Events leading to Hawaii Nei planned

Events leading to Hawaii Nei planned

Events leading to Hawaii Nei planned

The following events are fundraisers for “Hawaii Nei 2012,” a juried art exhibition celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawaii Island, slated Nov. 2 to 29 at the Wailoa Arts and Cultural Center in Hilo. Each event costs $10, which directly benefits the art contest.

c A tour of the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center is planned from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Participants will have an opportunity to view the alala and other endangered forest birds at the center. Bring a sketchbook or camera. To register, contact Mililani Browning at mililani.browing@gmail.com or 933-3171.

c Another opportunity to tour the conservation center is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29. In addition to the tour, participants will plant native trees. Contact Browning to register.

c A seed collecting and palila viewing event is planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 8 beginning at Mauna Kea State Park. Participants will collect aweoweo seeds, then work their way along Saddle Road. The group will then look for the critically endangered palila. Bring binoculars, camera and art media; time will be set aside for art inspiration and creation while in this special Hawaiian forest. Send reservations with name, phone and email address to puumali.kaohe@gmail.com.