All events are free unless otherwise indicated.

SPECIAL

SAVING KIMO CONTEST, for keiki: grades K-5, 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

"HOW LOCAL RAIN EVENTS AFFECT GREENHOUSE GAS IN THE ATMOSPHERE," speech by Eric Heinen DeCarlo, University of Hawai'i-Manoa, Department of Oceanography, professor; one of a series of Year of the Coral Reef events, sponsored by the university and Outrigger on the Beach hotel; 6 p.m. Sept. 10, Outrigger Waikiki, Kalakaua Room; free; open to the public; information: Marcie Grabowski, 956-6556 or mworkman@hawaii.edu.

POUHALA MARSH RESTORATION, project by the Hawai'i Nature Center to remove invasive species and create habitat areas for endangered Hawaiian stilts, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 13 at the center; bring work gloves and drinking water, and wear a hat, sunscreen and covered-toe shoes; expect to get dirty and muddy; contact Pauline Kawamata at volunteer@hawaiinaturecenter.org or 955-0100, ext.18.

KALIHI STREAM CLEANUP, monthly restoration in and around Kalihi Stream, sponsored by KAUPA (Kalihi Ahupua'a Ulu Pono Ahahui); 8:30-11 a.m. Sept. 13, behind Kalihi Waena Elementary School, 1240 Gulick Ave.; information: 853-2218 or KAUPA@googlegroups.com.

HALEAKALA NATIVE FOREST PLANTING, organized by The Maui Dryland Forest Restoration Group; Sept. 13; hiking boots required; bring rain gear, 2 liters of water, lunch, sunscreen, hat; details/exact location, call 808-573-8989; registration: auwahi@yahoo.com; information, www.lhwrp.org.

WHO'S KEEPING HAWAI'I GREEN, an evening affair to celebrate those who are working to preserve Hawai'i's environment; 5:30-9 p.m. Sept. 18; Moanalua Gardens; $200; reservations: 386-2352.

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. 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; meet at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village; donations accepted; 808-967-8222, www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Niaulani Forest Work Day: volunteer to preserve the beauty and diversity of the rain forest; 9 a.m.-noon, third Sunday of each month; Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus, Volcano Village; free; 808-967-8222.

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.