Kohala Watershed Partnership 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: