Since 1957, volunteers from the Student Conservation Association (SCA), the nation's oldest and largest conservation service organization, have been joining the effort to preserve and manage our national parks and other public lands and resources. Each year, more than 3,000 high school students, college students and other adults volunteer their time and energy for four weeks to a year to protect our natural and cultural heritage throughout the U.S. In exchange, these individuals have their expenses paid and gain valuable hands-on experience while truly making a difference.

Annually, about 20 SCA volunteers serve in the state of Hawai'i, many in and around Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Their assignments include monitoring endangered species, maintaining backcountry trails and cabins, removing invasive nonnative plants and conducting educational programs for visitors and school groups.

For more information, contact the Student Conservation Association, Inc., P.O. Box 550, Charlestown, NH 03603; (603) 543-1700; or visit online at www.thesca.org.