Help us expand our Virtual Tree Planting program
by Tanya Dreizin, Chapter Administrative and Advancement Associate | Reading time: 2.25 minutes
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, we knew it would be the best decision to take a break from outings and hikes. Although we would have liked to keep people moving outdoors after quarantine, we wanted to ensure the safety and well-being of our members and supporters. We really missed that integral part of our work - bringing people together based on passion and excitement for Hawaiʻi’s beautiful natural spaces and unique native species.
To help fill that void, we launched with the Virtual Tree Planting (VTP) program! The VTP program began with virtual Zoom get-togethers and has evolved into a collaborative, in-person, island-wide effort to bring native species and local families together. We love connecting with new plant owners via follow-up emails, and have been overjoyed to see the plants thriving in their new homes.
In 2022, we were so excited to offer 4 tree giveaways on Oʻahu. Over the past year, two giveaways were held at Moanalua Middle School, one at KEY Project in Kahaluʻu, and our last event of the year was at James Campbell High School in Kapolei. Thanks to individuals, families and volunteer groups working on restoration and native landscaping work, 700 native trees and plants were planted! We couldn’t have done this without the support of local nursery Hui Kū Maoli Ola, who supplied us not only with a wide variety of plants, but information about plant care and traditional uses. And of course none of this would have happened without the support of our amazing volunteers Randy Ching, Ed Mersino and Sherry Cassetta - their knowledge, joy and passion for native species has been invaluable.
The program focuses specifically on native species, as many of Hawaiʻi’s unique native plants aren’t found anywhere else in the world and are a key piece of maintaining Hawaiʻi’s biodiversity, culture, traditions and more. They’re also not bad to look at ;)
Members and supporters like you help keep our existing programs running, and allow us to get creative with new programs when we’re thrown unexpected curveballs (like the pandemic). Programs like this help us support local businesses, provide free native plants to folks across the islands, and continue our work to connect people with place, provide educational and outreach opportunities, and combat climate change and ecosystem loss. As we continue to grow and expand the VTP program to provide more trees and to begin hosting events on Maui, Hawaiʻi Island and Kauaʻi, please consider making a donation today. 100% of funds are used locally, and help keep our programs going!
Whether you’re ready to become a new plant parent, have a thriving garden, or are doing larger-scale restoration work, look out for an email from us soon - we are already planning the first VTP event for 2023, and we promise you won’t want to miss out.