Recently I was fortunate enough to be part of a small group of volunteers planting endemic Silverswords at Haleakala's summit. It was an early, windy morning and absolutely beautiful. Conditions at Haleakala's summit are harsh, and these tough little plants are a part of a small group of plant and animal species that can withstand the extremes. Lead on by park botanist, Michelle Osgood, volunteers planted over 100 silverswords that morning! It was part of a statewide effort led by ReTree Hawaii to plant trees across all the islands.
I've always loved visiting Haleakala, the wild landscape holds a very special place in my heart. It was amazing to give back to a place so special to me, and for a cause so close to my heart. Hoping to dive into other volunteer efforts around Maui again soon.
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020Trays of 1 year old ʻāhinahina or 'Silverswords' (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) ready for planting!
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020Park botanist Michelle Osgood educates volunteers about the ʻāhinahina.
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020It was a cold and windy morning atop the mauna (mountain).
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020Volunteer Carl Yoshihara lifts a tray of keiki silverswords to be planted near the park summit.
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020The silverswords were planted near the start of Haleakala's famous 'Sliding Sands' trail (Keonehe'ehe'e).
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020Osgood outlining the planting area for volunteers with Haupa‘Akea Peak in the background.
Haleakala Silversword Planting 2020Park botanist Michelle Osgood showing off a naturally occurring hybrid (left) between the Āhinahina and Kūpaoa (Dubautia menziesii) next to a silversword (right).