Native Hawaiian Plants Category

All about Palms with William Merwin and Leland Miyano

Published on January 15, 2012 in Flowers & Nursery, Gardening, General Ag News and Notes, Native Hawaiian Plants and endangered species.

MALP Educational Meeting—Free to the public

Date: Tuesday January 24, 2012
Place: Maui Community Service Bldg next to CTHAR Extension Services (Map) on the UH Maui campus.
Time: Pupus will be served at 6:30 pm and the talk will begin at 7:00.

On January 24th MALP is proud to host guest speakers: William Merwin and Leland Miyano as they share with us their vast combined knowledge about palms. Their talk will include information on Hawaii’s palms, palm growth habits and conservation efforts.

William Merwin, who has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry and is the recent US Poet Laureate, has lived and gardened on Maui for over 30 years. Most of his focus has been on cultivating palms from around the world. He has gathered approximately 800 different species of palms, creating a truly unique palm jungle within the rainforest of Maui’s north shore. His enduring gardening passion along with his legacy of being a successful poet will be preserved with the recently created “The Merwin Conservancy“.

Leland Miyano, a good friend of Merwin, is an artist, landscape designer and author from Oahu. Leland has years of experience working with native palms throughout Hawaii and has worked extensively with many highly respected people in the field of horticulture and design. Leland’s numerous books include: Hawaii’s Beautiful Tree’s and Hawaii, A Floral Paradise. Leland’s own 1-acre garden in Kahalu’u is renown for its design and features numerous palms.

CLICK HERE for full information on this truly notable event.

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Deal aims to save rare species

Published on August 2, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Native Hawaiian Plants and endangered species.


The agreement would add 20 plants and three insects to the endangered list
Four plants that are among the “rarest of the rare” in the world are now being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act, along with three Hawaii damselflies and 16 other plants that can be found on Oahu.

An agreement announced Monday between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Center for Biological Diversity, an Arizona-based, nonprofit environmental organization, would add to the 437 species currently listed as threatened and endangered by the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Service Office in Hawaii, home to some of the rarest and most endangered species on earth.

It a federal offense to harm any plants, or kill or harass any animal, on the list. Continue reading ‘Deal aims to save rare species’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , .

Fences protect 8,000 acres of Kaua‘i wilderness

Published on June 3, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species, Native Hawaiian Plants and Sustainability.

>

Endangered species hotspot now guarded against goats, pigs
A new pair of fences in the remote wilderness of Kaua‘i will reportedly protect the island’s primary source of water and one of the most important biological diversity hotspots in the Hawaiian archipelago.

These strong barriers, developed by The Nature Conservancy for the benefit of the Kaua‘i Watershed Alliance, will shelter 8,000 acres of the state’s most pristine wildland from the onslaught of invading feral animals, a news release states.

“These are just amazing areas. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by incredible native Hawaiian birds, plants and insects. There is nowhere in the state like quite like it,” said Jeff Schlueter, Kaua‘i natural resource manager for The Nature Conservancy.

Ken Wood, a prominent biologist with the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which is a key partner in the Kaua‘i Alliance, said the biological diversity of the region is remarkable. He calls the area “one of the most important conservation sites in the entire archipelago.”

This land is also the core of the island’s watershed, a place where abundant rains and mists are soaked up and then feed the island’s rivers and its aquifer.

“These fences were conceived to protect the primary source of the island’s water supply. Continue reading ‘Fences protect 8,000 acres of Kaua‘i wilderness’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , .

Book Excerpt: ‘Intelligent Tinkering’ By Robert Cabin | Audubon Magazine Blog

Published on June 3, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species, Native Hawaiian Plants and Sustainability.

Book Excerpt: ‘Intelligent Tinkering’ By Robert Cabin
Categories:

* Animals * Birds * Nature * Plants * Reviews * Travel * Wildlife

By Alisa Opar
05/31/2011

Hawaii is home to one of the world’s last dry tropical forests. In their prime, these magnificent ecosystems were bastions of biodiversity. Now, only 10 percent of the state’s original dry forests survive. In Intelligent Tinkering, Robin Cabin, an associate professor of ecology and environmental science at Brevard College and a former restoration ecologist for the U.S. Forest Service, draws on his own experience in doing restoration work in the few remaining Hawai’ian dry forests.

Below is the excerpted first chapter from Intelligent Tinkering, by Robert Cabin. August 2011, Island Press.

—————————————————————————–

Continue reading ‘Book Excerpt: ‘Intelligent Tinkering’ By Robert Cabin | Audubon Magazine Blog’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , .

Axis deer on Hawaii island pose problem for state

Published on May 28, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Hunting, Invasive Species and Native Hawaiian Plants.


State officials are developing plans to remove axis deer in Hawaii County before damage becomes significant to ranch grasslands, farm crops and plants that are vital to maintain watershed areas.

“We will need to take quick and effective action to prevent costly and destructive impacts on the Big Island that will last for generations, perhaps forever,” said William Aila, director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Kahua Ranch Ltd. Chairman Monte Richards said axis deer can cause great damage to Hawaii island’s forest in Kohala and become difficult to remove once they’re established.

“The thing is to get to them early, and you’ve got a chance,” Richards said.

Richards said Hawaii island ranchers successfully fought against the idea of importing axis deer in the 1960s. He suspects the axis deer were illegally shipped to the island in recent years by someone who wanted the animal for game hunting.

State conservation officials working closely with trackers and using game cameras to survey areas in recent weeks have confirmed the presence of axis deer across the island, including in Kohala, Kau, Kona and Mauna Kea. Continue reading ‘Axis deer on Hawaii island pose problem for state’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , .

State, feds to team up to protect Hawaii forests

Published on May 18, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Native Hawaiian Plants.


The state this week expects to announce a partnership with federal agencies to help landowners and managers protect forest lands.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie and William Aila, the director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, plan to sign an agreement on the issue at the governor’s office on Thursday.

Kathleen Dobler, the deputy director of natural resources for the Conservation Service Pacific Islands Area is expected to participate, as is Wesley Nohara, the president of the Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts.

Caitlyn Pollihan, the executive director of Western Forestry Leadership Coalition, and John Lindelow of Ahu Lani Sanctuary, are also due to sign the memorandum of understanding.

State, feds to team up to protect Hawaii forests – Hawaii News – Staradvertiser.com

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: .

Kou trees stolen from Big Island high school

Published on May 11, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Native Hawaiian Plants.


A Big Island high school is stumped by the disappearance of five large trees, which police are investigating as a felony theft.

Five 20-year-old kou trees native to Hawaii have been stolen over the course of about a week, Waiakea High School principal Kelcy Koga said Wednesday.

When the first tree was taken early last week, school officials found it odd but when three more were taken later in the week, they called police. The fifth tree was discovered missing Tuesday morning.

“It’s really unfortunate that people would resort to taking from the school,” Koga said.

Koga has since learned that the wood is expensive, used to make items such as bowls, bracelets and canoe paddles. Hawaii police estimate the trees to be worth a total of about $4,500.

Before the thefts, “they were just trees on campus that our custodians took care of,” he said.

The school’s athletic director who does woodworking as a hobby told Koga about the trees’ value. “He’s definitely not a suspect,” Koga said with a laugh.

The Hilo school sits on more than 40 acres and four of the trees were taken near the student parking area, which is away from the main road.

Koga said he believes that 10- to 15-feet tall trees were taken during the night and were likely cut down with a hand saw that didn’t make too much noise. Continue reading ‘Kou trees stolen from Big Island high school’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , .

Rare plants thrive in Big Island Forest preserve

Published on April 23, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species, Native Hawaiian Plants and endangered species.


The Nature Conservancy says rare native plants are once again thriving in a Big Island forest preserve now that a fence is keeping out pigs and mouflon sheep.

The animals, which are not native to Hawaii, destroy native plants and habitats by trampling on vegetation. The animals accelerate erosion and pollute the water supply with feces and diseases.

The nonprofit organization installed an animal-proof fence around its Kaiholena Preserve in Kau in late 2007. It took the conservancy and local hunters another year to remove all the pigs from the 1,200-acre lowland forest preserve.

The Nature Conservancy said Tuesday the nuku iiwi, a native vine traditionally found in Kaiholena, is among the plants that has returned. The vine’s reddish-orange flower resembles the curved bill of the iiwi honeycreeper.

Rare plants thrive in Big Island Forest preserve – Hawaii News – Staradvertiser.com

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , .

The Green Leaf» Grow aquaponics, Grow Hawaiian

Published on April 1, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Globel Warming, Native Hawaiian Plants and Sustainability.


The Green House is offering three workshops on Saturday, April 2.

How Does Your Garden Grow…Backyard Aquaponics
Environmental Engineer Jeremai Cann, aka Dr. Sustainability, will lead this workshop covering everything you need to know to start your own aquaponics system (organic gardening with fish and plants). Grow your own dinner and lessen your reliance on imported food!
The Green House
Saturday, April 2nd
10:00 – 11:30pm
Fee $20

“Turn used water into real savings” — Greywater Harvesting
Jeremai Cann will lead this workshop on how to create your own “greywater” catchment system. Greywater refers to the reuse of water drained from baths, showers, washing machines, and sinks for irrigation and other water conservation applications. Reduce your use of tap water while helping the environment and lower your monthly water bill.
The Green House
Saturday, April 2nd
2:00-3:30pm
Fee: $20

It’s Easy Being Clean…Natural Green Cleaning Recipes
Learn how to whip up a batch of handmade soap and explore simple cleaning recipes that are safe, effective, inexpensive. You may already have many of the ingredients in your kitchen cupboards. A booklet of natural cleaning recipes will also be shared.
The Green House
Saturday, April 2nd
2:00-3:30pm
Fee: $20

Advanced registration required for all workshops.

Go to www.thegreenhousehawaii.com to register online, or call (808) 524-8427. Continue reading ‘The Green Leaf» Grow aquaponics, Grow Hawaiian’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , .

Fight continues to spare rain forest from Big Island wild fire

Published on March 24, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Native Hawaiian Plants and endangered species.


National Park Service firefighters have spent the week trying to prevent the wild fire ignited by Kilauea Volcano from spreading through a protected rain forest that is inhabited by endangered Hawaiian plants and animals.

Nearly 100 acres of the 2,750-acre east rift zone’s special ecological area, an intact lowland rain forest, have already destroyed in the fire ignited March 5 by an eruption at the Kamoamoa fissure.

As of today, the Napau wildfire on the east rift zone of the Big Island’s Kilauea volcano has destroyed 2,000 acres approximately seven miles southeast of the Kilauea Visitor Center.

The area is the home of the endangered Hawaiian bat, Hawaiian hawk, and other uniquely Hawaiian plants and animals such as Hawaiian thrush, lama and sandalwood trees, happy face spiders, carnivorous caterpillars, and Hawaiian honeycreepers said Gary Wuchner, National Park Service fire information spokesman.

Mardi Lane, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokeswoman, described the area as “pristine.”

“It best represents what Hawaii was and is a seed source for plants and refuge for birds,” Lane said.

“It is a living laboratory of Hawaiian plants and animals.”

Firefighters will be working to keep flames from spreading beyond the 100 acres of the refuge Continue reading ‘Fight continues to spare rain forest from Big Island wild fire’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , .

UH gardening gurus set invasive-species classes

Published on March 7, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species and Native Hawaiian Plants.


Hawaii gardeners have the advantage of a year-round growing season that allows us to pick up plants any time of year and add them to our backyard collection. And local garden centers carry an abundance of ornamental shrubs, trees and herbs from which to choose.

The University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service wants to help home gardeners to be knowledgeable when choosing plant material. The UH Master Gardeners on Oahu have teamed up with the Hawaii Invasive Species Council to provide classes and demonstrations to the public. (See the Star-Advertiser’s Home & Garden calendar for class listings.)

What is an invasive species? Technically, according to HISC, an invasive species is an alien species — plant, animal, or microbe transported by humans to a location outside its native range — whose introduction has caused or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Basically, foreign plant material that propagates at warp speed and those seeds or plant parts that can travel long distances to naturally forested areas are termed invasive. These plants often demonstrate rapid and aggressive growth, production of numerous seeds that are spread easily by wind, wing or water, and the ability to grow under many different soil and climatic conditions.

What is the impact of invasive species? It’s the plants whose “keiki” reach the natural forested areas that take the largest toll on our native species and ecosystems. They threaten native plant habitats, reducing the number of native plants and affecting plant biodiversity, as well as the insect biodiversity that depends on those plants. Continue reading ‘UH gardening gurus set invasive-species classes’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , , , .

Maui Association of Landscape Professionals

Published on March 7, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Native Hawaiian Plants.

MALP Educational Meeting—Free to the public

Date: Tuesday March 22, 2011

Place: Maui Community Service Bldg next to CTHAR Extension Services (Map) on the UH Maui campus.

Time: Pupus will be served at 6:30 pm and the talk will begin at 7:00.

PLANT PONO

by Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst, garden columnist for the Honolulu Star Advertiser and author of the book: Growing Native Hawaiian Plants.

Heidi’s presentation is entitled PLANT PONO , in which she will speak and show a PowerPoint about the new and upcoming Plant Pono website, a tool to help grow and nurture our green industry of Hawaii and our forests and natural areas as well, by growing, designing, planting and maintaining high value plants that are not invasive weeds.

Heidi’s credentials also include serving as Landscape Director at the Hale Koa Hotel; Director/Supervisor/Plant Propagator at the Honolulu Botanical Gardens, Nature Conservancy Hawaii Oahu/ Lanai Preserves Manager; Education Coordinator HPCC/National Tropical Botanical garden; Horticulturalist, Sustainable Landscape Designer & Consultant, Arborist, and VIP Tour Guide.

She specializes in native Hawaiian and drought tolerant plants, and sustainable and edible landscapes. Heidi is also a Founding and Board member of the Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

Maui Association of Landscape Professionals

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , , .

New gardens director to infuse more native culture

Published on February 7, 2011 in Flowers & Nursery, General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species and Native Hawaiian Plants.


KAHULUI The new executive director of Maui Nui Botanical Gardens wants to cultivate public interest in what she calls “a cultural gem in the middle of Kahului.”

Joylynn Jennifer-Nedine Mailemekalokelanionakupuna Nakoa Kaho’okele Paman took over as head of the 7-acre facility last week.

She succeeds Lisa Schattenburg-Raymond, who is teaching at the University of Hawaii Maui College, and Anders Lyons, who served as interim executive director.

Paman’s vision for Maui Nui Botanical Gardens may sprout partially from having studied Hawaiian language for 18 years.

“My vision here is to infuse the Hawaiian culture even more than it already is into this place. I come from a strong Hawaiian culture and language background, and so I just see the potential in sharing our Hawaiian culture with the community.

“The board wants to make sure that people know about this place. . . . It’s like a cultural gem in the middle of Kahului that we really need to share with everyone else.” Continue reading ‘New gardens director to infuse more native culture’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , .

4 Hawaii land trusts merge, form statewide group

Published on January 2, 2011 in General Ag News and Notes and Native Hawaiian Plants.


Four land conservation trusts from across Hawaii are merging to create a statewide organization dedicated to protecting land from development.

The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust officially begins operation on New Year’s Day.

It’s being formed by the merger of the Kauai Public Land Trust, Oahu Land Trust, Maui Coastal Land Trust and Hawaii Island Land Trust.

The groups said in a statement Friday the merger puts them in a better position to attract broad financial support and save more land.

The headquarters of the combined origination will initially be based on Maui. Existing offices will be maintained on Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii islands.

All employees are being retained, giving the combined group a staff of ten.

4 Hawaii land trusts merge, form statewide group – Hawaii News – Staradvertiser.com

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , .

Limited Time to Change Hunting Rules

Published on November 26, 2010 in General Ag News and Notes, Hunting, Invasive Species and Native Hawaiian Plants.


Conservation Council for Hawaii News Release

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is proposing revisions to Hawaii Administrative Rules relating to hunting and game, and asking the public for their feedback. This is an opportunity to urge the state to change the hunting and game management paradigm to reduce the damage caused by introduced continental feral ungulates and game mammals, and provide more opportunities for hunters to help control animals and bring home the meat. Continue reading ‘Limited Time to Change Hunting Rules’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

U.S. Forest Service receives $1.6M grant to study hybrid ecosystems in Hawaii

Published on November 24, 2010 in Agriculture Grants, General Ag News and Notes, Invasive Species, Native Hawaiian Plants and Sustainability.

honadv

Invasive species are so pervasive in Hawaii’s low-lying areas that the U.S. Forest Service says it’s not cost-effective or practical to eradicate them all. Instead, it’s launching new research into developing “hybrid ecosystems” that will incorporate some nonnative plants but allow native plants to thrive.

The service has received a $1.6 million grant from the Defense Department’s strategic environmental research program to study the possibility.

“Invasive species are so prevalent. You’re hand weeding, trying to eliminate them and aren’t able to keep up with them. It feels like you’re fighting a losing battle,” said Susan Cordell, research ecologist with the Forest Service. “Restoring these lowland tropical forests to a historic native state is not financially or physically feasible.”

Hawaii’s low-lying native trees and plants were wiped out by cattle, goats and other nonnative mammals that were set free to graze after the arrival of the first Europeans in the islands in the late 1700s. The animals trampled on ferns and undergrowth, drying the soil and tree roots. Later reforestation efforts resulted in the planting of fast-growing nonnative trees like eucalyptus instead of native trees.

To see intact native ecosystems, you have to climb high into the mountains.

Cordell said the grant will allow researchers to find ways for native species to “coexist” with some nonnative species. Continue reading ‘U.S. Forest Service receives $1.6M grant to study hybrid ecosystems in Hawaii’

Did you like this? Share it:
Closed Tags: , , , , , .