We began on MONDAY with Chris Miller, where we cleared the trail at the Mokule'ia hiking trail. Though it was hard work, and we can all say we broke sweat, the trail was absolutely beautiful when we finished. We used tools such as the palaski, hoe, tiller, etc. to clear the trail so that it would allow easier access for workers, hikers, and volunteers like ourselves to build a stronger connection to and appreciation for the 'aina. We then had lunch, and were lucky enough to go to the beach, right below Ka'ena point.
TUESDAY, we hiked up to the top of Makua Rim with Mandy Hardman, where we cut down the strawberry-guava tree. Though this sounds like a delicious Hawaiian Sun flavored juice, this tree's wide-spread presence along the mountains made us lose our appetites for the fruit. We were instructed to cut the tree using hand saws as close to the root as possible, not only as a safety precaution, but also because the herbicide we applied to the stump would be most effective at that point. Once we were through, we then began to move the fallen trees to other side of the posts. It began to rain extremely hard, as we worked endlessly to move the trees. However, Mother Nature did not let up until we were through moving the tree trunks. TEAM D was UNSTOPPABLE!
WEDNESDAY, were privileged enough to be able to drive up to Mt. Ka'ala with Marigold Zoll, Mandy Hardman, and Chris Miller. Mt. Ka'ala as we all learned is the highest point on the island of O'ahu. Not very many people have the opportunity to go to Mt. Ka'ala, so TEAM D seized the opportunity with hard work and appreciation for the area. The team split in two groups. The majority of the team worked to replace and install board walks in the bog to allow easy access for workers and volunteers. The other part of the team worked to remove the corms of the Crocrosmia plant, an invasive species in the area. The corms seemed to be endless, as the team worked until the other majority of team finished installing the board walks. We then had lunch, and had the pleasure of walking to the end of the bog, to a spectacular view. This view encompassed 2 different areas of the island of O'ahu; a view of Wai'anae and the North Shore. As we stood there, we all thought to ourselves, "no where on the island can anyone have a view like this; we're so lucky." I can say on my part, that this was my favorite part of the week! We finished the night off with our own open mic around the campfire, where team members jammed on the ukulele, keyboard, and an African drum. TEAM D is so talented!
On THURSDAY, we continued work on the Mokule'ia trail with Chris Miller. We installed large wooden cylinders to divert water and avoid flooding on the trail. It again rained hard, while we worked, but TEAM D persevered through the rough weather.
FRIDAY, we plan on continuing working on the top of Makua Rim with Mandy Hardman to remove as many strawberry-guava trees as possible. Hopefully, the weather clears up tomorrow, and doesn't rain!
Hopefully, everyone is having a productive week!
ALOHA (: KIANA!
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