MALP Field Trip

Please join MALP and Pat Bily of the Nature Conservancy on Saturday, June 7th as we take a step back in time to hike through intact ecosystems and ancient Hawai`ian forests of Waikamoi. We’ll get to breathe in the essence of a Hawai`i before the modern world caught up, as we tread carefully into the Wao Akua, or realm of the gods. When we drive past the upcountry reservoirs at Kahakapao, the symbolic western edge of the East Maui Watershed, we will see how forestry, ranching, and agriculture are all tied together through the need for water, and the commitment from Maui businesses, government, and conservation agencies to protect that source of water.

This trip requires a moderate hiking level. The air is thinner, and even physically-fit people can get winded on the trails. Weather is unpredictable, so come prepared (it’s not unusual to have rain in the rainforest). You should be in good physical condition, have a tolerance to variations in weather, and not be afraid to get dirty. Be prepared to stay with your group and hike leader for the duration of the hike. Prior to the hike, please let hike organizers know if you have any physical limitations (such as asthma or other breathing difficulties, allergies, leg/ knee problems, heart conditions, etc). Take necessary medications, especially if they help you with challenges associated with hiking in high elevation, un-even terrain. If concerned about your fitness level please contact Pat Bily to discuss the hike conditions - 856 7665 –But us Landscapers are tough!!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING :

• Sturdy footwear (good traction and ankle-support preferred)
• Long pants, layered clothing in the event of cold weather
• Raingear or ponchos
• Water, snacks and lunch
• Sunscreen and/or hat
• Needed medications (allergies, etc)
• Backpack to carry it all and leave your hands free
• And a good attitude!

All gear should be cleaned of mud and other debris that could carry hitchhiking weed seeds!

WHERE TO MEET: At The Nature Conservancy Office parking lot, in Pukalani Square Shopping Center, 81 Makawao Ave. If coming up Haleakala Hwy. (route 37), stay left on Haleakala Hwy when approaching turnoff to Pukalani bearing right. Turn right onto Makawao Ave. (the first traffic signal 8 miles past the Hana Hwy. intersection). Proceed for 150 yards, turning right into Pukalani Square. Please do not park directly in front of the shops. The TNC office is on the second floor of the building at the far end. HOW LONG: To give hikers a chance to experience this area, we ask that you allow a full day: meeting up at 8:30AM and getting back to Pukalani by 3PM. RSVP: Susi Mastroianni, 268 9825 or gardencreationsmaui@mac.com

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a private, non-profit conservation organization with offices world wide. Our mission is "To preserve the plants, animal, and natural communities that represent the diversity of Life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.” We work with other conservation agencies and businesses to enable all concerned parties to safeguard land for future generations.

Pay Bily from the Nature Conservancy will conduct a guided tour of the Maile Trail. Lunch provided.

MALP Educational Meeting

Our speaker for this evening is Dr Jonathan Deenik Soil Fertility and Soil Quality Specialist at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), University of Hawaii at Manoa. Currently he is the Assistant Specialist, Soil Fertility, at the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Dr Deenik holds a PhD in Soil Science from the University of Hawai`i at Manoa.

Healthy, productive soils are the foundation of a secure food system as well as creating healthy and sustainable landscapes and gardens. In Hawaii, where soil properties vary dramatically across the landscape, developing soil management strategies to maintain healthy and productive soils is challenging. Jonathan’s presentation this evening will include basics in soil science, soil formation and classification, soil fertility, soil quality, nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, and organic agriculture.

Dr Deenik is developing a statewide soil nutrient management program related to tillage practices, integrated crop management, land use, and soil productivity, as well as develop applied research and extension programs related to soil nutrient management and teach Introductory soils classes.

His extension program includes an education and training program in soil nutrient management for a wide variety of audiences and an active applied research program involving Hawaii farmers and ranchers.

Dr Deenik is also a member and co-founder of Mohala i ka Wai, a grassroots community group on the Waianae Coast dedicated to preservation and restoration of fresh water resources and the promotion of natural resource conservation based upon the traditional ahupua`a model.

It is easy to forget the importance of a healthy soil and its connection to what we see above the ground, join us for this informative evening on soils.

(Our local CTAHR office at the MCC campus performs inexpensive soil tests. Contact them at 808 244 3242.)

Early on Saturday morning April 5th, over 25 volunteers gathered to work on the juvenile trees that are planted along the Hana Hwy between the Haleakala intersection to Kmart.

photo Susi Mastroianni Back row L-R: Dan Lynch, Jordan Hart, Sue Kiang, Kevin Boteilho, Pam Shingaki, Lisa Raymond, Terry Nutt, Jeffery Turnbull, Jeannie Pezzoli Center Row: Ernest Rezentz, Ken Findeisen, Sherry Sorensen, Glen Shishido Front row: Stefan Uycham, Norman Nagata, John Kidwell, Pam Gould, Donna Mann, Matha Vockrodt, Rob Fergeson, Jim Kinney Volunteers not Pictured: Bruce Martin, Olin Erickson, Ann Conway, Richie Campos, Kiope Raymond, Brian Lieberman, David Kovach

The call went out from the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals (MALP) to structurally prune, fertilize and mulch over 55 trees. Among the volunteers were over seven arborists who helped direct the tree pruning. Mulch was donated from Richard Langford, Donald Decoit and largely by Eko Compost. The Eko mulch was delivered to site by David Kovach of All Organic Landscaping, who also saved the day by delivering piles of mulch to each tree with his front end loader. Injectable pesticide to protect the trees from borers was donated by Ken Findeisen of Hawaii Grower Products and will be administered by Pam Gould of Yards and Gardens. The Maui division of the Department of Transportation donated fertilizer and Roundup to kill the grass around the tree wells.

photo Donna Mann Ann Conway on the ground and Sherry Sorensen on the ladder

photo Susi Mastroianni   Mahalo HiSCO for loading and dumping the trash!

Ernie Rezents spearheaded the project. He and others were instrumental in the original planting of the trees. With the welcomed rains that followed the next week, we hope to see the trees spring to life with new growth. In time the Monkeypod’s, Royal Poinciana’s and Kukui Nut trees will provide a beautiful canopy for that stretch of road. Well done to all the volunteers who gave of their time to help make Maui no ka oi!