The Hawaii Forest Institute is initiating its Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole, “Connections Not Forgotten,” Dryland Forest Stewardship Program this year as a result of $32,855 in funding provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Kukulu Ola Program.
The Hawaii Forest Institute is initiating its Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole, “Connections Not Forgotten,” Dryland Forest Stewardship Program this year as a result of $32,855 in funding provided by the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s Kukulu Ola Program.
Ka Pilina Poina ‘Ole connects four dryland sites through restoration and educational activities by restoring and maintaining native forest habitat and engaging volunteers in stewardship activities at Ka‘upulehu Dryland Forest, Palamanui Dry Forest Preserve, La‘i‘Opua Dryland Preserve and the shoreline salt ponds at Kalaemano Culture Center.
“We are extremely thankful to the Hawaii Tourism Authority for supporting our mission of promoting the health and productivity of Hawaii’s forests,” said HFI Executive Director Heather Simmons.
She added that Kukulu Ola Program funds help the forest institute protect and perpetuate Hawaii’s endangered dryland forests and strengthen the sensitivity and appreciation of homeland culture.
In 2017, 1,300 volunteers participated in forest stewardship learning activities, 13 acres of dry forest habitat were brought under intensive management and 2,146 native seedlings were outplanted.
Forest stewardship activities include connecting to place through quiet observation, aina-based learning activities and restoration work, including collecting and dispersing seed, planting seedlings, building trails and pulling weeds.
In addition to on-site volunteers, community members and visitors benefit from classroom and off-site outreach events displays, handouts and presentations.
Project coordinators and cultural educators are integrating traditional ecological and cultural knowledge into restoration activities including collecting and dispersing seed, planting seedlings and weeding.
The project also includes a dryland mentorship program that teaches interns about propagation, planting, monitoring and care of native plants.
