a warm, humid day, there were plenty of trails covered in shade. Highly recommend!
I have taken the sunset dinner tour to Allerton Gardens several times when I had visitors and we all loved it. The beauty of the estate, fascinating history of Robert Allerton, and knowledge of the guides was outstanding. We learned a lot and had a memorable dinner with indescribable sunset views over Lawai Kai, in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. I am looking forward to doing volunteer work in Mc Bryde Garden which is also highly recommended with numerous themed gardens and signage that makes this self-guided tour very educational.