Lyon Arboretum celebrates Endangered Species Day, May 16-17

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Jill Laughlin, (808) 988-0461
Education Progarms Manager
Posted: Apr 28, 2008

HONOLULU - Endangered Species Day is a national celebration of America‘s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation‘s endangered species. In Hawaiʻi there are more endangered species per square mile than any other place on our planet, so efforts to protect this incredible biodiversity are extremely important. To celebrate the work of preserving and protecting Endangered Species, the Lyon Arboretum invites the public to a free event, "Our Kuleana: Endangered Species," on May 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature educational tours, presentations, demonstrations and more.Activities will include:
· Lyon Arboretum Micropropagation Lab Tour and Open House
· Lyon Arboretum/CCRT Seed Storage Lab Open House
· "Our Kuleana" Endangered Species Poster Contest judging
· Guided Tours of the endangered plant collections
· ʻUmeke Market Food Booth
· Plant and book sale
· Endangered Species Day t-shirt sale
· Lei making demonstrations with the Hui Hana Lei Group
· Signups for Lyon Arboretum‘s new STOPP! project (Stem the Tide of Plant Pests) for STOPP training workshops
On Saturday, May 17, there will be special presentations and demonstrations by local experts on various topics, such as Saving Endangered Plants, Endangered Tree Snails, Habitat Protection, Endangered Palm Collections, Landscaping with Native Plants, and Endangered Bird habitats. There will also be hands-on activities and a poster contest for the keiki.In addition to the festivities, the Lyon Arboretum will also unveil its newly renovated Visitor Center. The Visitor Center will be completed next month and will include improvements such as new plumbing, all new electrical, paint, doors, lights, fans, carpeting and many ADA improvements. This is the initial phase of a $3.1 million state appropriated project, which also includes two new cottages and planning and design for four additional buildings.

For more information, visit www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum.Lyon Arboretum is the only university botanical garden located in a tropical rainforest in the U.S. and covers almost 200 acres atop the Manoa Valley watershed. Its tropical plant collection focuses on native Hawaiian species, tropical palms, aroids, ti, taro, heliconia and ginger. Established in 1918 by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Association, Lyon Arboretum demonstrates the value of water restoration, reforestation and plant collection. Today, it is a branch of the University of Hawaiʻi and coordinates and conducts research, instruction and service activities using its collections and resources. Lyon Arboretum serves approximately 34,000 visitors a year.Address: The Lyon Arboretum, 3860 Manoa Road

For more information, visit: http://www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum