Connecting with the Community through Native Plants
Posted on Sep. 1, 2023 / Native Species / Subscribe 0
September 1, 2023
Intentional introduction by humans accounts for the presence of over 90% of invasive plant species in Hawai’i. With almost no laws restricting the import of new plants, over 99% of plant species in the world remain legal to import, sell, and grow in Hawai’i. For nearly a decade, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) has been building the Plant Pono program, designed to slow the flow of invasive plants and increase demand for locally grown, non-invasive plant species in the horticultural trade. To earn an endorsement, nurseries are invited to take voluntary action by refusing to sell invasive plants, utilizing best management practices to control pests, and promoting responsible growth by the public. At the same time, consumers are offered tools and education about planting “pono” - choosing non-invasive plants for landscaping and backyard gardening. This program has grown exponentially since its inception. More than two dozen Hawai’i island nurseries are now endorsed, the PlantPono.org website welcomes more than 30,000 monthly views, and several productive education efforts have been launched with partners, including the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii.
One of the goals of Plant Pono has always been to increase awareness and appreciation of native plants and to promote their use in backyards and landscapes across the island. Increasing the abundance of native plants across our rural landscapes can provide habitat for native insects and birds, reduce the importation of potential pests and diseases that can damage agriculture and watersheds, and increase the knowledge of, visibility, and enjoyment of native plants in our communities. Native plants are living beings that provide a deeper connection to our island home.
Many residents, both kama’aina and malihini, remain unfamiliar with native plants and are often dissuaded from purchasing and growing them due to this lack of experience. For instance, garden enthusiasts frequently request milkweed to provide habitat for imported Monarch butterflies - unaware that attractive, low-maintenance mamaki attracts the native Kamehameha butterfly!
In 2023, thanks to a Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program grant, Plant Pono launched an exciting new program to help increase the supply and demand of native plants in the retail nursery industry: what better way to encourage the production, consumption, and cultivation of native species than a tree giveaway?! During Native Hawaiian Plant Month, BIISC hosted free workshops at Plant Pono-endorsed nurseries around the island. During the workshop, participants learned the proper placement and care of various native plants available and engaged in hands-on work mixing proper planting media and up-potting native trees purchased through the grant.
Figure 2. After learning about their elevation and growing conditions, Molly suggested that Merris take home a Kolea lau lii. We made sure each native keiki had the best chance to thrive.
Throughout the workshop, participants learned about Hawaiian flora and the millions of evolutions that led to the incredible diversity and unique qualities of native Hawaiian plants. Discussions about the use of native plants in Hawaiian culture and medicine, the roles that individual species play in an ecosystem, and the special relationships that plants may have with native Hawaiian insects and birds all took place throughout the session. The hands-on aspect allowed participants to feel a direct connection with the plants even as they learned more about them. Each happy participant left with at least one freshly potted native plant, accompanied by a signed “adoption” certificate that contained future care and planting recommendations, ensuring that recipients continued to feel kuleana for their new flora!
By offering the workshops at Plant Pono-endorsed nurseries throughout the island, community connection with these small, locally-owned businesses was increased. Many participants relayed that they had never visited that nursery before but intended to return - and most left with additional plants in hand! The nursery hosts were thrilled with the upbeat, communal energy of the workshops. Several of them pledged to increase their supply of native plants after witnessing the enthusiastic response of the attendees.
The native plant workshops were so well-received and popular that BIISC plans to make them a permanent part of the Plant Pono program on the Big Island. With a new Hawaii Tourism Authority Aloha Aina grant, we will be able to offer a dozen more workshops over the next year.
Our double goals were successful! One was to influence the nursery supply chain retail market and incentivize the production of native plants. The second was to promote the exemplary nurseries that are Plant Pono Endorsed. It was a win-win for all!
Franny Brewer is the BIISC manager. She can be reached at [email protected].
Molly Murphy is the Plant Pono Specialist She can be reached at [email protected].
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