SPECIAL

TOM OCASEK, vice president of Polar Bear International, will speak about the impact of global warming on the polar bear and other species at the luncheon meeting of the Exchange Club of Downtown Honolulu; 12 p.m. Dec. 17, Oahu Country Club.; guests invited; $20; Ed Kemper, 524-0330, ext. 2.

"ALOHA 'ÄINA EARTH DAY," one of a continuing series of recycling community cleanup collections of recyclable waste, including athletic shoes, tires, cooking oil, green waste, batteries, plastic, telephone books and magazines (no paint, hazardous fluids, microwave ovens, TVs or gas tanks); 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 19, Washington Middle School; information/for curbside pickup or unwanted-car towing, Rene Mansho, 306-1876.

NATIVE REFORESTATION EFFORT, collaborative project by plant nursery Hui Ku Maoli Ola and Papahana Kuaola, its nonprofit educational arm, with Central Pacific Bank, promising the planting of one native Hawaiian tree for every CPB account switched from paper to online before Jan. 31, with the double-fold purpose of reducing paper use and helping reforest Island land; information, 235-6165,

HAWAIIAN ISLAND HUMPBACK WHALE National Marine Sanctuary, Advisory Council, seeks applicants for primary and alternate seats — including the newly created youth/student seat (ages 14-17) — to advise on issues including ocean acidification, protection of cultural and biological significant areas, marine animal rescue and vessel-whale collisions; application deadline Jan. 31; information, 397-2651, www.hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

"PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU (Big Island)," guided, moderately difficult, 2 1/2-mile hike through the Kahuku area of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, focusing on its land and "human" history; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 10, from park's Kahuku gate (mauka of Highway 11, near 70-mile Ka'u marker); no reservations needed; information, 808-985-6011.

BE A GREENIE

FREE GARDEN MULCH, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, Hälawa Xeriscape Garden, 99-1269 Iwaena St., self-service; www.boardofwatersupply.com, 748-5041.

HONEYBEE VARROA PROJECT, an islandwide study by the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources of viruses in wild honeybee colonies (affecting local bees and crops), asks anyone seeing a wild honeybee colony on O'ahu to call 956-2445; for information, see www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/HoneyBeeVarroa.

"FRESH DAYS," sponsored by Kaiser Permanente; shop for affordable, fresh, locally grown produce, get information on shopping and eating healthier and try food samples; information, 432-2270:

• Honolulu Clinic, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays, main entrance and lobby area.

• Moanalua Medical Center, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, main entrance.

• Waipi'o Clinic, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, front entrance and main lobby.

• Mäpunapuna Clinic, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, lobby area.

SIERRA CLUB is looking for hike/outing leaders (information, Stan Oka, 429-9814, or Deborah Blair, 955-4168), and for people to sign up as new Facebook friends; information, 538-6616.

KAUA'I GARDEN HELP, volunteers needed to protect rare plants and ecosystems at National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kaua'i; help needed in administration, conservation, education, development, etc.; 808-332-7324, ext. 228, or volunteer@ntbg.org.

MAKIKI FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT, the O'ahu Nä Ala Hele Trails and Access program needs volunteers to weed, pick up branches, plant, water and fertilize native plants as part of the Makiki 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., selected Saturdays monthly; meet at Makiki forestry base yard 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.

Niaulani Forest WorkDay, volunteers needed to preserve the rainforest; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. third Sunday of each month, Volcano Art Center, Niaulani campus, Volcano Village, Big Island; 808-967-8222.

TUESDAYS AT KANAHÄ, weekly beach cleanup and plant maintenance, coordinated by Community Pride at Kanahä Beach Park, Maui; 8-10 a.m. Tuesdays, at the park; Valerie Vines Magee, 808-264-1454.

CHUN'S REEF BEACH/COAST CLEANUP, by Adopt-a-Beach Hawaii and Save the Sea Turtles International; 12 p.m. last Saturday monthly, from 61-529 Kamehameha Highway, Hale 'iwa; trash bag, gloves and purified water provided; bring hat, sunscreen and beach shoes; 637-2211.

WAIMEA VALLEY offers daily guided activities, including wildlife walks, history walks, native plant walks; fees; information, www.waimeavalley.net, 638-7766.

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