Ways to Get Involved
Due to sensitive wildlife, the nesting of endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, James Campbell NWR is mainly closed to the public. However, there are still ways to get involved!
Starting in October and running through February the refuge hosts free weekly bird tours on Saturday mornings for the public. If capacity allows, we are hoping to add a second weekly tour on Thursdays. Currently, volunteers from our ‘Friends of O‘ahu Refuges’ group, guide visitors through the refuge pointing out interesting and unique birds and wildlife, discussing refuge management techniques and current refuge happenings, and relaying land history. If you are interested in becoming a tour guide for our upcoming 2023/2024 bird tour season please reach out to the O‘ahu Friends group @Info@friendsofoahunwr.org
Because of limited staff capacity, volunteer opportunities at the refuge are minimal at this current time. However, we do offer occasional work days for groups such as school groups, clubs, etc. Please refer to the 'Volunteering' tab on this page for more information.
Volunteering
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Master new skills. Meet new friends. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the pleasure of generations to follow.
Due to limited staff capacity, volunteer opportunities on the refuge are sparse at this time. However, the Oʻahu Refuge Complex has a great need for volunteers and is looking to expand this program. Volunteer roles vary greatly from educational docents and tour guides, to invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species removal, nursey work, assistance on biological surveys, and much more. If you are interested in helping restore and preserve some of Oʻahu's last remaining natural wetlands please contact outreach@friendsofoahunwr.org for more information about volunteer opportunities.
Our Partners
The National Wildlife Refuge System is committed to building partnerships which encourage conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural resources.
In Hawaiʻi, community is a crucial aspect of life and of conservation. We at the ONWRC recognize and greatly appreciate the support we find in our community and partners.
Kupu Hawaiʻi is a locally based non-profit organization that aims "to empower youth to serve their communities through character building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage pono (integraty) with ke akua (god), self, and others." James Campbell NWR hosts Kupu members for year-long (11 month) service terms within the Conservation Leadership Development Program. Please refer to the Kupu website, https://www.kupuhawaii.org/conservation/, for more information and applications.
Education Programs
Outdoor classrooms offer an ideal setting for multidisciplinary educational programs. The Oʻahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex offers a variety of outdoor and conservation education opportunities, both directly through the refuge and our partners.
If you are a teacher or facilitator interested in setting up a field trip, service learning event, educational talk, etc., please reach out to outreach@friendsofoahunwr.org for more information.
The refuge provides a worksite and activities for the Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps hosted by Kupu Hawaiʻi. The HYCC program is aimed at educating Hawai‘i’s youth on the many conservation issues that threaten Hawai‘i’s unique environment. HYCC provides a healthy and hands-on educational experience for Hawai‘i’s youth in order to encourage the development of natural resource managers, cultural awareness, personal growth, teamwork, leadership, skills, and an environmental ethic that participants will carry with them throughout their lives.
In addition to the HYCC program, the Oʻahu refuges host a number of partner programs, including Papahana Kuaola and the Hawaiʻi Nature Center. To learn more about our partners and the education programs they offer, visit https://papahanakuaola.org/lelekamanu/lelekamanu-oahu/ and https://hawaiinaturecenter.org/.