Why Do We Clean our Hiking Boots?
Posted on June 10, 2011 at 12:30 PM
We do it to leave all hitchhiking seeds behind! Introducing a new weed into the restoration site could compromise the years of work it’s taken to produce such an amazing comeback of the native vegetation. It is crucial that everything taken into Auwahi’s fenced exclosure contributes to this unique forest's regeneration.
We need your kokua in protecting this special place. That’s why we require all volunteers and staff to thoroughly clean their gear, backpacks and boots.
Ke 'olu'olu (please) take the following steps to support our efforts to bring back the native Hawaiian dryland forest of Auwahi:
Step 1: Take off your boots. Loosen the ties and use a bristle brush to clean the upper portion of the boot, including the tongue and behind the laces.
Step 2: To dislodge loose dirt and seeds, hit each boot on a hard surface such as the road or cement several times.
Step 3: Turn the boots over and use the brush to scrub along the edge of the sole and on the sole itself. Be sure to scrub between the ridges where dirt and seeds can lodge.
Step 4: Repeat step 2.
Hint: The next time you visit Auwahi or any other native habitat, take these precautions before you come. Contribute to native species protection by preventing further spread of invasive species.
Mahalo no ka mālama 'ana i nā waokele maoli o Maui!
Thank you for caring for the native forests of Maui!
