HER Joins the Hawaiʻi Island Weed Forum

On October 29th, members of HER’s forest crew recently participated in the Hawaiʻi Island Weed Forum, joining forest technicians, land managers, conservation organizations, and resource specialists from across the island for a dynamic day of shared learning and collaboration.

Hosted by the Ecosystems Extension Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the gathering provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge about invasive weed distribution, management strategies, treatment methods, and opportunities for collaboration.

For HER, the discussions were particularly relevant to our ongoing stewardship of Keauʻohana Rainforest in Puna. We welcomed the opportunity to share some of our experiences while learning from the challenges and approaches of others working to protect Hawaiʻi Island’s native ecosystems. Invasive species do not recognize property boundaries, making communication and collaboration among land managers especially important.

Just as meaningful was the opportunity for our six crew members to spend the day together outside of the forest. Much of our time is devoted to hands-on restoration work, so this occasion to learn, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow conservation professionals was especially rewarding.

We are grateful for our crew’s enthusiastic participation and for the growing network of people dedicated to mālama ʻāina throughout Hawaiʻi Island.

Together, through shared knowledge and collaboration, we strengthen our collective efforts to protect Hawaiʻi’s native forests for future generations.

Me ke aloha,

Hawaiʻi Environmental Restoration