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!
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