Over 1,400 volunteers put almost 11,000 plants in the ground at 68 events in November 2021.

Individuals, organizations and counties are planting trees and other plants across the state throughout the month of November. Every plant contributes to reducing the effects of climate change and beautifying our islands.

This year’s effort follows on last year’s successful November planting campaign, when people came together on six of the seven populated Hawaiian islands as well as Kaho’olawe to increase the number of trees and other plants binding carbon and releasing oxygen in the state.

Locations where planting happened last year, along with pictures and reports, can be viewed on a map or gallery at retree-hawaii.org/planting.

Rob Weltman, chief organizer of ReTree Hawaii, spearheaded the campaign last year, stating, “Planting trees is one of the most effective actions ordinary citizens can take to mitigate climate change.”

There will be planting activities across the state throughout November this year at conservation areas, parks, schools, churches, open space areas, hotels and resorts, farms and many other sites.

Volunteer activities may be directed toward clearing and other ground preparation, wind barriers as well as getting additional plants in the ground.

Andy Fox with Friends of Haleakala said, “We are happy to see so many schools participating this year, after the many COVID restrictions kept most schools away for two years. It’s a great opportunity to learn how valuable trees are for a healthy environment.”

Organizations can register one or more dates for planting activities in November at retree-hawaii.org/planting. An event may be open to the general public or intended for employees, congregation members or students. Once an event has been registered, volunteers can sign up to come help out if it is an open event.

From Montessori School of Maui, Jeff Friedman underscored the significance for our time: “If there were ever a moment in the story of human civilization when botanical biodiversity translated to the survival of our species, that precipitous moment is now, in this decade. Putting plants in the hands of keiki and the hands of keiki in the earth results in a beautiful experience of owning that responsibility within the web of life.”

Those wanting to participate in a planting event can go to retree-hawaii.org/planting and find a nearby location to sign up for. Work groups and classes are welcome to many of them. Individuals unable to participate in a planting event can choose to plant at home instead and report the results at retree-hawaii.org/planting.

Chief organizer Weltman added, “Our islands are very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Trees suck up and bind carbon dioxide and give us oxygen in return. They also bind the soil, which will help as we face more extreme weather events.”

Read more about ReTree Hawaii and the many supporting organizations at retree-hawaii.org.