By Cindy Jaya Dupuis | President/ Project Director
A Season of Renewal
As the winter solstice approaches, we reflect on a meaningful season of renewal, community engagement, and continued dedication to restoring Hawai‘i’s native forests. This quarter closes a productive and inspiring year for Hawaii Environmental Restoration—made possible through the support of our GlobalGiving community.
Upcoming Solstice Volunteer Event
HER will host its fourth and final forest volunteer day on Sunday, December 21, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Keau‘ohana. This closing event celebrates the return of the light and the ongoing regeneration of our native forest. We anticipate a strong turnout following the success of our September Equinox planting.
September Equinox Planting
In September, 12 volunteers planted 176 native seedlings from four community partners.
These included milo, neleau, ohia relatives, and other native species that contribute to forest resilience.
Strategic placement of milo and neleau in transition zones helps safeguard the interior restoration site from invasive encroachment. More tender varieties were nestled within protected areas to encourage healthy establishment. Collectively, these plantings strengthen ecological balance and support the ongoing recovery of Keau‘ohana.
Community Outreach & Education
This quarter, HER contributed to two key outreach events that strengthened community understanding of Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems.
Hala Festival
HER supported the annual Hala Festival, a community celebration featuring cultural workshops, weaving demonstrations, educational booths, and discussions on threats to hala such as hala scale and coconut rhinoceros beetle. HER’s participation helped raise awareness about the importance of native species and the need to protect Hawai‘i’s changing plant communities.
ROD Outreach Workshop
HER also joined a two-day Rapid Ohia Death workshop alongside 50 statewide outreach specialists. During a field visit to Keau‘ohana, HER led sessions on restoration work in ROD-affected areas, the ecological importance of ohia, and current response strategies. With ohia at the core of Hawai‘i’s forest ecosystems, this outreach remains critical to long-term recovery.
Gratitude & Looking Forward
Your ongoing support sustains this essential restoration work and strengthens our ability to protect and recover Hawai‘i’s native forests. Thank you for standing with us.
We look forward to continuing this journey of renewal with you in the year ahead.
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