Kauai celebrates Arbor Day this weekend

PUA LOKE — Malia Bradbury of Kekaha found a tree for her son Josh Friday morning at the annual Arbor Day Tree Distribution hosted by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry at its Pua Loke nursery.

“I’m planting this for Josh,” Malia said. “This is perfect because it’s a low land koa and will become big. Josh always used to come and help me with the yard until he passed while trying to save a dog during the last storm. This is perfect.”

Bradbury was one of a steady stream of plant aficionados who visited the annual Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife native plant sale at the Pua Loke nursery.

Peggy Chubb and Don Hoyt of Kapahi said they just bought a farm, recently and needed to look for items for the new property that needs a lot of landscaping.

“The Hibiscus clayi is from the Wailua area,” Hoyt said. “We’re right next door so it should do well?”

The native and endangered plant was just one of several that included the Kauai maile which is known for its fragrance and small leaves.

Arbor Day continues today at the Kukui Grove Center’s parking lot fronting the former Sports Authority sprouts informational exhibits, and more tree giveaways in celebration of Arbor Day.

“Maybe we’ll take in the Saturday event, too,” Chubb said. “We need a lot of plants.”

Arbor day is dedicated to honoring, planting, and enjoying the benefits of trees. Trees provide shade and beauty to homes, or provide fruit for eating. Hawaii celebrated its first official Arbor Day plant and tree sale in 1968 on Kauai.