Jomar Montero never experienced an organized nature walk before — but now that he's done one, he can't wait to get back outdoors for another crack at it.

Montero, a 34-year-old massage therapist from Kaimuki, had gone hiking before, but had never done something quite like The Nature Conservancy's escorted nature walks through the Ho-nouliuli Preserve in the Wai'anae range.

"The exercise, being outside, having the guides explain plants' native uses," are the reasons Montero ticked off after he enjoyed a walk on the 3-mile Kalua'a Loop trail on Jan. 22. "I did this because we had a guide. I'd probably do it again."

The conservancy offers nature walks twice a month, offering an opportunity to see native plant life and animals in their natural environment, and a chance to get in some exercise.

The seven other guests on the walk that day were a mix of local residents, tourists, and off-duty military personnel. All had one thing in common: a love of the outdoors.