This document discusses reforestation projects undertaken by members of a group in different locations. One member helped plant 1,000 koa trees in Hawaii to restore dryland forests and habitat for endangered species. Another member in New Zealand planted kumara (sweet potato) according to traditional Maori practices. A third member in Washington helped plant trees to rebuild salmon habitat by regulating water temperature and providing food and oxygen. The projects addressed sustainability, culture and communication while supporting ecosystems through reforestation.

1. Local Restoration

2. Live like the koa tree

3. Trees in their many forms are an integral part of
our planet’s ecosystem. Among the things they
contribute to the environment are conversion of
carbon monoxide to oxygen, climate amelioration,
conserving water, supporting wildlife, and
preserving soil, not to mention beautifying cities.
Trees are a natural protector against our modern
lifestyle because they absorb greenhouse gases and
carbon emissions. Because of this, deforestation is
considered to be one of biggest contributors to
global climate change. According to the United
Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO), about half of the world’s tropical forests
have been cleared. According to the World
Resources Institute, forest loss contributes
between 12 percent and 17 percent of annual global
greenhouse gas emissions.
Project Overview

4. Hawaii has also been affected by
deforestation, especially in the dryland
forests. Hawaii’s dryland forests are
mostly located on the leeward coasts to
mid-level elevation where rainfall is
particularly low, with only 50 inches of
rainfall a year. Dryland forests are home
to more than 40 native plant species,
including the endangered Kauila, uhiuhi,
koki’o, ‘aiea, and halapepe trees. More
than 25% of Hawaii’s endangered plant
species are found in dryland forests,
while also home to rare birds such as the
‘amakihi and the palila (an endangered
Hawaiian honeycreeper). In the last 100
years, 90% to 95% of dryland forests in
Hawaii have almost completely
disappeared.
Close to home…

5. For part of our final project, Clyde, Brianne, and Kylie
decided to help in the restoration of the dryland forests here
in Hawaii. The West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Dryland
Reforestation Project was created to help restore the dryland
forest, which used to cover the western side of the Big Island.
Their goal was to remove non-native plants and replace them
with the Hawaiian dryland species that were once part of the
beautiful landscape. This restoration project covers 62-acres
and started on Pu’u ‘O’o, which graces the center of the
cemetery. For this particular project, with the help of Marines
and other volunteers, they helped plant 1,000 Koa trees.
Planting a BetterTomorrow…

6. Mākaukau
Dr. Stevens began by
welcoming us and
giving a short brief of
the project and it’s
history. He then
informed us of the
particular weeds that
should be pulled such
as fountain grass. He
also explained the
proper way to plant the
Koa.

7. Formal Opening
Dr Stevenʻs led a traditional opening
chant, Oli Aloha, to formally open the
tree planting project. To perform and
oli is a Hawaiian tradition often used
to ask permission to enter a space and
to ask for protection while in that
place
Onaona i ka hala me
ka lehua
He hale lehua no ia
na ka noe
O ka`u no ia e `ano`i
nei
E lia`a nei ho`i o ka
hiki mai
A hiki mai no `oe
Hiki pu no me ke
aloha
Aloha e, aloha e
Fragrant is the breath
of hala and lehua
This is the sight I
long to see
Of this, my present
desire
Your coming fills me
with eagerness
Now that you have
come
Loves comes with you
Greetings, greettings
(Click to hear Oli Aloha)

8. We planted at
restoration site #6
We were HERE!

9. Choosing our koa trees…
Hiking to the spot…
Pulling weeds to prepare our site…

10. Our planting site…
Planting our first trees…
Digging holes for first trees…

11. Planted koa trees…

12. … SUCCESS!!!

13. “I had so much fun planting trees. I love animals especially birds, and to
know that one day native birds like the ‘alala could thrive again in the
wild, inspires me to continue to volunteer in restoration projects like
these. I have planted trees with Dr. Stevens once before, but it was with a
much smaller group, so to see so many people come together this time,
made the experience even more powerful and special. I think it’s
extremely important for the future well-being of our planet, to teach and
involve the next generation in the rebuilding of our natural world. So I
was happy to see many parents bring their children to help, and made
them participate in every part of the planting experience. The children
seemed to have so much fun helping everyone and getting their hands
dirty. Seeing so many people come together and volunteer a few hours of
their time, gave me hope that we can save the natural world, and begin
building a harmonious relationship with nature.”

14. “I had such a great experience planting trees up at the veteran’s cemetery. This was the first
time I’ve planted a tree and I must say that this was a very special thing that we did. I really
enjoyed meeting Kylie and Clyde. They were super nice and I had so much fun spending the
whole morning getting to know each other while doing something positive for the
environment. I took a class from Dr. Stevens about a year ago and had an opportunity to go
along and plant trees with them then. Unfortunately, I could not make it at that time so I felt
really happy that I could make it this time. I was really surprised when I showed up to the
event because there were a lot of people that were there. It’s so amazing to see everyone
come together on a Saturday morning to be a part of this reforestation project. I brought my
boyfriend Reyn along so he could snap pictures of us while we planted our trees. My
boyfriend actually helped us out as well and planted a couple trees of his own. As I planted
my trees I dedicated each one to family members that I have lost throughout my life. It’s an
awesome feeling to know that I planted a tree for someone I care about along with giving
back to the land. It is so important to plant trees because it leads to a better world. I hope
that more and more people will decide to join in on the tree planting event that takes place
at the veteran’s cemetery each semester. At the end, when everyone had planted their trees
they provided a lunch to show their appreciation to everyone who came out and dedicated
their time and effort. I will try and keep myself updated on tree planting events near my
home because I want to continue to help save our world.”

15. “It was a nice sunny day with sufficient support by the community,
college, and the marines to work in the field and dig up invasive
weeds and reintroduces the native species into the environment.
The trees bring back the identity of Hawaii that many countries are
not able to provide because these types of plants are endemic
species found in Hawaii. I feel it is important for Hawaii to have its
own identity to offer, so people have a special place to visit.
Although it was for a good cause to cleanse the environment, I did
not feel a real connection to the land. I felt there should have been
shared stories of the history of the place and stories of the veteran’s
placed in this sacred burial cite. This would increase my
understanding and involvement with the project because I would
have extended knowledge to take back with me besides the
satisfaction of taking care of my home environment.”

16. Unable to attend the tree planting project in Kona, Maile
and Moani were able to get involved with their local
communities.

17. Living in New Zealand since the start of 2014, the similarities
to Hawaiʻi in terms of culture, language and traditions were
easy for Maile to detect. Unable to participate in Kona, Maile
got involved with her local community. After meeting with
the head of the local marae, protocols and procedures for
planting kumara, or sweet potato, were addressed. Similar to
our uala, there are specific times of year and moon phases
that will allow for the best growth of the esteemed sweet
potato.

18. Kumara is held in high regard
and was once treated sacredly by
the native Maori people of
Aotearoa. Still seen today from
individuals in their sixties and
seventies, planting kumara is to
be accompanied by the proper
moon phase, a waiata, or song,
and a priest present. The ground
would be struck rhythmically
with manuka sticks where the
seed tubers would be placed. The
waiata playing connects the
kumara to the God Maui and
speaks of the best time to plant.

19. Planting kumara is simple and
efficient, which is why it was a
staple food of the natives. Maile
was instructed to leave a kumara
on the counter until it started to
sprout. Take those sprouts and
put them in a pot with potting
soil. Then place the pot in a zip
lock bag until the kumara begins
to shoot. After a well rooted
shoot is grown, wait until the
18th day of the moon calandar
and plant at mid-day. Maile is
just waiting for her kumara to
sprout and will plant
accordingly.

21. Project
Overview
In parts of the Pacific
Northwest
deforestation has
had a detrimental
effect on the
spawning, life cycle
and habitat of the
salmon population.
In my search for a
reforestation project
I was directed to
Sound Salmon
Solutions, an
organization that
works to improve the
watershed for
salmon, wildlife and
people.

22. Northwest native
vegetation provides
important shelter for
fish, plants and other
wildlife. Also it absorbs
water and anchor soil
preventing shallow
slides and erosion.
Preserving a watershed
like the Tychman
Slough helps to ensure
repair and restoration
of a healthy salmon
habitat.

23. Salmon need cool, clean water to lay eggs (spawn) and for the
salmon in the juvenile stage to hatch, live and grow before
making their way to the ocean and continue to adulthood.
Water quality directly contributes to healthy salmon habitat.
In 1990, recovery projects for the Regional Fisheries
Enhancement Groups (RFEG) began in the Pacific
Northwest counties of Snohomish, King and the
southern Islands. Tree planting efforts in progress
within each county’s watershed to help repair and
restore the salmon habitat.

24. T
h
e
P
r
o
c
e
s
s
clearing
digging
Taking tree out of the pot
Loosen the rootsCompacting the soil
Filling the hole
1
2
3
4
5
6

25. Four factors contribute to healthy salmon habitat and water quality:
Dissolved Oxygen: oxygen mixes into the water as it tumbles over rocks and logs in
the stream bed, fishes breathe the mixture of dissolved oxygen in the water. Water
plants also supply dissolved oxygen into the water. If bacterial or pollution in the
water is high, this leaves less oxygen for the salmon to breathe.
Water temperature: Optimum water quality has a temperature of 64% F or less.
The colder the water the higher the levels of dissolved oxygen. Salmon and the bugs
they eat (macro invertebrates) need water at this temperature to stay healthy.
Phosphate: creeks that are healthy have a small supply of nutrients that come
naturally from soil and rocks and the salmon survives within that amount. When the
nutrient level is exceeded as a result of soap, fertilizer or animal waste introduced into
the creek, it causes overgrowth of algae that takes the oxygen salmons need causing
harm or kills them off.
Turbidity: (how clear the water is) water that is muddy or cloudy has a lot of dirt
and dirt in water absorbs heat. The dirty water raises the temperature of the water and
depletes it of oxygen that salmon need; this high turbidity causes dirt to get in the gills
of the salmon and create a cover on the eggs.

26. “I started my search for a project that would feature First Nation tribal practices
and reforestation. Interestingly, I found the connection with a few professors from
the Northwest Indian College campus on the Tulalip reservation on which I reside.
I was able to sit and discuss tree planting traditions and practices associated with
cedar trees much like koa is to Hawaii. I am new to the tribal community and
much of the tradition used to accompany tree planting come with sitting with
elders and gaining their trust, I concluded that out of respect for their kupuna, I
would revisit that at another time.
I was however given a lead on another reforestation project that took place on part
of another tribal reservation, the Stillaquamish Tribe. This organization does
projects in all areas affected by salmon spawning and habitat restoration. It was
great to meet people from organizations like FEMA and Outdoor Circle. They
also do work with the local school district working with student from the 5th grade
to high school. I was told that my friend’s three year old son that accompanied me
on this project was the youngest this organization ever hosted. He enjoyed himself
immensely and loved looking for worms and stomping in the dirt. We had to wear
layers which being from Hawaii was quite unfamiliar to me but all in all it was a
cold, wet, educational and fun project. I really enjoyed it and was invited to work
on further projects with this group in the future.”

27. The discussion of reforestation is a global one as features of our project has
shown. The tree planting event in Kona undertaken by members of our group in Hawaii has
outlined the importance of planting koa trees to restore the dry land forest, home for many
of our native plant species. That tree planting effort also served as a measure of beautifying
and restoring the forest for Hawaii’s species of endangered birds. Advantageously, this
reforestation effort has addressed the removal of non-native plants and invasive species that
often wreak havoc in forests on all the Hawaiian Islands.
Two of our group members, one in New Zealand and the other in Washington
State, collaborated on planting or reforestation projects from their off-island locations. Our
member from New Zealand engaged in a project featuring the kumara, a plant family to the
uala or sweet potato. The importance of her project involved the perpetuation of this highly
regarded food staple, kumara, perhaps equal to that of the Hawaiian kalo. Finally, our
member in Washington State was involved in reforesting efforts that help rebuild and
restore ideal habitat for salmon spawning. Planting specific trees such as dogwood, maple
and ninebark which are deciduous serves as an aid to regulate water temperature and supply
the salmon with needed oxygen and food supply.
Overall, our group has managed to address the areas of sustainability, culture and
communication within the reforestation and planting ventures we had enjoyed participating
in. The importance of reforestation and sustainability in all three projects featured the
impact of trees and plants that support our ecosystem and provide clean air, oxygen and
food for humans, animals and fishes alike. Having the traditional Hawaiian oli and Maori
waiata implemented during the tree and kumara planting connects our project culturally
with the significance of learning and continuing in traditional sustainable practices. We
hope our reforestation and planting project will move you to participate or investigate the
prospect of engaging in an event of this magnitude in the near future.