Protect Our Native Forests In Hawaii Because...

First of all, this is my first post, so welcome! I struggled on choosing my first topic to write about in the vast array, but found inspiration from my latest trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Hiking through native Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa) forest, Big Island, Hawaii.

While walking through a grove of native Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa), Māmane (Sophora chrysophylla) and other trees, I paused. Standing among these beautiful trees I just waited and listened. I started to hear the song of a native bird...well, many native birds. I am still looking to identify the birds - which had a very distinctive song, so please help me out if you can.

Walking through a native forest on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Native Hawaiian bird songs, Big island, Hawaii.

It was incredibly peaceful being still and just listening to the wind in the tree branches and the birds. It's easy to remember why nature has the power to ground, give peace, and rejuvenate the soul.

Being familiar with the environmentalist community here in Hawaii, I have become very aware of how fragile the native vegetation, birds and ecosystems are here. So being in this forest surrounded by nature's sounds was mesmerizing to me.

Native Hawaiian forests may not look like you'd imagine...they are not always lush and tropical-looking, but they hold their own unique beauty. Native forest of Koa, Māmane, `Ohi`a, and other native vegetation, Big Island, Hawaii.

Activists have been fighting to protect our native forests for years, but the fight isn't as widespread as it should be. In my opinion, environmental activism should include every person who has the privilege of stepping foot on these islands, but in contrast it is a small community. Did you know that "Hawai`i is the bird extinction capital of the world" (source: American Bird Conservancy / abcbirds.org)? And where do birds dwell? - in our native forests. Where do birds find their food? - in our native forests. The list goes on and on. This is just ONE example of why our forests are so key.

Sunset light on branches of old growth Koa (Acacia koa) tree.

I fully understand that the environment isn't at the top of everyone's lists. Some may look at the videos and photos in this post and think, it's not that pretty or I have other priorities. I used to feel that way too, but not anymore. For example, it's quite obvious that we cannot live without oxygen, and trees have a huge part in this, as they create oxygen (to learn more about this, visit The Power of One Tree). In addition to needing forests for human survival, I also see native forests as windows into a land where I can view something interesting that I could not see anywhere else...they are unique to the location. I could relate seeing native forests in Hawaii to seeing an incredible lookout point in Utah that showcases a view of canyons and rocky spires - it is unmatched to any other place...Hawaii's native forests are just as incredible and unique as that.

`Ohi`a tree (Metrosideros polymorpha) in full bloom (`Ohi`a Lehua).

The native forests of Hawaii are disappearing fast with climate change and development. Forest fires ravage native growth, mosquitoes are rampant at higher and higher elevations as temperatures rise, and expanding building means cutting of native trees like the `Ohi`a. We must take actions to protect these unique places and species. I have learned a lot about native plants/trees/birds but I still have so much to learn!! This is a journey for me as much as anyone.

Information on conservation of native Hawaiian trees and birds can be found at the following links:

American Bird Conservancy

Saving Hawai`i's Forests

Birds Not Mosquitoes

See some imagery of native Hawaiian trees below:

Paved road through grove of native Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa) trees, Big Island, Hawaii.

New growth on Koa (Acacia koa) tree.

Vivid yellow flowers of the Māmane tree (Sophora chrysophylla).