A day of conservation.
On April 23, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa marked Arboretum Appreciation Day, honoring its lush campus and the important role trees play in its environment.
But what exactly is an arboretum? It’s a special botanical garden dedicated to the cultivation and study of trees, and UH Mānoa is home to one of Hawaiʻi’s most significant: the Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, a 200-acre sanctuary with over 6,000 types of tropical and subtropical plants.
The celebration brought together students, professors, and staff, all rolling up their sleeves to plant new trees and pull invasive weeds. Their efforts help keep the campus flora healthy and thriving, ensuring that the university’s more than 4,000 trees—spanning 500 species—continue to flourish. The grounds crew, recognized nationally for their dedication, work daily to maintain this living collection, making UH Mānoa one of just a few internationally accredited arboretums.
Participants shared their reasons for joining: a love of nature, a sense of responsibility, and a desire to give back to the land that gives so much beauty and life. There’s a shared belief that caring for these trees is a way to support the campus community and the planet.
Want to help? The Lyon Arboretum welcomes volunteers. Visit their website to learn how you can join in preserving this green legacy for generations to come.