NMS
is planting a new garden of native Hawaiian plants
on the site of a historical church
on the Kamaoa Road. The church was built in 1864
by Catholic missionaries from France and Belgium,
a group that included Father Damien. Damien was
assigned to the Big island for several years before
being
transferred to Molokai.
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Youth group planting
hala |
 Planted
section with canoe plants |
The
church was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1868
and never used again. The site has been cleared
by NMS over the last three years. Carol Massey
and Diane Nelson have planted a comprehensive collection
of "canoe plants" brought in by Polynesian
voyagers. We also have several endangered species
including some extinct in the wild.
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 |
Cutting
the cake celebrating the garden blessing and opening
ceremony |
Other
sections of the garden feature lei plants, medicinal
plants, food plants and a mostly alahee grove.
The garden
is a work in progress and we welcome volunteers
to plant other areas of the garden. Tours are
given on the second Saturday of each month from
10am - 2 pm.
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Display
describing the canoe plant collection |
Many organizations
including the National Park have offered to help
us obtain plants of endangered species. And we are
always looking for people to come and help with planting
and clearing.
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Fr. George De
Costa gives his blessing
Our
Blessing by Father George de Costa and Grand Opening
was well attended and will become an annual event.
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