All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

SPECIAL

SAVING KIMO CONTEST, for keiki, grades K-5, submit a color drawing; grades 6-8, a color photograph or an essay; high school, two-minute video; enter by Sept. 30; info@diamondbakery.com.

COMING UP

DISCOVER RECYCLING FAIR, fourth annual fair sponsored by the city Department of Environmental Services, with more than 30 exhibitors of recycled products, services and programs, fundraising opportunities, entertainment, educational opportunities — even a Trash2Fashion Show; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 25-26, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 27; Blaisdell Center arena; free; 768-3200.

MAKIKI FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT: the O'ahu Na Ala Hele Trails and Access program and Hawai'i Nature Center need volunteers to weed, pick up branches, plant, water and fertilize native plants as part of Makiki WAI (Watershed Awareness Initiative) forest restoration project. Bring long pants, long-sleeved shirt, shoes or boots, gloves, insect repellent, water and lunch; families welcome; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 27; meet at Makiki forestry baseyard, above new Hawai'i Nature Center (from Makiki Street, take a left onto Makiki Heights Drive; the area entrance is before first hairpin turn); 973-9782.

"MARINE PROTECTED SPECIES OF HAWAI'I," presented by University of Hawai'i, Sea Grant Hanauma Bay Education Program, celebrating the 2008 International Year of the Reef, with experts discussing protected species and ongoing conservation efforts (also keiki crafts activities); 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve theater; 397-5840.

FRIENDS OF HALEAKALA: Hike-in service-learning trip to perform light park maintenance and/or invasive species removal, with park rangers on hand to teach geology, biology and Hawaiian history of the park; Sept. 27-29, from summit visitor center to Halemau'u Trail exit; registration, www.fhnp.org; information, 808-248-7660 or 808-876-1673; first-time crater hikers welcome.

BE A GREENIE

WAIMEA VALLEY GREETER: Volunteers needed one day a week for 2 1/2 hours; 638-7733.

WEED AND POT CLUB: Maui Nui Botanical Garden's Weed & Pot Club meets 8:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, 150 Kanaloa Ave., Kahului, to perform beautification and maintenance work; tools, gloves and drinking water provided; wear shoes; 808-249-2798.

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.

Niaulani nature walk, guided tour through an old-growth forest; 9:30 a.m. Mondays; from Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village, Big Island; donations accepted; 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Niaulani Forest WorkDay: Volunteer to preserve the beauty and diversity of the rainforest; 9 a.m.-noon, third Sunday of each month; Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village, Big Island; free; 808-967-8222.

TUESDAYS AT KANAHA, weekly beach cleanup and plant maintenance, coordinated by Community Pride at Kanaha Beach Park, Maui, 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays, at the park; Valerie Vines Magee, 264-1454.

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 before the event.