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Older News Releases

Maui News January 15

Maui News, June 8

Mauinews

Trail ride on Saturday May 31st to benefit hospital

 

Maui News, May 21

Mauinews

Kihei youth work together to plant 50 native seedlings into the
Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe on a Choice Mentorship Field Trip in March

 

Maui News, Nov.6th

Mauinews

 

August 2-4, 2013
Click: Scouts “Adopt a Forest”

 

May 29, 2013 The Maui News
Mauinews

Maui’s Saddle Up St. Jude Trail Ride on April 13 raised more than $10,000 in donations
for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Fifty-five horses and riders began from Thompson Road and proceeded through Ulupalakua Ranch to the
Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe for lunch.

Nate Holmes earned the first-place buckle, garnering $1,305 in pledges. The Thompson family of Thompson Ranch has
organized Maui’s St. Jude Trail Ride for 21 years, generating more than $325,000 in donations.

Riders from No Ka Oi Horsemanship Barn were among 55 horses and riders for the 21st St. Jude trail ride

All funds donated go directly to helping the children at the hospital who have cancer and other serious illnesses.

 

March 21-2013 MPD+ KYC

NEWS-RELEASE--March-21-2013--MPD+-KYC1400Click to enlarge

 

 

MAUI NEWS ARTICLE JANUARY 30, 2013

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Thank-You Letters
December 9, 2012

The Maui News

The D.T. Fleming Arboretum would like to publicly thank Boy Scout Troop 100 of Kula for a successful “Camping for Volunteers” program in November. We would like to express a special thank you to Eli Resnick, John Williamson and Julian Askov for succeeding with their volunteer projects “above and beyond expectations.” They not only hauled arboretum pruning to the mulch site for chipping as planned, they raked and cleaned the trails, exemplifying goal-oriented leadership and pride of accomplishment.

Troop 100’s report on the perimeter fence condition and ungulate activity contributes valuable information for continued deer and pig control. Their ambitious exploration through dense brush and wattle determined the best route for an access trail to a future campground on North Hill.

We would like to acknowledge with appreciation the leadership of Scout Master Rex Williamson, and the assistance of camp counselors David Askov and Greg Resnik who made the projects possible.

Thank you Troop 100 for your partnership developing Pu’u Mahoe’s native forest and habitat as a conservation and educational resource for Maui and all Hawaii.

Martha Vockrodt-Moran, Program Manager

“Camping for Volunteers,” Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum

 

September 19, 2012

Troop 14 Scouts earn Eagle Awards

May 2012

Wehiwehi O Leileihua dancers perform in the Fleming Arboretum
for the 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Click to enlarge

May 2012 celebrates Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe’s 10 Year Anniversary. The blessing, chant and hula were performed by Gordeene Bailey and her halau Wehiwehi O Leileihua at the anniversary celebration on May 5.

Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe (FOFA) was created in 2002 to continue the work and vision of David Thomas Fleming: to preserve Maui’s dry land forest plant species for the restoration of watershed and native habitat on the southern slopes of Haleakala.

In ten years FOFA has transformed the 60 year old Arboretum from a museum of rare trees to a viable seed resource and plant recovery reserve for Maui’s dry land plant species. The Arboretum has been recognized as a leading Community Garden in all Hawaii with the 2011 Scenic Hawaii Legacy Award and the 2011 Betty Crocker Community Garden Award of Excellence. Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum (FOFA) continues to develop Pu’u Mahoe as a premier conservation and education resource for Maui and of all Hawaii.

Click here to read it in the Maui News

September 5, 2012 Boy Scouts Volunteer at Pu‘u Mahoe

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May 2012 -Fleming Arboretum 10th Anniversary

Click here to read the Maui News Story

June 2012 -Rock Work Shop

Click here to read the Maui News story

June-August 2012 Plein Air Workshops for Youth

Click here to read the story with a picture

July 20, 2011 -The Maui News: Fleming Arboretum, Maui Nui Gardens Capture Awards

Click to read the Maui News Release

July 18, 2011 -Star Advertiser: Haleakala Slopes home to Prestigious Arboretum

Click here to read the Star Advertiser Release

July 17, 2011 -Cooke Foundation Supports Fleming Arboretum

Click here to read the Maui News Release

May 27, 2011 -Boy Scouts Pitch in at Fleming Arboretum

Click here to read the Maui News Release

May 4, 2011 -Fleming Arboretum hosts St Jude Trail Ride

Click here to read Maui News Article

April 7, 2010

Protecting island roots

7 native trees in the Fleming Arboretum among newest additions to Maui County’s ‘exceptional trees’
By ILIMA LOOMIS, Staff Writer
The Maui News
Click here to read Maui News article

March 24, 2010

Atherton Family Foundation Grant

Fleming Arboretum friends receive $5,000 grant

ULUPALAKUA – The Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum has received a $5,000 grant from Atherton Family Foundation for Campground Development. The money will define the parking area with a 75 foot Kiawe railing, provide water storage, and develop camping areas.

Camping for volunteers will inspire greater involvement by community and youth groups in the Arboretum and its conservation projects. Educational programs to improve appreciation of the importance of native watershed restoration will be enhanced, making possible a greater range of activities.

The D.T. Fleming Arboretum was planted in 1952 by David Thomas Fleming for the preservation of Maui’s dry land forest species. It is Hawaii’s oldest and largest native arboretum and Maui’s largest living collection of native Hawaiian species.

Conservation and educational projects at the Arboretum help preserve and perpetuate Hawaii’s cultural and natural resources. The non-profit sponsors free monthly Arboretum tours, educational workshops and volunteer workdays, providing “a unique and enriching experience for Hawaii’s community and visitors.”

To register for a tour or volunteer workday, call 572-1097.

February 19, 2010

February 14, 2010

Thank you letter to Fleming Arboretum from Jewish Congregation in Maui News

The Jewish Congregation of Maui would like to say a huge mahalo to the D.T. Fleming Arboretum for its gracious hospitality Jan. 31.We celebrated Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees, with Fern Duvall and Martha Vockrodt-Moran. We were given a wonderful tour of the arboretum and participated in planting five new trees and plants. Everyone was overwhelmed by how beautiful the location and the views were. Thank you very much for this wonderful experience and for the opportunity to help more in the future.

B’shalom – In peace, Jewish Congregation of Maui

December 23, 2009

Boeing Company donates 10,000 to Fleming Arboretum for environmental education

Click here to read news release -from the Maui News

Dcember20.2009

Thankyou letter to Fleming Arboretum from Waldorff School/Virginia FishMaui News Community Page-Thank you Letters 12/20/09
I want to thank Martha Vockrodt and the Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum so very much for the great day my 5th-graders and I had at the Fleming Arboretum.

Haleakala Waldorf School provides educational experiences through participation, and you gave that plus a good deal of aloha spirit. I think we were both very pleased by how well the children remembered the important things you shared.

They shared their excitement with everyone on campus when we returned, and were able to describe the plants they won from your ingenious quiz time. Most importantly, you gave them an awareness of the plants of this land and the balance all life requires. The children are dedicated to the propagation of the endangered plants you described so well. Your passion and enthusiasm inspired them.

A teacher only can pray to have a day as productive and beautiful as what you and the beauty of Pu’u Mahoe provided. The experience is alive and a part of the children. They already look forward to our next trip, when we can work, clear and, we hope, share plants propagated from the seeds you gave, of na’u ,’ohe, naio and pili grass.
We have begun a rich educational exchange between Fleming Arboretum and Haleakala Waldorf School, and I look forward to continuing it through the years.
Virginia Fish
Fifth-grade teacher
Haleakala Waldorf School

July 29, 2009 -The Maui News

NEW FACILITY AT FLEMING ARBORETUM

Construction of a bathroom, locking shed and workshop facility at the D.T. Fleming Arboretum in Ulupalakua is now completed with County final inspection approval. This $45,000 project was made possible by grants from Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation, Atherton Family Foundation, Cooke Foundation, Bank of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Charitable Foundation, and Alexander & Baldwin Foundation.

Completion of this two year project makes possible expansion of educational programs at the Fleming Arboretum and will increase efficiency of Arboretum operations. Martha Vockrodt-Moran, President of Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum, stated:” Especially exciting is the potential for overnight camping for youth groups to excite kids to visit Pu’u Mahoe and participate in our conservation work. Our next step is to purchase furnishings including a black board, shelving and tables and develop parking, trails and campground areas.”

Friends of D,T, Fleming Arboretum (FOFA) was created in 2002 to help fund the preservation of the Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe cinder cone in Ulupalakua. Planted by agriculture missionary David Thomas Fleming in 1952, the Arboretum is Hawaii’s oldest and largest native arboretum and Maui’s largest living collection of native flora.

FOFA sponsors a volunteer workday the second Saturday of each month and a free tour the last Saturday of each month.

 

August 30, 2009 -The Maui News
Fleming Arboretum Receives Castle Grant

Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum (FOFA) has received a $5,000 grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation for educational outreach programs to improve appreciation of the importance of watershed restoration and habitat enhancement. Funding will assist expansion in the number and range of educational programs at the D.T. Fleming Arboretum in Ulupalakua.

FOFA’s work parallels Harold Castle’s goals for enhanced youth education and care of our natural resources for Hawaii’s future; for watershed restoration and erosion control; for clean rivers and runoff into out oceans, for the strengthening and pride of community, actively participating in conservation.

The D.T. Fleming Arboretum was planted in 1952 by David Thomas Fleming for the preservation of Maui’s dry land species. It is Hawai’i’s oldest and largest native arboretum and Maui’s largest living collection of native Hawaiian species.

October 22, 2009 -The Maui News

Wildlife inspires art at Malama Wao Akua

Artists used nature as their muse during the annual Malama Wao Akua juried art exhibition. Organized by the East Maui Watershed Partnership and Viewpoints Gallery, artists were challenged to create works with the theme Maui Nui native plants and wildlife.

The exhibition will show Friday to Nov. 10, with a blessing and awards ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Viewpoints Gallery in Makawao.

Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe helped inspire the artists through free tours and overnight camping in preparation for this year’s art show. Two weekends in September were dedicated to artist tours followed by an afternoon of sketching, painting and photography and an overnight camping trip. Fern Duvall, DLNR wildlife biologist for Maui Nui, guided artists through the D.T. Fleming Arboretum – Maui’s largest collection of Maui native species. A total of 45 artists participated in the two weekend event.

The D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Pu’u Mahoe is a statewide seed bank and a unique dry-land plant recovery reserve protecting and perpetuating rare dry-land species for the restoration of native habitat and dry-land watershed. The artists were introduced to more than 50 Maui native plant species in flower during the event.

 

August 2008

The D.T.Fleming Arboretum Receives 2008 Keep It Hawai’i Award

Fleming Arboretum Received the 2008 Keep It Hawai’i -Lehua Maka Noe Award “for demonstrating a commitment to the growth and development of Hawaiian Culture.”
The Pu’u Mahoe Arboretum was established over 55 years ago to impede the unrelenting destruction of native plant species. Today, the arboretum has become a statewide seed bank for rare native species. Through the tireless dedication of Martha Vockrodt-Moran and the Friends of Fleming Arboretum, many Native Hawaiian plant species are not only being preserved but also propagated. Preservation of these Native Hawaiian plants allows visitors and kama’aina of all ages to become educated and see firsthand the commitment and necessity for preserving the native plants of Hawai’i.
Conservation and educational projects at the Fleming Arboretum work to preserve and perpetuate Hawai’i’s cultural and natural resources, providing a unique and enriching experience for the Hawaiian community, students and Hawai’i’s visitors.Cousins Jim and Joanie Fleming from Kailua, Oahu attended the ceremony on Oahu to receive the engraved plaque.

October 2008

ULUPALAKUA – A $5,000 donation from the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation will help the Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum at Puu Mahoe to complete work on a bathroom, locking shed and workshop facility.
CLICK HERE to read complete article

March 23, 2008

To THE MAUI NEWS

“Community Supports the Fleming Arboretum”

Submitted by Martha Vockrodt-Moran

President /Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum

#2625A Olinda Rd., Makawao, Maui, HI 96768

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS THE FLEMING ARBORETUM

Installation of two important projects at the D.T.Fleming Arboretum have been completed: a Kiawe railing and a Kiawe entrance archway. The 90 foot railing helps hikers maintain footing on a steep cinder area within the Arboretum. The 9 foot Kiawe archway is at the entrance into the Arboretum and will hang the Arboretum entrance sign.
A Maui Rotary grant for $1025 paid for the Kiawe and delivery for both projects. A donation of $868 from the Kaunoa Class of ’57- 50 Year Reunion helped pay for installation of the Kiawe railing, noted by an engraved brass plaque on the railing. The balance of the installation costs were paid by individual donations to Friends of the D.T.Fleming Arboretum. An engraved plaque on the entrance archway acknowledges The Maui Rotary.

Installation was done by Terry Quisenberry and Henrik Lyons with assistance from David Moran of Pacific Equipment LLC who volunteered his excavator.” Kiawe, a long lasting hard wood, commonly used for fence posts in Hawai’i, was chosen for durability and asthetics. These proud projects will be still standing strong in 50 years.”

The D.T.Fleming Arboretum was planted in 1952 by David Thomas Fleming for the preservation of Maui’s dryland species. It is Hawai’i’s oldest and largest native arboretum.
Click Here to see the completed Kiawe entryway. & Click Here to see the completed Kiawe railing.

March 3, 2008

Friends of Fleming Arboretum was honored to be recipient
of Kamehameha School Hoi’ke Nui Senior Project by Alea Keomaka on the
importance of Native Hawaiian plants. The presentation occurred at the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, Makawao Maui, on
March 3rd. Her contributions were 4 framed photographs of native Hawaiian
plants complete with identification plaques that will be hung in
the Fleming cabin.
Click Here to view Alea’s images in the 2008 Photo Gallery.

November 26, 2007

The Maui Invasive Species Award goes to FOFA. Read the Maui News article.

The Maui Invasive Species 2007 Award goes to … Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum with acknowledgment to David and Martha Moran. The Hawaiian Islands are under siege by an infestation of invasive species that continue to find their way to our shores. Our efforts are ongoing. (L-R) Susie Mastroianni, Teya Penniman, Martha & David Moran, and Kuhea Paracuelles. Read Maui News Article ” Invasive Species Fighting Honored.”

November 25, 2007

”Legacy, Rarity Thrive on Maui.”

Read the Honolulu Star Bulletin article about D.T. Fleming Arboretum.

November 9, 2007

First Replanting of the Kula Forest Reserve by Seabury Hall High School Students Volunteers included Ohe seedlings from the D.T. Fleming Arboretum.

Read The Maui News article, “Adding a Touch of Green to Black.”

November, 2007

“An Expert in Her Field.” FOFA Board member Anna Palomino.

August 2007

HAWAIIAN TREE OUT-PLANTING & IDENTIFICATION

In 2007, the D.T. Fleming Arboretum grew even larger with the addition of 250 seedlings of 51 species, 12 being new species to the arboretum! The $17,500.00 project was funded by a grant from Kaulunani, an urban forestry program of the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service with matching funds from the Maui Gardening Club and FOFA. Maui’s Native Hawaiian Plant Society, the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals
and FOFA provided the volunteer labor which helped make the project a success!

July, 2007

MAUI COUNTY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DONATES $6,385 TO “PROJECT HEALTH”

Click here for press release.

June, 2007

HEI DONATES $5000 TO SHED / LUA / CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION

Click here for press release.

May 31, 2007

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE – MauiHoney Bee Mite Status by Cheryl Ambrozic

(Maui Time Weekly newspaper article May 31, 2007)

May 28, 2007

FLEMING ARBORETUM TO EXPAND EFFORTS WITH GRANT – From the Maui News

ULUPALAKUA – With the assistance of a state-federal forestry grant, the Friends of D.T. Fleming Arboretum will expand its efforts to restore native Hawaiian plants and will offer a series of workshops on planting native species.

The friends received a $7,877 grant from Kaulunani, an urban forestry program of the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service.

The grant will support two arboretum programs:

” Acquiring and planting more native tree species in the arboretum on the southern slope of Puu Mahoe cinder cone on Haleakala.

” Upgrading irrigation and labeling the Hawaiian plants.

The arboretum also will offer free instruction on how to plant and care for native Hawaiian plants. Arborist Tai Kanoa Domen will teach every Tuesday in June and July from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A certified arborist and owner of Alihilani Arborcare LLC, Kanoa Domen follows standards of the International Society of Arboriculture and the American National Standards Institute, according to the friends announcement.

To sign up for the classes and to arrange entry to the arboretum, call 572-1097.

The arboretum was founded in the 1950s by Maui agricultural and horticultural pioneer D.T. Fleming to help save Maui’s endemic trees. Seeing the loss of native dryland forests from cattle and drought, Fleming set up the arboretum on a site at the edge of Auwahi forest at 2,600 feet.

The arboretum provides protection to about 245 trees and 92 native species, of which 19 are listed as endangered Hawaiian tree species. It includes the last seed-producing alani, Melicope knudsenii, which is being restored to the Auwahi area.

FOFA was formed in 2002 to support the arboretum’s work, preserve native plants, educate the public about the role of native plants in Hawaii’s environment and offer classes, workshops and tours.

Click here for news release

May 23, 2007

RARE TREE TO BE PLANTED IN AUWAHI – From the Maui News

Four seedlings of the rare Alani tree will be planted by the Maui Restoration Group during an excursion to Auwahi on Saturday. The group, which is rebuilding a native ecosystem on the southern slope of Haleakala, will be adding a tree so rare, only one is currently growing in the wild. The Alani, or Melicope knudsenii, seedlings were grown by Orchids of Olinda Hoolawa Farms, from seed grown at the D.T.Fleming Arboretum from theonly seed producing Alani in existence. Volunteers are invited to join the excursion. To RSVP call #572-4471 or email ULUPALAKUA – [email protected]

November 3, 2006

Ernest Rezents Nominated Honorary Chair for Arbor Week Maui 2006.

Ernest has made countless contributions to the good of Maui County. As a professor at Maui Community College, he taught many students to love the green environment. He is responsible for training the certified arborist on island. He served as chairman for the Arborist Committee in the past and now serves on the Subdivision Standards Committee. He is currently updating the Maui County Planting Plan. He led the effort to plant Hana Highway from Dairy Road to Haleakala Highway. For these reasons he is honored and chosen chair by the Maui County Arbporist Committee.

October 12, 2006

Kamehameha School Art Students Receive Awards. Click here

Thank you very much, first of all, for providing these art students for the opportunity to learn from the Fleming Arboretum. Ms. Moran was a gracious host and the kids really got attached to her quickly. Mr. Kushner’s great talents and the Hui No Eau’s efforts has benefited these individuals in such a positive way. We are even more greatful for the surprise for these gifts to recognize our students’ artworks. Many thank you’s to the donors and their families. Last but not least, thank you to the D.T. Fleming Arboretum staff for such a wonderful experience. I will spread the word around of it’s great educational opportunities for our young Hawaiians.

Mahalo nui loa,

Levi Mason

HS Art Teacher and HS Cheer Coach

Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus

270 ‘A’apueo Pkwy

Pukalani, HI 96768

Office and Voicemail 808-573-7018

August 2006

Elliot Cost’s Award-winning Film of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum to Be Shown Nationally

In May Elliot won the Maui County short film/documentary award for his video about the D.T. Fleming Arboretum. His winning entry represented Maui at the Sister Cities International Competition in Washington, D.C. His video was selected as one of the 14 entries to be shown nationally.

• Click here to read news release.

May 2006

FOFA Board Member Receives Outdoor Circle Award (See Nomination)

Elliot Cost Receives a Gold Award for his “D.T. Fleming Arboretum” Video.
Elliot Cost received a Gold Award for his video “D.T.Fleming Arboretum” in the Hawaii Student Film Festival on Oahu. The filming was done New Years day on a tour of the Fleming Arboretum with his family.Elliot attends Seabury Hall on Maui and is son of well-known artist Curtist Cost.

Fleming Arboretum Participates in Maui County Summer Fun Program (See Events)

April 2006

Elliot Wilson Cost of Seabury was winner in the Maui County Young Artist Competition with the Theme “What Does Global Citizenship Look Like?”. Elliot won in the short film/documentary category for his film about the D.T. Fleming Arboretum
. His winning entry will represent Maui at the Sister Cities International Competition in Washington, D.C.

Grant Approvals 2005

A&B FOUNDATION – $1000 helps fund “Project Mulch”

ATHERTON FAMILY FOUNDATION – $3000 funds $2000 for “Project Mulch” & $1000 for Irrigation Automation

COOKE FOUNDATION – $2500 for partnership in “Project Mulch”

FRED BALDWIN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION – $3000 funds Arboretum Plant Inventory & Map

HAWAII COMMUNITY FOUNDATION funds travel to Hawaii Conservation Conference

November 20, 2005

Martha Vockrodt-Moran received the 2nd annual Malama Kula Award
from the Kula Community Association for her work to help save the rare Alani.

August 20, 2005

D.T. Fleming is awarded “Citizen of the Century” for the County of Maui Centenial Celebration.

Click here for the nomination of David Thomas Fleming

May 28, 2005

Eight Alani seedlings have been planted back into the Auwahi Forest, their home of origin, alongside the only Alani living in the wild. Seedlings were made possible by the only other surviving Alani living at the Fleming Arboretum. Cross-pollination of these two trees are the Alani’s hope for survival. Click for articles appearing in the The Maui News or Honolulu Star-Bulletin announcing this historical event.

October 2004

Arboretum Now Harbors a Total of 5 Alani Seedlings

Three Alani (Melicope knudsenii) seedlings volunteered under the mother tree for the first time ever (May ’04), most likely due to the unusually wet year. Arlene Taus (July. ’04) plants three Alani seedlings to area near mother tree – one of the volunteers plus two from Dan Judson’s Aug. ’03 propagation sucess. Together with the two outplantings in March, the Arboretum now harbors 5 outplanted Alani.

March 2004

A Monumental Accomplishment for Hawaii!

Outplanting of the first successful propapgation of the Alani (Melicope knudsenii) – propagated by Anna Palomino. Here, Arlene Taus, plant professional, poses with seedlings propagated from the last viable tree in existence. These two Alani from Anna Palomino’s propagation of August ’02 seed were planted in wire cages for protection from the wild peacocks. Seedlings were planted with soil from under the mother tree.

July 2004

25 Ala’a seedlings were donated to the DLNR for the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

To be held November 6, 2004 at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului.

‘ALA’A Pouteria sandwicensis – Auwahi (mother tree)

Grant Approvals 2004

  • Cooke Foundation has given $3500 for irrigation to “Project Plant”
  • Hawaii Community Foundation provided travel funds for Conservation Conference 2004
  • Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation funded a $2000 grant for Project Plant Phase I.
  • A&B Foundation has given the Arboretum $1000 to help pay for maintenance for Phase I of Project Plant.
  • Atherton Family Foundation donated $5000 for maintnenance upgrade and habitat expansion, which includes Phase II of Project Plant.
  • The USDA has approved a $22,000 grant to re-fence the 7-acre Arboretum with hog wire, replacing the 50-year-old rotten fence. Tree clearing for the project began in March 2004. When the job is complete, the Arboretum will have new pig fencing, 3 new gates and over an acre of additional area cleared for out-planting.

Click here for more information about these Grants

February 17, 2004

Hawaii Rare Plant Recovery Group (HRPRG)

Lisa Schattenbrug-Raymond, representing the Maui Chapter of HRPRG, presented the Fleming Arboretum’s Propagation Research Reports of the Alani (Melicope knudsenii) at the Lyon Arboretum on Oahu. Our research reports are avaliable on this website. Click here to see them.

Winter 2004

M.V-M. photo

M.V-M. photo

It’s been a wet winter. Although drip irrigation is installed on all Arboretum trees, the timers have been turned off since October ’03. The Arboretum’s dryland species only need irrigation during drought. Holei (Ochrosia haleakalae), a fragrant,, miniature plumeria – seed from an old tree in Auwahi. It is a favorite to use as a complimentary gift from the Arboretum for special events. (November 25, 2003)

November 25, 2003

FOFA was invited to make a lecture presentation for the Maui Association of Landscape Professionals. The subject was to share the Fleming Arboretum accomplishments for 2003 and plans for 2004. Strong in its mission of preservation through protection, propagation and distribution, Holei plants (above right), the native miniature plumeria, were given as Arboretum gifts to the public. The Holei were seed from the Auwahi Forest, propagated by Hoolawa Farms. `Ahinaahina (Artemesia mauiensis var. diffusa), a silver bush native to the southern slopes of Maui, was the grand prize in a ticket drawing. It will be planted at the Maui Tropical Plantation.


Support Flourishes for D.T. Fleming Arboretumm – 2003

The newly formed non-profit, Friends of the D.T. Fleming Arboretum, has received generous support from foundations, volunteers and individual donors to help care for the Fleming Arboretum in Ulupalakua.

Linda Turnbull photo

The Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation has granted $3,500 to pay a certified arborist to prune trees. Soil aeration and irrigation is also being addressed under this grant. This work will greatly enhance health and viability of the trees for their preservation.

Kaulunani, an urban forestry program of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the USDA Forest Service, is funding plant identification. Bob Hobdy and Dr. Fern Duvall made the first big step by completing plant identification. The seven-acre Arboretum will be labeled uniformly with engraved plaques on galvanized steel stakes.

The A & B Foundation has provided funding for administrative costs in 2003. This funding will help with plant identification and create an updated species inventory and Arboretum map.

In August 2003, 16 prominent nurseries, botanists and research laboratories in Hawaii received seeds from the Fleming Arboretum. They have enthusiastically volunteered their time and nursery space for propagation. Propagation research will be collaborated on the Alani Melicope knudsenii, the only viable tree in existence found in the Fleming Arboretum.

With support from individual donors, Friends of Fleming Arboretum has been able to provide additional funding for educational workshops, some basic maintenance, as well as progressive projects. The Maui Sierra Club, the Maui Garden Club and the Kihei-Wailea Citizen Beach Patrol have provided regular volunteer workdays to carry out these projects.

Donations from nurseries and botanists have supplied rare and valuable seedlings to help the Arboretum toward its goal of having a complete collection of the Auwahi Forest species.

It’s been a progressive year thanks to all our supporters. With such strong inertia forward and continued support, this next year will flaunt even more successes.

Thank You,

Martha Vockrodt-Moran, President


Wish List 2004

EXISTING ARBORETUM UPGRADE

• A toolshed and lua (bathroom with flush toilet) at the Arboretum.

• Plant inventory and Arboretum map.

• Trail reinforcement supplies.

• New roof on water tank.

• Solar panel & new solar timers to replace battery timers.

• A chipper to make mulch from Pu’u Mahoe prunings and tree clearing.

• Continuing fenceline clearing for firebreak & protection from falling trees.

• Arborist work to prune the large Arboretum trees, as well as the large Eucalyptus threatening the Arboretum.

FUTURE ARBORETUM EXPANSION

• Water tank and irrigation supplies for newly cleared & fenced one acre above existing Arboretum.

• Clear additional 8 acres of wattle for future outplanting.

• Upgrade campground with flush toilet and outside shower for volunteers & youth groups.

Vision for the Future

To restore
Pu’u Mahoe cinder cone to the original rolling hills, free of wattle,
allowing more land for reforestation with native plants endemic to
the area.

To create a simulation of the Auwahi Forest with natives competing with each other, rather
than with invasive, alien species…with upper- middle- and lower-story
dryland species amongst a carpet of native grasses and ground covers…a
habitat for native birds and insects…”a vignette” of primitve
Hawaii.

Bob Bangerter photo

At this time only 7 of the 16.2 acres are planted with native species. Approximately 8 acres are covered in wattle, wasting valuable area for conservation, as well as a fire hazard to the existing Arboretum.