Arbor Day Plant Sale Friday in Hilo, Waimea

An Arbor Day plant sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at state facilities in Hilo and Waimea.

A variety of native and non-native plants will be offered at the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife baseyards.

The costs will range from $1 each for dibble tube seedlings to $15 each for 3-gallon pots, as long as supplies last. There are no limits on quantities purchased and all sales are on a cash-only basis.

Plant sales will feature both native and non-native plants raised at DOFAW nurseries that are popular with gardeners and landscapers. Proceeds will be used to support nursery operations and forest management.

The sales will be held at the corner of Kawili Street and Kilauea Avenue in Hilo, and at the Kamuela State Tree Nursery at 66-1220A Lalamilo Rd.

DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward said that the Arbor Day sales provide the public with an opportunity to celebrate the forests that are “fundamental to our way of life.”

“Hawaii’s native forests provide the islands’ water supply by absorbing large quantities of moisture from passing clouds and rainfall,” she said. “These watershed forests reduce greenhouse gases and flooding, erosion, and siltation of reefs and fisheries.”

She noted that native plants also have cultural significance, regarded as elders and ancestors, or used for medicines, offerings, or other material needs.

For information call 974-4221 in Hilo or 887-6061 in Waimea.