Mana Native Gardens dedicated today

MANA — In recognition of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a community garden display of plants and habitats that represent the four major types of prehistoric ecosystems found in the Mana district of Kaua‘i will be dedicated today outside the main gate at the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

This “cooperative conservation” effort is the result of the coordinated efforts of four organizations: Kaua‘i Westside Watershed Council, Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha, the National Tropical Botanical Garden and PMRF, a news release states.

The four displays, or “biomes,” are located on the grounds surrounding the PMRF Pass and ID facility, located on leased land outside the main gate on Tartar Drive. The location was selected for its potential for educational outreach without requiring access to PMRF, thereby providing an opportunity for guests, visitors, schools, and the community to observe native plants in a setting that represents the habitats once occupied by and supporting ancient Polynesians: dry woodlands, wetlands, sand dunes and rocky foothills. Each of these habitats is characterized by a variety of native plants, or plants introduced by the first Hawaiians (“canoe plants”), that were of cultural significance. Food, shelter, comfort, clothing, medicine, decoration or ceremony — many of these needs were provided by vegetation in the Mana district, the release states.

The displays at “Mana Native Gardens” will be celebrated at 3 p.m., and includes representatives of all participating organizations and invited guests. At each display, the blessing ceremony will be followed by a short presentation by students of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha, explaining the value of specific display plants to native Hawaiians. Educational signage developed by NTBG and erected by PMRF will be at each “biome,” along with an introduction display in front of the Pass and ID building, depicting and identifying native and canoe plants, as well as some of the invasives typical of the areas.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, anyone willing and able to help remove invasive weeds from the displays will participate. This closing activity is symbolic of the end of an era and the need for continued efforts to control invasive species, the release states.