Imagine Hawaii having the holiday tradition of getting the family together to visit a tree farm and selecting their own Christmas tree.
Imagine Hawaii having the holiday tradition of getting the family together to visit a tree farm and selecting their own Christmas tree.
The Hawaii Forest Industry Association invites interested community members to help make this vision a reality by volunteering for its ‘Aina Mauna Christmas Tree Planting from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 3 on the slopes of Mauna Kea.
Those interested in growing Christmas trees on other lands also are encouraged to attend this planting.
HFIA’s ‘Aina Mauna Christmas Tree Planting involves outplanting Douglas fir trees on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in the Humuula/Piihonua area. Horticulturist Aileen Yeh of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center will lead the volunteer efforts.
The planting site is located at an elevation above 6,000 feet and might be chilly or rainy. It’s recommended that volunteers bring a jacket or a raincoat, wear closed-toe shoes, long pants and sunscreen, and expect dirt and/or muddy conditions. Refreshments and bento lunches will be provided.
To carpool, meet at 7:15 a.m. at the U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station parking lot at 60 Nowelo St. in Hilo or meet up at 8 a.m. at the DHHL Humu‘ula Sheep Station. The Sheep Station, located a quarter mile mauka on the Mauna Kea Access Road, is surrounded by large pine trees, a double gate entrance, several buildings and a corral complex.
Established in 1989, the Hawaii Forest Industry Association is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people committed to managing healthy and productive forests.
Space is limited for the tree planting and interested volunteers are asked to sign up by Feb. 27. To RSVP or for more information, email hfia@hawaiiforest.org, call 933-9411 or visit www.hawaiiforest.org.