Palehua Erosion Control and Restoration

Years before moving its main office to Camp Pālehua, Mālama Learning Center had begun to bring native Hawaiian plants to the lands, degraded over time by non-native species, wildfires, and other human-caused disturbances. With a more solid footing in the ground, and in partnership with landowners Gill 'Ewa Lands, LLC and Pālehua Partners Joint Venture, we have made Pālehua a cornerstone of Ola Nā Kini, a land restoration and regeneration program.

Located in the southern Waiʻanae Mountains of Oʻahu, Pālehua contains remnant dryland-mesic forest ecosystems and endangered species that hang on to the edge of existence. Through engagement and education and multiple partnerships, MLC is forging the path to bring life-giving native plants back to these lands and reduce erosion that impacts all life downhill.

Restoration test plots are located in one to two acre sites in and around Camp Pālehua and Mālama Learning Center's satellite native plant nursery at Pālehua. Funding from public and private sources have made it possible to grow thousands of native plants in our nurseries and test various planting and watering techniques with the help of hundreds of students and community volunteers.  We appreciate everyone's help in this challenging and long-term project. If you would like to join in this effort, please contact us via email: [email protected].