Planting native trees to save Hawaiian forests

Aloha friends,

Hawaii's native forests are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth.

Approximately 75% of the state's low-elevation forests are dominated by invasive plant species, which inhibit and threaten to replace native ecosystems. These forests face multiple challenges, including invasive species, diseases, and habitat loss, all of which contribute to the decline of native flora and fauna.

In response to these threats, our team has been engaged in reforestation partnerships on Hawaii Island. Through collaboration and the guidance of local organizations, we support the restoration of native forests by planting indigenous trees such as koa and ohia lehua. These species are vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting native wildlife, and preserving cultural heritage.

However, the journey is not without its challenges. The slow growth rates of native trees and the dominance of fast-growing invasive species make restoration efforts complex and time-consuming. Additionally, the spread of diseases like Rapid Ohia Death continues to threaten these critical species.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission. We will continue to grow seedlings in our nurseries and actively seek grants and other funding opportunities to support our planting initiatives.

In the meantime, we encourage you to connect with our partners at Hawaii Environmental Restoration, who are actively involved in forest restoration throughout the year.

We will keep you updated on our progress and look forward to sharing news of our next planting days. In the meantime, we appreciate your continued support and encourage you to send positive thoughts to the trees in our nurseries and in the forests.

Mahalo nui loa,

The FTPF Team