Keau'ohana Forest Reserve on the Big Island is the largest and most intact rainforest remaining below 1,000 feet in Hawai'i. FTPF is partnering with Hawai'i Environmental Restoration to protect and restore this unique ecosystem through the propagation and planting of native tree species such as the 'ohe. This precious forest is a natural treasure, and the last of its kind -- with your support, we can continue to plant native trees there for future generations to benefit from!
Native Hawaiian forests are facing the threat of disappearing forever. These forests serve as vital havens for rare native biodiversity, playing a critical role in preserving endangered trees and plants, such as ohe and ha'iwale. Even the dominant native canopy tree, 'ohi'a, is under duress from Rapid 'Ohi'a Death, resulting in declining numbers that endanger the diverse understory in need of shade. Our mission is clear: rescue these imperiled ecosystems through the restoration of native trees.
Through collaboration with local environmental groups conducting intensive restoration in the forests, FTPF provides a variety of rare native tree species grown in our local nurseries for out-planting in the forest. This supports ecosystem balance and helps reestablish the native flora. The trees are propagated by tropical plant experts in our nurseries until ready for planting, done with our partners and local volunteers to help secure the bio-diverse nature of the forest.
While most lowland forests in Hawai'i have been lost, those in which we work - Keau'ohana and Halepua'a - have a chance to remain healthy native forest ecosystems, providing habitat to endangered species and retaining their essential watershed and landscape functions. As two of the only intact lowland rainforest accessible to the public, these forests also serve an important role in connecting people with nature and educating students, residents, and visitors about native Hawaiian ecosystems.
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