Kohala Watershed Partnership
Ka Hana No'eau - (Fri) October 16, 2009
On Tuesday, October 6, the Hawaiian
Plant Propagation and Conservation mentorship under Ka Hana No‘eau joined
Kohala Watershed Partnership for a morning of weed control work on Hälawa mauka
lands. Twelve students had an opportunity to learn more about Kohala's fragile
ecosystems, witnessing first-hand the damage that can occur when a new,
non-native species invades. The students targeted Rauvolfia vomitoria, a
tenacious perennial shrub that has been spreading fast in North Kohala, crowds
out any other plant, and can render precious lands useless; they pulled small
plants manually and were taught to safely apply diluted chemicals to bigger
specimens. Kohala provided its gentle trade
weather, and, after the morning's work, the students regrouped at the Intergenerational
Center, where the Hawaiian Food Preparation mentorship treated the young
conservationists to a nourishing lunch.
Mahalo, students!

About Kohala Watershed Partnership: Seeking to preserve the unique biodiversity of Kohala Mountain, Kohala Watershed Partnership works with landowners in the watershed, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, State and Federal agencies, as well as community groups. http://hawp.org/kohala.asp

For more information about Rauvolfia vomitoria:
