Plant Native
Check out the links below for ways to incorporate native species in your landscaping and gardening
Downloadable PDFs:
- Buy Native, It Matters poster [pdf]
- Best Native Plants for Landscapes article [pdf]
- Native Hawaiian Plants for Landscaping, Conservation, and Reforestation article [pdf]
Web Links:
Native plant nurseries and other sources on Oʻahu:
- Harold L. Lyon Arboretum
- Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens
- Foster Botanical Garden
- Hui Kū Maoli Ola
- Koʻolau Farmers
- Home Depot
- Native Plant Source (808) 227-2019 or nativeplantsource@gmail.com
Conserve Water Resources
Monitor your water usage and look for ways to reduce it:
- take shorter showers;
- do full loads of laundry or dishes;
- water your lawn or garden in the coolest parts of the day to reduce evaporation. Water less often or use rainwater if possible;
- plant gardens according to the climate where you live: gardens with xeriscape plants need less watering in drier climates, while rain gardens with water-loving plants help to catch and infiltrate more water in wetter areas.
Prevent Pollution
- Reduce your use of garden and household chemicals and properly dispose of any hazardous chemical substances such as motor oil or old medications.
- Maintain vehicles and septic systems to prevent leaks.
- Pick up pet waste to keep excess nutrients and bacteria out of water bodies.
Hike Pono
- Prevent the spread of invasive plants by checking your boots and gear for seeds when hiking in forested areas.
- Follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace
Support Watershed Programs and Legislation
Sign up with the Hawaii State Legislature to review bills and resolutions and submit your written testimony to support state funding for watershed protection projects.