Forest Restoration
Native Plant Restoration
Rebuilding the understory that holds the whole forest together.
A proposed long-term community stewardship and acquisition initiative currently under development. No public financial participation program is currently being offered.
Project Overview
Native Plant Restoration
Beyond the canopy, a healthy native forest depends on its understory — shrubs, groundcovers, and ferns that hold soil, retain moisture, and shelter wildlife. This project focuses on propagating and planting a diversity of native understory species alongside canopy work.
Why It Matters
The understory is where soil is built and water is held. Without it, even a replanted canopy struggles. A diverse native understory also supports the insects and birds that keep the forest reproducing.
At a Glance
- Project Status
Conceptual — under development
Planning and community-input phase. No active planting underway.
- Acres Involved
To be determined
Acreage will follow canopy restoration priorities. Figures are illustrative only.
- Location
Illustrative — areas adjacent to canopy restoration. Sites to be confirmed through survey.
Project Goals
What this project is working toward
These are aspirational goals for the direction of the work, not commitments that every goal will be achieved.
Propagate a diversity of native understory species
Plant understory alongside canopy restoration
Reduce invasive groundcover through targeted removal
Track understory recovery where monitored
Native Species
Species this work centers on
- Pilo
- Hāpuʻu (tree fern)
- ʻĀkia
- Kōlea lau nui
- Uluhe
Timeline
Project phases
Phase 1 — Survey
Identify native understory remnants and seed sources.
Phase 2 — Propagate
Nursery propagation of diverse native species.
Phase 3 — Plant & Clear
Invasive removal paired with understory planting.
Phase 4 — Monitor
Track diversity and cover over time.
Partners
Who this work depends on
- To be confirmed — conservation crews and community volunteers.
Volunteer Opportunities
Ways to take part
Media
Photos & Video
Project video — to be added
A short project video will be added once documentation is available.
Reports
Project documents
Native Plant Restoration Plan
Preliminary plan. Illustrative draft.
Illustrative draftLatest Updates
Project news
—
No updates yet
Updates will be posted here once nursery and planting activity begin.
Project Metrics
How progress could be tracked
The metrics below are preliminary and illustrative placeholders only. They do not represent actual progress and will be replaced with verified data once field work and monitoring begin.
Acres restored
0
IllustrativeNative species established
0
IllustrativeSeedlings propagated
0
IllustrativeKeep Exploring
Other restoration projects
Koa Forest Restoration
Returning the native canopy to Molokaʻi's upper slopes.
ʻIliahi Restoration
Working toward the return of native Hawaiian sandalwood.
Watershed Restoration
Healing the slopes that feed Molokaʻi's streams and aquifers.
Wildlife Habitat
Restoring the conditions native species need to survive.
Community Volunteer Projects
Bringing kūpuna, keiki, and neighbors into the work of restoration.
Important Notice
This project page describes a concept under development. It is not a promise or guarantee that any specific project, outcome, or acreage will occur. All metrics, timelines, and status notes are preliminary and illustrative. This is a proposed long-term community stewardship and acquisition initiative currently under development. No public financial participation program is currently being offered.