Regenerating ohia and hapuu at the Koaia Corridor restoration site. (Photo courtesy of Kohala Watershed Partnership)

Special to Hawaii247.com by Melora K. Purell

We sowed them in cinder, and nurtured their needs, 

these Hawaiian plants that we’ve grown from seeds.

Coming soon, the 16th of May,

we’ll send these keiki plants on their way

Into the soil, into sun, rain and breeze.

We’ll give them a drink, and with stains on our knees

“Kupaa!” we’ll say, as we pack the rich soil,

and wipe sweat from our brows from our outplanting toils.

With love in our hearts for these strong native plants,

we give breath to their names and give them a chance

To remind us of links to the aina, the land,

that nurtures us back when we give it a hand!

Details for Volunteer Work Day: Meet at the back of Parker Square at 8:30 am Saturday, May 16. Bring water, sunscreen and rain gear. We will provide tools, plants, gloves and …yes… LUNCH! 

Volunteers will have choices of jobs on this work day: planting natives, manually controlling the noxious banana poka vine, or both.  Plants ready to be planted include akala, pilo, naupaka kuahiwi, and hoawa. Plan to be back in Waimea by 3:30 pm.

To plan appropriately for plants, transport and food, RSVP with the number of people in your group.

We can use a few more 4X4 vehicles, so let Purell know if you can drive to the work site or would to share a ride.

Melora K. Purell, Coordinator

Kohala Watershed Partnership

P.O. Box 437182

Kamuela, HI  96743

333-0976

Coordinator@kohalawatershed.org