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April 2025
Aloha,
We wouldn’t be able to take care of the watershed without our many volunteers and partners.
Here are some of the groups who gave their time in the last few months helping to protect our forests:
Seabury Hall
An energetic group of 23 students from Seabury Hall spent two days of their winter break learning about the watershed. They worked hard removing invasive grasses and planting ‘A‘ali‘i. We also planted thoughts about a conservation career in their minds. We hope that some will be inspired to sign up for a conservation internship or study conservation in college.
Yellow-Faced Bee Survey
Experts from the Bishop Museum and Hawaii DLNR joined our crew last month to perform a survey of yellow-faced bees. These bees are native to and found only in Hawaii. Seven of the species are protected on the endangered species list. They are important pollinators and play a crucial role in the health of our forests. In the photo, you can see the specks of yellow pollen all over the bee.
The Oahu Army Natural Resources Program is doing amazing work reforesting on Mt Ka‘ala and protecting 90 endangered species.
In March, they sent a team to Maui for a service week and we are grateful for the work they did and knowledge they shared.
The Nature Conservancy has been a long-time partner. Back in 1988, they helped to create the Pu‘u Kukui watershed preserve and they hold the conservation easement. We appreciate the guidance provided by their conservation team and scientists.
Wiliwili Seedlings
Maui Native Nursery is one of our most important partners and experts at growing native Hawaiian plants. We collect seeds and they know all the tricks and techniques to turn them into seedlings for planting. In the photo, there are 50 Wiliwili seedlings we’ll be planting in Honolua in May.
The UH Maui Water Resources class got a hands-on introduction to the ‘auwai and lo‘i along Honolua Stream.
We also want to mahalo Nordic PCL and the Kupu interns who came out for a service day at Honolua.
There were many more volunteers that I haven’t mentioned. Mahalo! We couldn’t do it without you.
What would you like to read about in our next newsletter? Send me an email (john@AlohaPuuKukui.org) with your ideas or suggestions.
-John Meier, President, Aloha Pu‘u Kukui