The Hawaii Tourism Authority has awarded a $25,000 grant to the Volcano Art Center through its Natural Resources Program.

The grant allows VAC to continue its "Volcano Native Rainforest Preservation & Education" project from through March 2010.

VAC was one of 25 community-based projects throughout the state selected to receive HTA natural resource program funding in 2009.

The grant provides funding to manage, enhance, and protect Hawaii's natural environment and areas that are frequented by visitors.

"This $25,000 grant will help support our highly successful forest stewardship programs, which include workshops, work days, nature walks, and an annual fair," stated VAC education coordinator Julie Mitchell.

"All activities are held at our 7.4-acre Niaulani Campus, and are designed to encourage sustainable tourism for visitors and land stewardship by residents."

Environmental education workshops are offered at least once a month on a variety of topics. These educational offerings allow visitors and residents to increase their understanding of the fragile and unique ecology of the Volcano region.

Educational subsidies are available for financially needy students.

Volunteer "Forest Work Days" are led from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the third Sunday of each month. These days are an opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to connect with nature and with each other while assisting in a variety of needed tasks, plus learn about the rich mixture of flora and fauna at the Niaulani site.

Volunteers can enjoy the open air while volunteering to help preserve the beauty and diversity of a 4-acre old-growth rainforest.

The free, one-hour "Niaulani Nature Walk" is held every Monday (including holidays), starting at 9:30 a.m., along an easy 1/7-mile loop trail. The forest walk introduces individuals, families, and groups to the native plants and birds of Volcano. Guides focus not only on the biological, ecological, and geological features of the area, but also on the cultural usages of flora and fauna by native Hawaiians.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 12, VAC hosts its second annual "Forest Education Fair." This one-day open house helps educate the public about Volcano area forests and Hawaiian cultural connections.

The fair includes a variety of activities, starting with the "Niaulani Nature Walk" given every hour on the hour. Educational displays feature information about rare and endangered flora as well as about invasive plant and animal species. Hands-on demonstrations show the connection between the forest, Hawaiian arts and crafts, and traditional and contemporary usages of Hawaii's plants. Exact offerings to be announced at a later date.

VAC's Niaulani Campus in located in Volcano Village at the corner of Kalanikoa and Old Volcano Roads. 967-8222 or www.volcanoartcenter.org.