Virtual tree planting: A ‘feel good’ event for all

By Becka Garrison, Admin and Advancement Associate and Kirsten Kagimoto, Communications Manager | Reading time: 2 minutes

It was a beautiful morning for all at Blanche Pope Elementary on Saturday, January 20th. Gusty winds were met with laughter, cheer, and lots of smiles at this year’s inaugural native plant giveaway in Waimānalo. 

Along with Hui Kū Maoli Ola and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee, we gifted 200 native plants to the community—families, individuals, and even a cyclist who biked out with the last plant of the day—and shared critical information about invasive pests like little fire ants, coconut rhinoceros beetles, and more. 

Mahalo nui to everyone that helped make this event possible: Principal Rezentes and the hardworking staff at Blanche Pope Elementary, Chair Kane of the Waimānalo Neighborhood Board, our Virtual Tree Planting Program volunteers Randy Ching, Ed Mersino, Sherry Cassetta, and our hardworking staff. 

This native plant giveaway was part of our Virtual Tree Planting program. The program was started in 2021, mid-pandemic, as a way to get our communities safely back outside, to nurture (and be nurtured by) nature, learn about native plants, and get trees in the ground where possible. From our decades of hikes and service projects, we know the value and benefits of getting outdoors and giving back, something that was sorely missed during COVID-19. By providing access to plants and the knowledge one needs to help the plant(s) thrive, we are creating a virtual community of new and seasoned plant parents that are connected by, and benefit from, a shared outdoor experience.

Once plants are taken home, we stay in touch with the new plant parents, connecting them to our tree experts if they have any questions or concerns, and making sure they have everything they need to help their plants flourish. Many heartwarming stories and photos have been shared over the years and we look forward to seeing the progress of the plants and sharing their success stories.

Now, even as we are able to gather safely and enjoy each other’s company, the program continues to grow and help us build stronger relationships with our members and supporters while helping meet the demand for native plants in our communities.

You can learn more about our Virtual Tree Program here and you can help us grow our program by donating here. Stay tuned for our next native plant giveaway in the coming months!