April 22 – Earth Day at UHH

Lā Honua / Earth Day at the UHH campus was especially bright and joyful this year, as Hawaiʻi Environmental Restoration (HER) enjoyed many meaningful and informative connections with students of all ages, teachers, and community members.

It is always a joy to celebrate our shared love for this Earth, explore the many ways we are connected to the plants and animals that surround us each day, and support one another in learning how we can mālama ʻāina (care for the land) from just a few steps outside our homes to larger community efforts within our native forests.

We especially enjoyed sharing knowledge about native and invasive plant species through the HER Plant Species Deck and plant identification game. This playful, hands-on activity helps participants learn to recognize native plants alongside invasive species, while exploring how this knowledge can support the health of our environment. At home, we can begin by planting native and non-invasive edible species, while also learning to identify invasive plants and dispose of them responsibly through careful composting or by bringing them to a nearby transfer station.

There are countless ways, both great and small, to support and protect our native ecosystems. It was a pleasure to meet new people, see so many smiles, exchange stories, and inspire one another to care for the Earth.

Mahalo nui loa for your kōkua!