April 17 — Earth Day at UHH

Lā Honua / Earth Day Celebration on April 17th was teaming with school groups this year making it a dynamic event throughout the day. As usual we enjoyed engaging children and young adults in learning their plants with HER plant species deck, by having them pick a card and telling us whether the plant they chose is a native vs invasive species, learning its name, and sharing discussion about it.

Our mission is to help people young and old develop awareness about the plant dynamics we as people impose through unexamined every day choices. HER offers guidance on what to plant and what not to plant, as well as how to be more empowered in response to invasive species in our own back yards. If we each do our little part in developing more sustainable practices at home as well as in the forest, together we can improve upon Hawaii’s lowland vegetation patterns.

It is never too late to introduce more native, Polynesian-introduced , and edible plant species into our shared landscape. The beautiful thing is, once planted, these desirable plants will naturally disperse beyond our boundaries instead of invasive species. When pulling out the plant bullies let’s not forget to dispose of them properly by making efficient compost piles or bringing them to the transfer station. Putting our weeds on nearby vacant lots exacerbates our already overwhelming invasive species situation.

Mahalo for your kokua!!!