It’s that time of year to pay homage to trees, all kinds of trees.
Arbor Day is November 4 and celebrations will take place across Hawaii this weekend. Events sponsored by a variety of organizations will feature tree giveaways, educational booths, cultural activities, and workshops.
Kaulunani, the urban and community forestry program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, provides support for collaborative outreach projects each year.
DLNR explains November is the start of the rainy season in Hawaii, making it the perfect time to plant a tree. The wet weather during this time nurtures new growth and abundance for the coming year. It’s also makahiki season, a traditional time of harvest, rest, peace and prosperity. Arbor Day Hawaii sets aside a day during this season to plant trees and honor the hope they hold for the future.
“Arbor Day has been recognized in Hawaii for more than 110 years and I’m happy to see more communities holding events, along with those who have a strong tradition of doing so,” said Dr. Heather McMillen, Urban and Community Forester with DOFAW and Kaulunani’s Program Coordinator in a prepared statement. “Trees provide an abundance of things to celebrate. From clean air and water, to cooling shade and iconic natural beauty, trees help create healthy communities and a healthy planet.”
Arbor Day is a formally designated holiday around the world dedicated to honoring, planting and enjoying the benefits of trees.
The holiday was started in the United states by J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska City, Nebraska, at an annual meeting of the Nebraska State board of agriculture held in Lincoln. On April 10, 1872, an estimated one million trees were planted in Nebraska and in a span of 20 years, the holiday spread across the nation.
Big Island residents can celebrate their favorite tree at events taking place around the island.
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden – Native plant and tree sale, ‘ulu propagation and tree care, kalo varieties walkabout, cooking demos, garden tours, composting classes kapa demonstrations. lomilomi sessions keiki booth, food and entertainment. Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 82-6160 Hawai‘i Belt Rd, Captain Cook.
The West Hawaii Master Gardeners – Both native and non-native trees will be available for free to the public. Tree planting guides will be available. Master Gardeners will be present to answer your gardening questions. Also, free seeds available from the WHMG Free Seed Library. Parking lot adjacent to Malama Market, Ocean View. Saturday, Nov. 4, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Division of Forestry &Wildlife – West Hawaii – Plant sale. Waimea State Tree Nursery, 66-1220 A Lalamilo Road, Kamuela. Friday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Waimea Outdoor Circle – Tree giveaway. Ulu La‘au Nature Park, Waimea. Saturday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
‘Ohi‘a Love Fest – Tour the native plant garden, sit in a presentation about the latest research from one of the ROD Squad scientists, learn how to draw a honeycreeper, find out how beetles and ungulates (hooved animals) help spread Rapid ‘Ohi‘a Death, win prizes and collect new stickers. Fun, educational activities for all ages. CTAHR Komohana Research Extension Center, 875 Komohana Street, Hilo. Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.