The annual Hawai’i Conservation Conference is always a dynamic time.

It’s when a diverse group of scientists, policymakers, conservation practitioners, educators, students and community members from Hawaii and the Pacific converge to talk about conservation. It’s a time to connect, share and inspire, all with the common goal of caring for our natural resources.

The 22nd annual Hawai’i Conservation Conference, Navigating Change in the Pacific Islands, takes place Tuesday through Thursday at the Hawai’i Convention Center.

The three-day event, spearheaded by the Hawai’i Conservation Alliance, features more than 80 hours of symposiums, panels, forums, training and workshops. The opening keynote speaker Tuesday morning is Jane Lubchenco, a renowned marine ecologist and former administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When there’s no conference, there is still a way to connect with the conservation community via the Internet and mobile devices.

In April the alliance launched conservationconnections.org, an online community of people and organizations interested in preserving, protecting and restoring the ocean, land and cultural resources of Hawaii. Participants include 80 organizations and nonprofit groups that are actively working in conservation here.

If you’re interested in getting involved, the website allows you to see the range of opportunities across the islands — from restoring Heeia Stream in Windward Oahu (the third Saturday of every month) to becoming a weed warrior at Haleakala National Park as part of efforts to restore native habitat.

Conservation Connections is designed to be a one-stop shop for anyone looking for opportunities to volunteer, intern or conduct research for or donate to a diverse range of nonprofits doing great work stewarding land, ocean and cultural sites, according to alliance Executive Director Lihla Noori.

"There’s no better time than now for this Web resource," she said. "Many people are aware of the need to protect and preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty and resources, and they want to invest time, money and talent. However, they often don’t know where the places are located, let alone have information abut these areas and how they can help. Conservation connections.org will help bridge that gap."

It’s also a way to learn about smaller groups, like Hookuaaina, the nonprofit arm of Kapalai Farms in Maunawili that offers hands-on opportunities at an organic kalo farm.

The website is searchable by categories such as mauka, makai and maoli (cultural). Visitors can browse by activity, whether it’s nature walks, eco-tours, education and outreach, or debris and invasive species removal. Links take you to the organization’s website and allow you to "like" them on Facebook.

You don’t need to register to browse the website. But if you do, you can RSVP for volunteer opportunities and follow organizations that interest you. All you need to provide is your name, an email and password.

So meet people face to face at the conservation conference, and continue to connect online for the rest of the year.

Visit www.hawaiiconservation.org/conference to register and view a full schedule. Same-day registration is allowed.

Nina Wu writes about environmental issues. Reach her at nwu@staradvertiser.com and follow her on Twitter @ecotraveler.