Nine forest landowners from Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu officially graduated from the 10th annual Forest Stewards program on June 28, following an immersive three-day workshop in Pāhoa on Hawaiʻi Island.
Housed in the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补’蝉 (CTAHR), the initiative helps people master the fundamentals of sustainable forest management, then design and implement community projects that bring this knowledge to their local neighborhoods.
Blending science, business and worldviews
Led by CTAHR Extension Forester J. B. Friday, the program covers practical, ecological and cultural dimensions of land stewardship. This year’s curriculum delved into the forest history of Hawaiʻi, strategic tree selection, aggressive weed control and agroforestry practices — the practice of combining trees and shrubs with crops or livestock to create more productive, sustainable and diverse land-use systems.
Participants also learned how to navigate the layers of local government to maximize property tax incentives for designated forest lands. They learned Hawaiian words for the land and explored how modern land management in Hawaiʻi is shaped by both Western and traditional Hawaiian worldviews.
While the newest cohort of graduates is currently designing their projects, they follow a legacy of alumni who have transformed conservation in their communities. Past Forest Stewards program achievements include:
- Hosting public educational field days in their personal forests for friends and neighbors.
- Outplanting native species in highly visible community spaces.
- News articles highlighting the critical role of regional forests.
- Working with county officials to expand property tax incentives for active reforestation projects.
“It has been really gratifying to see all the contributions the graduates of our program have made in educating their communities on how to care for our forests,” said Friday.
Get involved
The program is expanding its network of dedicated land managers who protect 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈’蝉 fragile ecosystems. Forest landowners, managers or conservation enthusiasts interested in joining the 2027 cohort are encouraged to contact Friday directly at .