Categorized | Environment

Volunteers dig in to plant along Waiakamali Stream

(Photo courtesy of Kohala Watershed Partnership)

Special to Hawaii 24/7

Kohala Watershed Partnership (KWP) continued its annual tradition of celebrating Earth Day by extending an island-wide invitation to plant native Hawaiian shrubs and trees.

The planting took place along Waiakamali Stream in the Koaia Corridor on Kohala Mountain. The weather can be quite unpredictable up there, but it turned out to be one of those calm and slightly overcast days: great for planting.

A group of 26 adults, 12 students, and five KWP crew members planted 417 native species.

Volunteers included: staff from Waimea Starbuck’s, who also brought their children; Waimea Middle School students; University of Hawaii at Hilo foreign exchange students; and many individuals who came from as far away as Kona, Hilo, Volcano, Puna, and Hawi.

As the day was finishing, a light rain started to fall, giving the plants that timely dose of moisture they need to survive and thrive.

Only those varieties of plants that are native to this specific corridor are re-introduced back into the area. In cooperation with the Kamuela State Tree Nursery (DLNR) and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), KWP gathers the seed, propagates and readies them for out plant.

Some of the species out-planted were hoawa, akala, wiliwili, olomea, kului, and iliahi.

KWP wishes to thank Harbor Gallery of Kawaihae for donations that allowed us to provide everyone with lunch. Also Waimea Starbuck’s, which not only volunteers regularly as an organization, but always show up with coffee.

For more information on KWP, visit www.hawp.org

For information on KWP’s twice-monthly volunteer days, emails can be sent to pelekaneadmin@kohalawatershed.org

(Photo courtesy of Kohala Watershed Partnership)

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