Who: Volunteers at Waimea Valley
What: Conservation and replanting of native Hawaiian forest
Where: Waimea Valley E ho mai ka ‘ike mai
When: Monthly; First and Third Thursday, Second Sunday, Fourth Saturday
Why: To conserve the human, cultural and environmental resources of Waimea valley.

The circle formed as volunteers and staff interlocked hands. An oli was shared “E ho mai ka ‘ike mai” translated roughly as ‘carry the knowledge of the past to us today’. Two ridges stretched like arms on either side, reaching around the valley below. Steep cliffs racing down to the estuary, opening into the jewel of Waimea bay; and beyond the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean to the horizon. The group stood upon a bluff on Kalahe‘e ridge, the central ridge above the valley. Next to them a cylindrical rock formation, a modern day ‘ahu or Hawaiian shrine, rose from the red clay to mark the site. Below them newly planted koa trees grew in an acre of recently planted native forest on the gently sloping hillside. This was Earth Day 2018. The group of volunteers planted over 200 native plants where recent erosion had started to cut deep into the ground.

On Tuesday August 23, 2011 at 8:44 a.m. an email was sent out to the Waimea community of hikers and nature enthusiasts and the “Waimea Valley, Hui Hanai ‘Aina Conservation Land Stewardship Club” was created. Volunteers were called to remove invasive plants, collect native seeds, and out plant native forest trees and shrubs that had been propagated in the Waimea nursery. Laurent Pool the conservation land specialist at the time recalls “We combined the volunteer hiking program with actual land management and native out plantings, we needed some shade.” he laughed. “I recently hiked up Kalahe‘e ridge. Guess what? I stood in the shade of a young koa grove and smiled while watching two koa‘e kea, Hawaiian tropic birds, fly overhead.”

Today the conservation program has grown but the need for volunteers is even greater as we continue to implement our ten year forest stewardship plan. We have 35 acres of pig proof fencing that protects our native forest and out-planting efforts. Every year we add over a thousand seedlings to the fields. The onslaught of invasive trees and shrubs is ever present and yet we persevere. With your help we will continue to fight the good fight and nurture the koa trees and a‘a‘li‘i bushes, our keystone species
that will prepare the soil and create the canopy for more diverse native out plantings in the future.

“Why Waimea, Why volunteer, Why native plant conservation?” Quotes from volunteers: Wendy Ernst: “I am from North Shore so Waimea is close and I like to give back locally. I do a lot of hiking and I am always wondering what plants are native and which plants are not so I have been learning a lot about the plants. I would recommend the volunteer day and encourage people to see the back of the valley.”

Richard Darling: “What better way to do your part for the planet than to hike into the beautiful Waimea Valley and spend the day helping to restore this paradise? In addition to the immediate and longterm ecological benefits of this program, Chad and the team of conservation experts at Hi‘ipaka ensure volunteer efforts are accomplished with appropriate cultural respect and reverence for Kupuna and the history of the Valley. As a volunteer, I feel like I have benefited and learned more than I have given!”

Lauren Rodriguez: “I learned so much about the incredible work being done to preserve native species and to protect the space and cultural heritage of Waimea. It was so special to learn about this sacred place through service and working with hands in the earth. Chad, Ally and the crew were welcoming, shared a lot of knowledge, and delegated an appropriate amount of work to make the day enjoyable and help us feel accomplished. The hike and views of the valley and bay were beautiful! It was nice to have free entrance to the park afterward which allowed us to see the garden and waterfall for the first time.”

Be Prepared: The hike up Kalahe‘e ridge is a steep switch back trail that climbs swiftly to the 700 ft elevation forest restoration site. Volunteers are advised that there is very little shade on the ridge
and it can get quite hot! Also, comfort stations are minimal in both privacy and décor, similar in
appearance to your back yard. Volunteers should bring: Water (at least 2 liters) (REQUIRED), a Lunch,
Gloves, Rain gear (in you have), Insect repellent (just for the hike or ride up), Close toed Shoes
(REQUIRED), Sun screen, a hat, long pants, long sleeved shirt, and of course A Positive Attitude!

Please contact our volunteer coordinator Melani Spielman to make a reservation for your volunteer day. She can be reached by email mspielman@ waimeavalley.net or by phone at (808)638-5855.