By Cindy Jaya Dupuis | President/Project Director
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!
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