Protect Hawaii's Last Lowland Native Rainforest

Aside from our weekly crew efforts in Keau'ohana, the New Year started off with a number of special events! In January a hardy group of student volunteers from Taylor University, Indianna! came to study ecosystem-to-organism level biology and ecology, wrapped in themes of Native Hawaiian culture and conservation ideals. One of their goals for this class trip was to instill in the students the importance of actually getting their hands dirty in the practice of stewardship. In addition to touring native ecosystems around the Big Island, they included a volunteer restoration experience in Keau’ohana, and it was truly a pleasure to work with such spirited youth.

In February, we hosted a University of Hawai’i at Hilo vegetation Class of 20 students with Dr. Jonathan Price. It was encouraging to hear many of the students well versed in Hawaiian Protocol as we chanted “E Ho Mai”!  Together we discussed HER restoration project in light of the management challenges involved with confronting invasive plants, rapid ‘ohi’a death, and other threats.Other class objectives included learning the primary species and basic ecological characteristics of Lowland Wet Forest followed by an exercise in surveying tree size and abundance in managed vs. unmanaged plots.

HER first quarterly forest volunteer event of the year was celebrated in honor of March Spring Equinox for new beginnings! We are grateful to all 23 volunteers who came through on a glorious day together for the health and well being of Keau’ohana! We planted 70 Hapu’u,  an important native fern that will contribute shade along with other planted tree species.

This month of April, Hawaii Environmental Restoration  tabled at the Revitalize Puna Event to bring County and Community together! On the 18th we will hold another special volunteer event in the forest in honor of both Native Hawaiian Plant Month and National Volunteer Week. This occasion is in recognition of the importance and urgency in supporting the work being done to protect and cultivate threatened and endangered native plant species, as well as to recognize the power of volunteering as a force that transforms the world!

Links:

• Home page of Hawaii Environmental Restoration Website
• HER Special Event Blogs
• Revitalize Puna Community Event

Hawaii Environmental Restoration’s (HER) is so thrilled to have become permanent members of the GlobalGiving community in October of this year! Though our first report is not due until January, we so wish to share our 2021 achievements with you before the New Year begins!

In 2021 our intensive restoration efforts continued on a weekly basis to protect the Keau’ohana rainforest; in June of this year, our crew completed the fourth systematic pass of Keau’ohana’s entire 30 acre restoration site, with additional passes in the volunteer loops and 1 mile trail system according to need (3-4/year).

In light of the pandemic, the forest has offered a context for people to safely disperse themselves, and volunteerism has not been too heavily compromised. Special education/restoration events were coordinated with a dozen groups both locally and nationally.This year the forest received restoration support from 112 volunteers, accruing 693 volunteer hours. A total of 311 trees were planted as well as a dozen endangered ha’iwale clusters all of which were started in our Kapoho nursery by Ann, our loyal local environmentalist. Drier periods such as we had during the Summer Solstice Event, were dedicated to weeding efforts, and are a great help as well because weed growth in the summer heat offers no mercy in Hawai’i!

The events held in Keau’ohana served the rainforest with a visible clearing of so many invasive plant in support of the native plant community while directly informing those attending with essential knowledge for the protection and improvement of Hawaii’s fragile environment. Invasive species can be overwhelming if one does not know what species are harmful to the environment or how to respond to them. One of our core goals is to help empower Hawai’i community members in responding to very real vegetation issues found in their own backyards. It is inspiring to see people develop an awareness of how to integrate native and Polynesian-introduced plant species into their lives as well. This kind of knowledge nourishes a more sustainable future for the lowland environment and for those of us who rely upon it.

Despite a couple difficult pandemic years with no government funding, the forest is still kicking thanks to volunteers and supporters like YOU. We gratefully continue our dedications to the environment and its people thanks to your kind generosities. Thank you so much for believing in us! We understand that there are countless critical causes to support on this precious planet, and it is an honor for us that you regard our mission and work as worthwhile!

Links:

• Home page of Hawaii Environmental Restoration Website
• HER Special Event Blogs