Photo by Christian Jersabek |
Photo by Hank Oppenheimer |
On the island of Maui, the summit of the West Maui mountains known as Pu'u Kukui rises high above the pineapple fields and white sand beaches. It is in this area of pristine Hawaiian rain forests that the Pu'u Kukui Watershed Management Area is located. This 8,600 acre preserve is the largest single private nature preserve in the State of Hawaii. Maui Land & Pineapple works with The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the State Natural Area Partnership to protect the vital watershed lands of the West Maui mountains. This partnership ensures protection of a crucial water resource for the community, as well as the rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Volunteers can sign up for alien plant control projects done once a month on Sat. from 8am-3pm. For more information call (808)669-1687 or visit www.maui.net/~mauilnp/puu_kukui.html.