The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Lyon Arboretum helped to seed more than 100 trees for a 1,000-tree giveaway event at UH’s College Hill on November 12.
Available varieties included avocado, hau (sea hibiscus), kalo (taro), koa, kukui (candlenut), false wiliwili, monkeypod, mountain apple, palms, papaya, plumeria, ti leaf, ʻulu (breadfruit) and many others. Attendees were able to take home a tree at no cost. The biennial event is hosted by the Mānoa Outdoor Circle.
“Lyon is Mānoa’s own arboretum and botanical garden, so we thought it was a great opportunity to collaborate with other environmental groups like Mānoa Outdoor Circle and Mālama Mānoa to host a tree-centric community event like this,” said Tim Kroessig, Lyon Arboretum horticulture manager. “Tree giveaways and plant sales are a great way to connect with the community and let them know about the importance of green spaces and the benefits of trees.”
Jackie Osumi is a spring 2022 UH Mānoa graduate in biology and serves on the board of the Mānoa Outdoor Circle.
“The 1,000 tree giveaway is our biennial event that perfectly aligns with our organization’s mission of keeping our beautiful Mānoa clean, green and beautiful!” Osumi said. “Being born and raised in this beautiful valley, I am so fortunate to be a part of an organization that values taking care of the land and preserving the place I call home. I am truly excited for those who come out and get a tree! Let’s fight climate change one step at a time!”
Lyon Arboretum also helped to seed trees for a tree adoption event on the UH Mānoa campus on November 4 to celebrate Arbor Day in Hawaiʻi.
Although Arbor Day in Hawaiʻi officially falls on the first Friday in November, Kroessig said every day is Arbor Day at Lyon Arboretum and welcomes visitors to enjoy the benefits and beauty of trees. For hours of operation and how to visit the arboretum, visit Lyon’s website.
—By Marc Arakaki
