A model of environmental restoration Change one thing in an ecosystem, and the domino effect can threaten each plant and animal — even the ground and water. But restore the land, and you might be amazed by how Mother Nature responds. In northwest Moloka‘i, along a remote and hard-to-get-to shoreline, the Molokai Land Trust has created a model of environmental restoration. The ‘aina, once degraded by human activity and runoff from cows and goats, has been improved. Rare native plants are flourishing. The plants lose very little water to evaporation, so the ground is supporting more life and recharging the aquifer and cold springs along the shoreline, thus sustaining the brackish water that is essential for marine reproduction. Then came the animals. The waters abound with marine life. The endangered Hawaiian Yellow-faced Bee, an important pollinator of the ‘ōhi‘a flower and other native plants, has expanded with new colonies. The nearthreatened Layson Albatross is seen regularly, landing to roost and feed — and fertilize the soil. “Everyone from schoolchildren to deer hunters lends a hand.
Fishermen are rolling up their sleeves and asking how can they support us,” says executive director Butch Hasse. “We are teaching students how to collect data, track species diversity, and identify nonnative vs native plants. We’re hiring local people — jobs are hard to come by on Moloka‘i — for jobs that preserve the island.” “People in Moloka‘i know what’s best for their community. They’ve observed the environmental changes over time, they have the drive to make it better,” adds Larissa Senior Program Officer of Community Grants & Investments. “We are pleased to support this grassroots project, especially since there isn’t a lot of other funding available.” Restoring the ‘aina, bringing the community together, teaching students the science of their island — that’s the big promise of little things. “Seabird deposits build resiliency into our ecosystem, they help native plants and the ecosystem adjust to climate change.” ~ Butch Haase Executive Director Molokai Land Trust
DID YOU KNOW: The Community Restoration Partnership is a partnership of local and national funders convened by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to support the stewardship of nearshore marine ecosystems by community-based organizations throughout Hawai‘i. Learn how you can transform your generosity into lasting change at
HawaiiCommunityFoundation.org