All events free unless otherwise indicated.

SPECIAL

TRAIL GRANT PROGRAM, the American Hiking Society is offering grants up to $5,000 to help maintain hiking trails through its 2009 National Trails Fund; apply by Aug. 15. www.AmericanHiking.org.

HAWAI'I OCEAN GUARDIAN KID'S CLUB AND CONTEST, part of the 2008 International Year of the Reef; contest open to students in grades K-8; enter by Aug. 29. www.sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education.

COMING UP

ECO-ROUNDTABLE MAYORAL AND COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM, a meet-and-greet with candidates 5:30-6 p.m. Aug. 5, followed by Q-and-A forum; Convention Hall, Lihu'e; free. 808-828-0685, e-mail andrea@malamakauai.org.

INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL, O'ahu Invasive Species Committee will hike Judd Trail to remove the invasive chandelier tree (Medinilla magnifica), an evergreen shrub. Intermediate hike; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 9. Bring lunch and water, and wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes. Register by Aug. 7 to Julia Parish at oisc@hawaii.edu or 286-4616. Participants must sign a waiver.

KALIHI STREAM CLEANUP, with Kalihi Ahupua'a Ulu Pono Ahahui; 8:30-11 a.m. Aug. 9, behind Kalihi Waena Elementary, 1240 Gulick Ave. 853-2218 or KAUPA@googlegroups.com.

ULUPO HEIAU SERVICE PROJECT IN KAILUA, weeding in the lo'i kalo, raking leaves, cutting and moving hau, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 9. Bring gloves, water and snacks. Kaimi Scudder, 593-0112; or Malia Bird Helela, hemanumalia@hotmail.com.

GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK, fundraiser for local nonprofit Kanu Hawai'i, organized by Tanna and Bryson Dang, owners of The Wedding Cafe, with pupu, auctions, fashion show; 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12; Waterfront at Aloha Tower; $25 tickets ($30 at the door) available at The Wedding Cafe; 988-1005 (Manoa Marketplace) and 591-1005 (Ward Warehouse).

BE A GREENIE

WAIMEA VALLEY GREETER; volunteers needed one day a week for 2 1/2 hours. Kelly Perry at 638-7766, ext. 203.

WEED & POT CLUB; Maui Nui Botanical Garden's Weed & Pot Club meets 8:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at 150 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului to perform beautification and maintenance work; tools, gloves and drinking water provided; wear shoes. 249-2798.

NATIONAL GARDEN HELP; protect rare plants and ecosystems by volunteering at National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kaua'i; help needed in administration, conservation, education, development, and more. 808-332-7324, ext. 228, or volunteer@ntbg.org.

Send announcements, with contact name and phone number, to: For the Environment, Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com, with "For the Environment" in the subject line. Deadline is 10 days in advance of the event.