WHALE COUNT: The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary needs volunteers Saturday and March 25 to count whales over a four-hour period at 65 sites on three islands. To register, call (888) 55-WHALE, ext. 253, on the Big Island; (808) 246-2860 on Kaua'i; and 397-2654, ext. 253, on O'ahu.

NATIVE FOREST PLANTING: The Maui Dryland Forest Restoration Group is holding a planting trip to the Auwahi native forest enclosure Saturday; meet at 'Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Hiking boots required; bring rain gear, 2 liters of water, lunch, sunscreen, hat. Register by e-mailing auwahi@yahoo.com or call (808) 572-4471.

KIPAHULU OVERNIGHTER: Join the Friends of Haleakala for an overnight service trip March 11-12 in the Kipahulu District. Bring gloves, long pants and long-sleeved work shirt, water bottle, sun/rain protection, swim wear, bug repellent, food, flashlight and sleeping bag. For information/reservations, call (808) 248-7660.

ALA WAI CLEANUP: The Sierra Club will clear debris from the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor on March 18. Meet at 8 a.m. at the harbor master's office. Bring sturdy shoes, hat, thick rubber gloves, sunscreen, water. Call Sylvianne Yee at 373-3062 or Deborah Blair at 955-4168.

POUHALA MARSH: The Hawai'i Nature Center Pouhala Marsh cleanup and restoration project continues, with pickleweed removal 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Bring work gloves, water, hat, sunscreen, covered footwear, long pants. Contact Pauline Kawamata at 955-0100, ext. 18.

NATURE DOCENTS: Volunteer teaching docents are needed for the Hawai'i Nature Center's second-grade program. Time commitment is four hours in the morning twice a week from March to May. Call Pauline Kawamata at 955-0100, ext. 18.

KANAHA RESTORATION: Volunteers are needed daily for brush removal, rubbish pickup, planting and watering at Maui's Kanaha Beach Park. Contact Community Work Day at (808) 877-2524, cwdkhb@pixi .com, or www.hear.org/naturalareas /kanahabeach.

GREEN NOTES

WORM WORKSHOPS: Learn the basics of vermicomposting, and explore worm breeding, biology and ecology, at workshops at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Manoa Gardens Elderly Housing Community Center and 4 p.m. Sunday at St. Timothy's Church in 'Aiea; $30 fee includes free mini-bin, starter colony and manual. 382-0432 or waikikiworm@hawaii.rr.com.

BIG ISLE COMPOSTING: Learn how to make compost from green waste and kitchen scraps, 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Puna La'akea Community Center; $10 for adults, children free. To reserve a spot: www.PiperSelden.com or (808) 937-2233.

KONA MULCH GIVEAWAY: Free mulch is available at the Kealakehe/ Kona Transfer Station's green waste area, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily; bring your own pitchfork. Loading assistance is provided from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Send listings to: For the Environment, P.O. Box 156, Wailuku, HI 96793; cwilson@honoluluadver tiser.com; or fax (808) 242-1520.