October 30, 2023 – Arbor Day events across the state celebrate trees and promote community connections
Posted: October 30, 2023 in Forestry and Wildlife, Main, News Release, Slider
Dr. Josh Green governor |
Dawn Chan |
For immediate release
October 30, 2023
Arbor Day events across the state celebrate trees and foster community connections
(Honolulu) – Arbor Day is Nov. 4, and celebrations will be held across Hawaii this weekend. The event, sponsored by various organizations, will feature tree giveaways, educational booths, cultural activities and workshops.
Kaurnani, the DLNR Department of Forestry and Wildlife’s (DOFAW) Urban and Community Forestry Program, recognizes the value that trees bring to our neighborhoods and overall public health, and annually provides support for collaborative outreach projects. It offers.
November is the beginning of Hawaii’s rainy season and is the perfect time to plant trees. Wet weather at this time of year fosters new growth and abundance for next year. It is also Makahiki season, a traditional time of harvest, rest, peace and prosperity. Hawaii Arbor Day is a day to celebrate the planting of trees during this season and the hope they hold for the future.
This year, for the first time in several years, a tree planting event will be held on Molokai. Molokai Land Trust worked with Kaulnani to revive the event, growing native plants for area residents to adopt and plant in their homes.
“We felt it was important to provide our community with trees grown right here on Molokai,” said Ali Lucas, Molokai Land Trust program manager. “We have been caring for these seedlings ever since they sprouted, and we would be happy to see them go to their forever homes.”
Community members can take home any ohia, wiliwili, or akia plants that are native to Hawaii and suitable for growing in Molokai’s environment, free of charge. Molokai Land Trust and Kaulnani staff will provide tree care and planting tips. Trees will be available at the Molokai Land Trust office in Hoolehua on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Maui Nui Botanical Garden will host Maui’s 20th Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tree care presentation will address questions about fire-friendly landscaping and post-fire trees and plants. Hale Ulu and Hale Ohia will feature more than 2,000 native Hawaiian trees, as well as booths and activities dedicated to these tree species. For more information, visit arbordayexpo.com.
The Kauai Landscape Industry Association will be hosting a tree giveaway, educational booth and keiki planting zone this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Center in Lihue.
On Hawaii Island, West Hawaii Master Gardeners will be providing free trees in the Ocean View Malama Market parking lot on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa Campus Arboretum on Oahu will be offering free trees and education focused on palm beetles on Friday, Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Arbor Day has been recognized in Hawai’i for more than 110 years, and we’re excited to have more communities host events with communities that have a strong tradition of hosting events,” said Heather, DOFAW Urban and Community Forester. Dr. McMillen said. and Kaurnani program coordinator. “Trees give us so much to celebrate. From clean air and water to cooling shade and iconic natural beauty, trees help create healthy communities and a healthy planet.”
For more information on the 2023 Hawaii Arbor Day event, visit Kaulunani.org.
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resource
Arbor Day Hawaii Kaulnani website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/kaulunani/arbor-day-in-hawaii/
Molokai Land Trust website: https://molokailandtrust.org/
2023 Maui Arbor Day Garden Expo and Tree Giveaway: https://www.arbordayexpo.com/
Media contact:
ryan aguilar
communication specialist
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
[email protected]