Keauohana Native Forest Restoration
Donation protected
Keau‘ohana Native Forest Reserve in the Puna District of Hawai‘i Island is the largest and most intact lowland rainforest remaining below 1,000 feet in elevation in the State of Hawai'i. This forest is a unique reservoir of rare native biodiversity, and is also the most optimal remaining critical habitat for the endangered ha‘iwale.
Since 2014, the Keau’ohana Forest Reserve has undergone an intensive restoration process that eliminated invasive species on >30 acres of the most bio-diverse portion of this reserve . Native species such as ‘ohe, a rare yet fast growing native canopy tree, have been out-planted in the restored area to fill open areas in need of shade.
Clidemia and strawberry guava before and after:
Although mature plants are currently eliminated from the area, there are of course numerous invasive species’ seedlings sprouting up which threaten the future of the forest. The Keau’ohana crew is currently undergoing the second pass of all 30 acres to control re-growth before it attains maturity. This will help to reduce the seed bank considerably. Although weeding will always be needed to maintain Hawaii’s last remaining native lowland wet forest, efforts will be progressively less intensive if they are conducted in a timely manner.
As the only example of intact lowland wet forest readily available to the public, the Keau’ohana forest has been providing an infrastructure for the further study of native lowland wet forests/species, and facilitating growing community outreach objectives to help educate Hawai‘i students, residents and visitors about native species, native forest composition and issues of invasion. Community enthusiasm for this project has resulted in well beyond 2,000 volunteer hours since it was launched in June of 2014.
Volunteer work part and crew day:
The project’s systematic restoration efforts thus far, has been supported by a State Grant (G-I-A) and the contracting agency [DLNR-DOFAW] through appropriations made by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii. County Contingency funds have also been awarded for materials. Funds have been appropriated through the Malama O Puna (MOP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental volunteer service organization (www.malamaopuna.org), established to protect the natural heritage of the Puna district of Hawai‘i Island. The project principal, Jaya C. Dupuis/MS, is MOP board member, resident permaculturist since 1989, and dedicated volunteer restoring native lowland wet forest for the past 10 years.
The good news is that another grant has been awarded for the project by the State G-I-A, however it may be up to a year before the funds are actually appropriated. Presently we are relying on volunteer efforts and donations to maintain leverage over the weeds. It is of utmost importance that efforts continue without delay in this tropical environment. This is true especially due to rapid ohia death (ROD), which compromises shade levels necessary against bustling weeds. Your support will enable the continued work of a hired crew, dedicated to this goal.
It is a timely year to contribute to Hawai'i's precious rainforest. Despite damages endured by hurricane Iselle and subsequent ohi’a loss due to Rapid Ohi’a Death (ROD), the Keau’ohana forest ecosystem is responding very well to restoration measures.
We hope to see you in the forest on October 15th from 10am-3pm for our next Quarterly Work Party. Like us on Facebook to stay updated.
Project Coordinator: Jaya Dupuis
Keau'ohana is located between mile marker 16 and 17 on HWY 130 (between Pahoa and Kalapana.)
Since 2014, the Keau’ohana Forest Reserve has undergone an intensive restoration process that eliminated invasive species on >30 acres of the most bio-diverse portion of this reserve . Native species such as ‘ohe, a rare yet fast growing native canopy tree, have been out-planted in the restored area to fill open areas in need of shade.
Clidemia and strawberry guava before and after:
Although mature plants are currently eliminated from the area, there are of course numerous invasive species’ seedlings sprouting up which threaten the future of the forest. The Keau’ohana crew is currently undergoing the second pass of all 30 acres to control re-growth before it attains maturity. This will help to reduce the seed bank considerably. Although weeding will always be needed to maintain Hawaii’s last remaining native lowland wet forest, efforts will be progressively less intensive if they are conducted in a timely manner.
As the only example of intact lowland wet forest readily available to the public, the Keau’ohana forest has been providing an infrastructure for the further study of native lowland wet forests/species, and facilitating growing community outreach objectives to help educate Hawai‘i students, residents and visitors about native species, native forest composition and issues of invasion. Community enthusiasm for this project has resulted in well beyond 2,000 volunteer hours since it was launched in June of 2014.
Volunteer work part and crew day:
The project’s systematic restoration efforts thus far, has been supported by a State Grant (G-I-A) and the contracting agency [DLNR-DOFAW] through appropriations made by the Legislature of the State of Hawaii. County Contingency funds have also been awarded for materials. Funds have been appropriated through the Malama O Puna (MOP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental volunteer service organization (www.malamaopuna.org), established to protect the natural heritage of the Puna district of Hawai‘i Island. The project principal, Jaya C. Dupuis/MS, is MOP board member, resident permaculturist since 1989, and dedicated volunteer restoring native lowland wet forest for the past 10 years.
The good news is that another grant has been awarded for the project by the State G-I-A, however it may be up to a year before the funds are actually appropriated. Presently we are relying on volunteer efforts and donations to maintain leverage over the weeds. It is of utmost importance that efforts continue without delay in this tropical environment. This is true especially due to rapid ohia death (ROD), which compromises shade levels necessary against bustling weeds. Your support will enable the continued work of a hired crew, dedicated to this goal.
It is a timely year to contribute to Hawai'i's precious rainforest. Despite damages endured by hurricane Iselle and subsequent ohi’a loss due to Rapid Ohi’a Death (ROD), the Keau’ohana forest ecosystem is responding very well to restoration measures.
We hope to see you in the forest on October 15th from 10am-3pm for our next Quarterly Work Party. Like us on Facebook to stay updated.
Project Coordinator: Jaya Dupuis
Keau'ohana is located between mile marker 16 and 17 on HWY 130 (between Pahoa and Kalapana.)Organiser
Jaya Cindy Dupuis
Organiser
Pahoa, HI
