Botanist presenting seminar on ‘Life on Recent Lava Flows’ Saturday at Hawaii Volcanoes park

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Botanist Tim Tunison will lead a field seminar, “Life on Recent Lava Flows,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Botanist Tim Tunison will lead a field seminar, “Life on Recent Lava Flows,” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Participants will learn the characteristics of the small suite of plant and animal species found on recent lava flows; how succession on lava in Hawaii differs from that on rock surfaces; how rates of colonization differ on aa versus pahoehoe and from dry to wet areas; and why there are few alien, invasive plants on recent lava flows.

The day involves short walks on pahoehoe or deep cinder, totaling about one mile. Tuition includes a pictorial species identification handout and a CD “mini book” to take home.

The seminar is presented by the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute, part of the nonprofit Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The program cost is $50 for members; $65 for nonmembers. Students admission is half-price, with valid identification. Nonmembers are welcome to join for the discount.

To register, call 985-7373 or visit fhvnp.org.